Master of Arts in English - Writing Studies and Rhetoric

The English M.A. and PhD program at the University of Maryland is characterized by scholarly engagement across various fields. The program has a wide reach within the English Department not only through our graduate courses, but also lectures, colloquia, and academic events that speak to the interdisciplinary focus of its students and professors. The program affords graduate students the opportunity of receiving credit for interdisciplinary work in a variety of fields. Certificates are available in Critical Theory, Digital Studies in the Arts and Humanities, Jewish Studies, and Women's Studies. Students in the M.A. program can additionally pursue concentrations in literature as well as in rhetoric and writing. A full-time student will finish the M.A. in four to five semesters. English M.A. students who are employed as professionals outside the university are permitted to pursue the program on a part-time basis.

The M.A. with a concentration in writing studies and rhetoric is a 30-credit degree program, allowing course work in any one of three areas: the rhetorical study of texts, the teaching of writing or professional/non-academic writing. The student takes courses selected from a list of courses involving various aspects of the theory of writing/composition, rhetoric and language studies, and successfully completes an M.A. capstone project or master's thesis (for a total of 30 credits). Students wishing to concentrate on literary studies may be interested in our concentration in literature.

Statement of Goals, Research Interests, and Experiences. The statement, which should be around 1000 words, should address relevant aspects of your educational experience, the focus of your academic interests, and reasons for applying to our program.
Unofficial transcripts of your entire college/university record (undergraduate and graduate), including records of any advanced work done at another institution. Electronic copies of these unofficial transcripts must be uploaded along with your on-line application. Official transcripts will be required after an applicant is admitted to the program.
Three letters of recommendation. In your on-line application, please complete fully the information requested for your recommenders and ask them to submit their letters electronically. We do not accept letters through Interfolio.
A single sample of critical writing of approximately 12-20 pages double-spaced (not including works cited/bibliography). While we encourage you to submit your best writing sample, we prefer a writing sample in your declared field of interest. If you are submitting an excerpted selection, please include a brief description or introduction to the selection. The MLA citation format is preferred.
Academic CV/Resume
iBT TOEFL - 96 Overall (Speaking 22, Listening 24, Reading 26, Writing 24)
IELTS - 7 Overall (Listening 7, Reading 7, Writing 7, Speaking 6.5)