Program: Master of Arts in Written Communication (WRCM) - Eastern Michigan University

Apr 05, 2025

2016-2017 Graduate Catalog

This program prepares students for careers in professional writing, editing and publishing, or the teaching of writing at the elementary, secondary or community college levels. It also provides thorough preparation for Ph.D. studies in rhetoric and composition.

Applicants may combine academic and professional experience in support of their application.

Admission Requirements:

Applicants must submit the following:

A completed graduate school application
A personal statement (we recommend that these statements be 1 to 2 pages in length)
Official transcripts from ALL prior colleges and universities (note: If you attended EMU, you do not need to request your EMU transcript)
An academic writing sample (preferably something related to your intended concentration in either the Teaching of Writing or Professional Communication)
Two letters of recommendation

Department Information:

English Language & Literature - College of Arts & Sciences

Mary K. Ramsey, Ph.D.
Department Head

612 Pray-Harrold
(734) 487-4220
mramsey6@emich.edu

Department Website

John Staunton, Ph.D.
Graduate Coordinator

612 Pray-Harrold
(734) 487-4220
jstaunto@emich.edu

Advisor Information:

Steven Benninghoff, Ph.D.
Program Coordinator

612 Pray-Harrold
(734) 487-4220
sbenningh1@emich.edu

Degree Requirements: 30-32 hours

Required Core: 6 hours

Two Options:

Choose one of the following two options

Option I - Teaching and Writing: 15-17 hours

Required Courses: 6-8 hours

WRTG 503 - Rhetorical Theory and the Teaching of Writing 3 hrs
Choose one from the following:
WRTG 514 - Issues in Teaching Writing 3 hrs
ENGL 675 - Eastern Michigan Writing Project Summer Institute 5 hrs

Restricted Electives: 9 hours

Choose nine hours from the following
ENGL 518 - Topics in English Education 3 hrs
ENGL 530 - Issues in English Studies for Teachers 3 hrs
WRTG 515 - Literacy and Written Literacy Instruction 3 hrs
WRTG 516 - Computers and Writing: Theory and Practice 3 hrs
WRTG 517 - Topics in the Teaching of Writing 3 hrs
WRTG 585 - Teaching Basic Writing at the College Level 3 hrs
WRTG 596 - Teaching Composition on the College Level 3 hrs

Option II - Professional Writing: 15 hours

Required Courses: 6 hours

Restricted Electives: 9 hours

Choose nine hours from the following
WRTG 521 - Technical Writing 3 hrs
WRTG 522 - Technical Editing 3 hrs
WRTG 523 - Writing Computer Documentation 3 hrs
WRTG 525 - Advanced Public Relations Writing 3 hrs
WRTG 526 - Topics in Technical Communication 3 hrs
WRTG 527 - Topics in Professional Communication 3 hrs
WRTG 540 - Visual Rhetoric and Information Design 3 hrs
WRTG 544 - Writing for the World Wide Web 3 hrs
WRTG 545 - Writing Digital Media 3 hrs

Thesis or Writing Project: 3 hours

Choose one of the following
WRTG 692 - Thesis 3 hrs
WRTG 693 - Master’s Writing Project 3 hrs

Elective Courses: 6 hours

Any Graduate Level Course. Students typically select from among courses in writing, linguistics, literature, reading, teaching English as a second language, communication theory, computer science, measurement and evaluation, psychology, statistics.