M.S. in Counseling - Clinical Mental Health Counseling
The CMHC program at Missouri State University leads to a Master of Science (M.S.) degre...
M.A. in Writing
Springfield, Missouri
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.A. in Writing is a 33-credit-hour program offered by the English Department at Missouri State University. It is structured to develop students' professional writing skills and research methods used in the study of writing, whether in academic settings or in business and industry. The program offers two distinct tracks: Rhetoric and Composition, which prepares students for college-level teaching and further academic study, and Technical and Professional Writing, which focuses on practical skills for various professional fields. Many courses are available online, providing flexibility for working professionals and those studying from a distance. Graduate assistantships, offering teaching experience and financial support, are often available for qualified students.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the M.A. in Writing is comprehensive and includes an 18-hour core foundation and 15 additional hours determined by the chosen track. Core requirements typically include "Introduction to Research Methods in English" and "Advanced Writing: Nonfiction," establishing fundamental skills in research and advanced writing. The Rhetoric and Composition track delves into courses such as "History of Rhetoric," "Seminar: Composition Theory," and "Theory of Basic Writing," providing a strong theoretical grounding for teaching writing. The Technical and Professional Writing track focuses on practical applications with courses like "Professional Writing," "Professional Writing Internship," and "Designing Technical Documents." All students are expected to attend and participate in academic and professional colloquia and must satisfy a research requirement, which can be met through a thesis or a degree paper, culminating in a portfolio review.
Research Focus: The M.A. in Writing program at Missouri State University places a significant emphasis on developing strong research skills, tailored to the chosen track. For students in the Rhetoric and Composition track, the research focus is often on scholarly inquiry into the teaching of writing, composition theory, and rhetorical studies. In the Technical and Professional Writing track, the research component often involves investigating writing practices in business and industry, user experience analysis, and the effective design of technical documents. All students are required to satisfy a research requirement, which can be an independent thesis (ENG 799) involving original research or a comprehensive degree paper derived from coursework. This ensures graduates are capable of conducting rigorous inquiry and applying research methods to their respective fields.
Industry Engagement: Missouri State University's M.A. in Writing program, particularly the Technical and Professional Writing track, is highly attuned to industry needs. This track often incorporates client-based projects and internships (e.g., ENG 774: Professional Writing Internship) to provide students with invaluable real-world experience, preparing them for workplace challenges. The curriculum is designed to equip students with skills in demand across various sectors, including content creation, editing, document design, and technical communication. The faculty comprises experts with practical experience, and the department actively connects students with opportunities for professional development and networking within the writing and communication industries.
Global Perspective: While primarily focused on the practices and theories of writing within English-speaking contexts, Missouri State University's M.A. in Writing inherently fosters a global perspective by addressing the diverse audiences and cross-cultural considerations that professional writers and educators encounter. Courses in rhetoric and composition may explore varied cultural approaches to communication, while professional writing courses might touch upon the complexities of writing for international audiences or in globalized industries. The university's overall commitment to global education, coupled with the increasingly interconnected nature of communication, encourages students to consider how their writing skills can be applied effectively across different linguistic and cultural contexts, preparing them for a world where effective communication often transcends borders.
Location
Springfield, Missouri
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 15914
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $72
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 53 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 110.
Missouri State University offers several scholarship opportunities designed specifically to support international students in pursuing their higher education goals. These scholarships aim to recognize academic excellence, leadership qualities, and contributions to campus life, helping reduce the financial burden for international learners.
International Excellence Scholarship: This merit-based scholarship awards to outstanding first-time international freshmen. The scholarship is renewable for up to three additional years. Eligibility is based on strong academic records, and recipients must maintain satisfactory academic progress to continue receiving the award.
International Leadership Scholarship: Targeting international freshmen who demonstrate exceptional leadership and academic achievement. It is renewable for up to four years. Applicants are required to submit an essay highlighting their leadership experiences and vision. The scholarship is competitive, with only about 10 awards granted each year.
Additional Scholarships and Grants: Besides the primary scholarships, Missouri State University provides various other financial awards through departmental scholarships, honors programs, and special initiatives. Some scholarships may require separate applications or nominations based on the student's major or area of study.
A Master of Arts (M.A.) in Writing from Missouri State University equips graduates with highly sought-after communication and critical thinking skills, making them versatile professionals across numerous industries. Whether focusing on Rhetoric and Composition or Technical and Professional Writing, alumni are prepared for roles that demand clear, persuasive, and effective written communication.
Technical Writer: Specializing in complex information, technical writers create manuals, guides, white papers, and other documentation that translates intricate concepts into easily understandable language for specific audiences. This is a highly sought-after role in technology, healthcare, and engineering sectors.
Editor/Copyeditor: Graduates can work in publishing houses, marketing agencies, corporate communications, or as freelancers, refining written content for clarity, accuracy, style, and grammar across various mediums, including books, articles, websites, and reports.
Content Strategist/Manager: In the digital age, organizations need skilled individuals to plan, create, and manage content across various platforms (websites, blogs, social media). Content strategists develop overarching content plans that align with business or organizational goals.
Copywriter: Focusing on persuasive writing, copywriters craft compelling text for advertising, marketing campaigns, public relations materials, and sales pitches to engage audiences and drive desired actions. This can be in-house for a company or for an agency.
Grant Writer: For non-profit organizations, educational institutions, and research bodies, grant writers are crucial. They research funding opportunities and write compelling proposals to secure financial support for projects and initiatives.
Professional Writing Instructor (College Level): Particularly for those in the Rhetoric and Composition track, an M.A. in Writing qualifies graduates to teach first-year composition, technical writing, or other writing-intensive courses at community colleges or universities as adjunct faculty.
UX Writer/Content Designer: In the field of user experience (UX), these writers create the text that guides users through software, websites, and apps (e.g., button labels, error messages, onboarding instructions). They focus on clarity, conciseness, and user-friendliness.
Communications Specialist/Manager: Graduates can manage internal and external communications for corporations, non-profits, or government agencies. This involves writing press releases, speeches, newsletters, and managing public relations efforts to maintain a positive organizational image.
Curriculum Developer (Writing/Communication): With an understanding of pedagogical theory and writing instruction, graduates can work to design and develop writing curricula for K-12 schools, higher education institutions, or corporate training programs.
Freelance Writer/Consultant: Leveraging their advanced writing skills and specialized knowledge, graduates can build successful careers as independent contractors, offering services such as technical writing, content creation, editing, or communications consulting to a diverse range of clients.
