Rhetoric and Composition (MA)
San Marcos, Texas, USA, United States
Master of Arts in Rhetoric and Composition
Texas State University
Rhetoric and Composition
Program Overview: MA in Rhetoric and Composition
The Master of Arts in Rhetoric and Composition (MARC) at Texas State University offers advanced study in writing and the teaching of writing within a vibrant, supportive scholarly community. The program requires 33 credit hours and includes both thesis and portfolio options, allowing you to tailor your degree to your professional goals.
Students develop individualized programs of study combining foundational knowledge in rhetorical theory, composition pedagogy, and research methods with focused study in areas such as minority and feminist rhetorics, digital literacies, writing for social justice, and writing center studies. The small cohort model ensures close mentorship from award-winning faculty who are leaders in the field.
Graduates of the MARC program are well prepared to teach writing at the high school, community college, and university levels, develop and administer writing programs and writing centers, enter doctoral programs in rhetoric and composition, and write for business, industry, government, and non-profit organizations. Many graduates have been admitted into prestigious PhD programs nationwide.
Key Program Highlights
- Small cohort model admitting approximately 5-7 students per year for personalized mentorship and close faculty collaboration
- Both thesis and portfolio completion options, allowing you to align your capstone project with your career aspirations
- Faculty specializing in digital media, Latinx and feminist rhetorics, writing and empathy, political rhetoric, and writing center studies
- Opportunities to present at regional and national conferences, co-author articles with faculty, and win awards during your studies
Curriculum and Course Modules
The MARC curriculum is structured around 9 hours of core courses, 12-15 hours of prescribed electives in rhetoric and composition, and 6 additional hours in a cognate area such as technical communication. Students complete the degree through either a thesis (6 hours) or a directed portfolio with a written comprehensive examination (3 hours).
Rhetorical Theory
3 Credit HoursExplores the history and theory of rhetoric from classical traditions to contemporary frameworks, examining how rhetorical principles shape written and spoken discourse across diverse contexts.
Composition Theory
3 Credit HoursIntroduces students to the history of writing instruction in the university and to the theories of writing and composing that inform contemporary composition studies and the teaching of writing.
Research Methods in Rhetoric and Composition
3 Credit HoursIntroduces research practices in rhetoric and composition, focusing on the strategies, methods, paradigms, and perspectives that characterize qualitative and quantitative research, including research ethics and issues of representation.
Foundations in Rhetoric and Composition
3 Credit HoursA rotating-topic course providing foundational knowledge in key areas of rhetoric and composition, with past offerings including composition pedagogy, cultural rhetorics, digital cultures, and literacy studies.
Specializations in Rhetoric and Composition
3 Credit HoursA rotating-topic course allowing focused study in specialized areas such as writing for social justice, autoethnography, writing and empathy, political rhetoric, and writing center studies.
Thesis or Directed Portfolio
3-6 Credit HoursThesis students produce original scholarship of 60-75 pages demonstrating a meaningful contribution to the field. Portfolio students complete directed coursework culminating in a comprehensive written examination.
Elective Course Options
Admission Requirements
The MARC program uses a holistic review process, assessing applicants' writing abilities, academic interests, career goals, academic record, and program fit. GRE scores are not required. Through Uni4Edu, you can receive guidance on assembling a strong application that aligns with faculty expertise and program vision.
Academic Requirements
- Bachelor's DegreeBaccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution
- English GPAMinimum 3.0 GPA in 12 or more hours of undergraduate English courses
- Overall GPAMinimum 2.75 overall GPA in the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework
- GRE ScoresNot required
- Writing SamplesAt least two non-fiction documents (combined minimum 15 pages) including at least one academic research paper, plus a cover letter
English Language Requirements
- TOEFL iBTMinimum 78 overall
- IELTS (Academic)Minimum 6.5 overall with no module below 6.0
- ExemptionWaived for applicants with a bachelor's degree or higher from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or equivalent from an exempt country
Required Documents
Application Deadlines
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships and Funding
Texas State University offers several types of financial assistance for graduate students in the MARC program, including assistantships, departmental scholarships, and Graduate College funding. Contact Uni4Edu for personalized guidance on available funding opportunities and application procedures.
Graduate College Scholarship
USD 1,000 per semester (up to 3 semesters)Available to continuing graduate students with a minimum 3.5 GPA, this scholarship encourages students with intellectual, creative, and leadership promise. Applications are accepted October 1 through February 1 each year.
Instructional and Teaching Assistantships
Monthly stipend plus tuition benefitsThe Department of English awards Instructional Assistantships (for students with fewer than 18 graduate hours) and Teaching Assistantships (for those with 18+ graduate hours and teaching experience), providing valuable classroom experience alongside financial support.
Texas State Merit Fellowships
Percentage of tuition for first academic yearIntended to recruit high-quality graduate students, these fellowships cover a percentage of tuition and can be combined with assistantships and departmental scholarships. Admitted students are automatically considered with no separate application required.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects
The MA in Rhetoric and Composition prepares graduates for diverse career paths in education, writing, and communication. Graduates have secured faculty positions at community colleges and high schools and have been admitted to prestigious PhD programs in rhetoric and composition across the country.
Potential Career Roles
Types of Employers
Rankings and Recognition
Texas State University has been steadily climbing in national rankings and is recognized for its commitment to student success and social mobility. The MARC program is noted as ranking among the top rhetoric and composition MA programs nationwide, with award-winning faculty who hold leadership positions in major national organizations.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Rhetoric and Composition (MA) | Program Self-Report | Among Top Nationwide |
| Online Master's in Education | U.S. News & World Report | #76 |
| Best Colleges (Princeton Review) | Princeton Review | Best 391 Colleges |
| Teacher Preparation (Texas) | Texas Education Agency | #1 in Texas |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
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