English M.A. in Writing Studies

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

View information for the Department of English

Contact Dr. Stephanie Paterson for more information.

Applications for admission to the Master of Arts program in English should be filed in the Office of the Graduate School, which will then forward them to the Department of English for processing.

The Master of Arts Program in Writing Studies serves the personal and professional needs of various students: those currently teaching or intending to teach high school; those intending to teach at the community college level; those anticipating doctoral studies; and those simply interested in the personal growth that advanced studies in English can offer.

In addition to the 18 units of required writing studies courses, students choose an additional 12 units of elective courses to complete the Writing Studies M.A.

Prerequisites

A Bachelor of Arts degree, most often with a major in English. We also welcome students from related disciplines.
An undergraduate grade point average of 3.0.
Two letters of recommendation from former college instructors, or appropriate equivalents, who can comment on the applicant’s ability to succeed in graduate studies.
A 5-10 page critical or analytical paper. It may be one written in an undergraduate class.

Upon acceptance to the program, students with a Bachelor of Arts degree with at least a 3.0 grade point average can be admitted as Fully Classified students.

Program Requirements

Complete at least 30 graduate units.
Earn at least a grade of B- in each course.
Complete comprehensive exams, thesis, or advanced project as indicated by program.

Course Requirements:

(30 units)

A. Required Courses/Units:

(18 units)

ENGL 5001 - History of Rhetoric and Writing 3 unit(s)
ENGL 5010 - Seminar: Composition and Rhetoric 3 unit(s)
ENGL 5020 - Assessment in English 3 unit(s)
ENGL 5870 - Research in Composition 3 unit(s)
ENGL 5894 - Teaching Composition 3 unit(s)
ENGL 5941 - Internship: Teaching Writing 3 unit(s)

B. Elective Courses/Units:

(12 units)

Students will work with their advisor to select elective courses based on the student’s goals and interests. Elective courses can come from the following:

ENGL 5200 - Studies in E-Publishing 3 unit(s)
ENGL 5800 - TESOL Theory 3 unit(s)
ENGL 5850 - Linguistics for Teachers 3 unit(s)
ENGL 5860 - Principles of Sociolinguistics in Language Education 3 unit(s)
ENGL 5880 - Pedagogical Grammar 3 unit(s)
ENGL 5960 - Advanced Projects in English 1-4 unit(s)
ENGL 5980 - Individual Study 1-4 unit(s)
ENGL 5990 - Thesis 3 unit(s)
English M.A. Literature Courses:
ENGL 4010 - Introduction to Rhetoric 4 unit(s)
ENGL 4014 - Creative Nonfiction 4 unit(s)
ENGL 4015 - Grant and Proposal Writing 3 unit(s)
ENGL 4016 - Copyediting 3 unit(s)
ENGL 4019 - Editing Literary Magazines 4 unit(s)
ENGL 4600 - Tutorial Projects in English 3 unit(s)
ENGL 4800 - Second Language Acquisition 3 unit(s)
ENGL 4850 - English Grammar 3 unit(s)
JOUR 4940 - Journalism Internship 1-4 unit(s)

The MA in Writing Studies TESOL Concentration

Students who choose to pursue a concentration in TESOL will develop a specialist’s knowledge on the following topics: English grammar, second language acquisition theory, language teaching methodologies, and cross-cultural approaches related to the teaching of English as a Second Language (ESL) and English as a Foreign Language (EFL). This concentration is particularly appropriate for those who want to teach in secondary and postsecondary settings such as community colleges, four-year universities, adult education programs, and English language institutes in the U.S. and abroad.

In addition to the required Writing Studies M.A. course requirements, the TESOL concentration includes the following required courses (12 units):

Requirements:

(30 units)

1. Complete the Writing Studies core courses:

(18 units)

ENGL 5001 - History of Rhetoric and Writing 3 unit(s)
ENGL 5010 - Seminar: Composition and Rhetoric 3 unit(s)
ENGL 5020 - Assessment in English 3 unit(s)
ENGL 5870 - Research in Composition 3 unit(s)
ENGL 5894 - Teaching Composition 3 unit(s)
ENGL 5941 - Internship: Teaching Writing 3 unit(s)

2. Complete the following TESOL courses:

(12 units)

ENGL 5800 - TESOL Theory 3 unit(s)
ENGL 5850 - Linguistics for Teachers 3 unit(s)
ENGL 5860 - Principles of Sociolinguistics in Language Education 3 unit(s)
ENGL 5880 - Pedagogical Grammar 3 unit(s)

Program Learning Outcomes

Successful M.A. students with a concentration in TESOL will:

Gain knowledge and understanding of relevant concepts from Linguistics, Applied Linguistics, Sociolinguists, Psycholinguistics, and language teaching methodology.
Acquire in-depth knowledge and understanding of the interaction between first and second language acquisition theory and language teaching and learning.
Demonstrate expertise in curriculum design, assessment, teaching methods, and classroom management in various TESOL settings.