Mar 28, 2024  
2021-2022 Graduate Catalog 
    
2021-2022 Graduate Catalog This is not the most recent catalog version; be sure you are viewing the appropriate catalog year.

Writing Studies [M.A.]


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.

Program Admission


Graduate School Application

After reviewing the admission requirements below, please select the appropriate application. The University is transitioning application platforms; pay close attention when selecting the application below.

The program you are applying to may not accept applicants every semester.

For additional information regarding the application process, please see Graduate Admissions or International Admissions.

Admission Requirements

Minimum Graduate School Requirements

A four-year baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or an equivalent degree from a non-U.S. institution. In addition, a minimum cumulative undergraduate grade point average of 2.7 on a 4.0 scale, or 3.0 in the last half of the undergraduate program, is required for full admission. Applicants who do not meet minimum admission requirements may be considered for conditional admission. See International Admissions for international applicant requirements.

Applicants must also meet the following program requirements:

  • A personal statement (we recommend that these statements be 1 to 2 pages in length)
  • 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 | Joseph Csicsila, Ph.D., Department Head | 612 Pray-Harrold, 734.487.4220, jcsicsila@emich.edu

Eric Acton, Ph.D., Graduate Coordinator | 612S Pray-Harrold, 734.487.7952, eacton1@emich.edu

Advisor Information


Cheryl Cassidy, Ph.D., Program Coordinator, 614 Pray-Harrold, 734.487.0995, ccassidy@emich.edu

Degree Requirements: 30-32 hours


Concentration: 12-14 hours


Choose one of the following concentrations.

Thesis or Writing Project: 3 hours


Elective Courses: 6 hours


Students may use any graduate-level course to satisfy this requirement.

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.