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College of Business and Humanities

Master of Arts in Rhetoric and Writing

Grow as a writer, researcher, and communicator. Explore rhetorical theory and writing practice while developing a portfolio and advanced skills for professional communication, teaching, or further academic study.

Why study Master of Arts in Rhetoric and Writing at Findlay?

Study how writing works and how it can inform research and teaching. Findlay’s Master of Arts in Rhetoric and Writing brings students together for face-to-face study of writing, rhetorical theory, and research.

  • Deepen your knowledge of writing. Examine rhetorical theory, writing practices, and research methods.
  • Build experience for your next step. Opportunities for teaching and portfolio development can support students interested in education, writing, or further study.
  • Plan a manageable course of study. Courses are offered in fall, spring, and summer, and the degree may be completed in as little as two years.

The program supports writers, researchers, and educators who want to study and practice writing at an advanced level.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Master of Arts in Rhetoric and Writing by the Numbers

36

Required credits

Listed for the Master of Arts in Rhetoric and Writing program.

Course Requirements

Students earning a Master of Arts in Rhetoric and Writing must complete the following curriculum.  

The curriculum consists of required courses grounded in research methods, writing theory, and rhetorical theory. View the full curriculum in the University of Findlay Graduate Catalog. 

Admission Requirements

  • Have a minimum cumulative undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or have a minimum cumulative graduate grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale from a previous master’s degree. This includes classes from all institutions attended. Students who have a 2.75 cumulative undergraduate or graduate grade point average may be considered for conditional admission but must attain a 3.0 cumulative grade point average in the first nine hours of the Master of Arts in Rhetoric and Writing (MARW) program to be fully admitted to the program. 
  • Supply two letters of recommendation, which will include an assessment of the candidate’s ability to perform master’s-level work. 
  • Supply a writing sample. The sample may include a seminar paper written for a junior or senior level class.  
  • Take the GRE General Test and have a Verbal Reasoning test score of 500/153 or above. Non-degree students who wish to change to degree-seeking status must take the GRE General Test within completion of the first 12 hours of the program and submit GRE scores.
  • Possess a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution, except for first-professional doctorate-degree holders, specifically when no baccalaureate degree was offered (e.g., PharmD, etc.). 
  • Submit an application form. 
  • Submit official transcripts, which can be in the form of attested credentials from a university-recognized document verification agency, of all college-level work. 

Students, whose native language is not English and who have not graduated from a University of Findlay approved English speaking university, must meet the previously listed admission conditions plus the following for full admission:

  • Must have a verified international English Language Testing System (IELTS) of 8 composite score with all bands at 7.5 or above, or an equivalent score as indicated on the University of Findlay’s English Exam Admission Standards. Full admission is dependent on satisfying all admission requirements.
  • Provide an affidavit of financial support (original), if not an American citizen or permanent resident.

Those applicants who do not meet full admission criteria or cannot supply a verifiable English score from one of the approved tests as listed above can receive conditional admission. Upon arrival, these students are required to test in the Intensive English Language Program, and if necessary, complete coursework in English as indicated by the University of Findlay’s placement exam score before starting their graduate work.

Additionally, if the applicant supplies a non-U.S. school transcript the University’s Office of International Admissions and Services may require additional specific documentation. Contact the Office of International Admissions at 800-472-9502 ext. 4558 or https://www.findlay.edu/admissions-aid/international-students/.

The MARW program will allow up to 6 credit hours of transfer credit if the equivalent graduate coursework is taken at another accredited institution. ENGL 592, ENGL 600, and ENGL 601 may not be transferred. Transfer credit will be evaluated by the Director of the MARW program. Please click here to view MARW courses. 

Careers

A Master of Arts in Rhetoric and Writing prepares graduates for a variety of careers focused on communication, writing, and research across industries. With advanced skills in rhetoric, digital communication, and audience analysis, students are equipped to create effective messaging and lead communication efforts in professional and academic settings. 

  • College Writing Instructor  
  • Technical Writer  
  • Editor or Publishing Professional  
  • Social Media or Digital Content Manager  
  • Public Relations Specialist  
  • Grant Writer  
  • Corporate Trainer  
  • Copywriter or Speech Writer  

Graduates are well-prepared to work in higher education, publishing, marketing and communications, nonprofit organizations, corporate training environments, and government agencies. Many also choose to pursue doctoral study or specialized training in rhetoric, communication, or digital media. 

For national context on related careers, explore the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook profile for Writers and Authors.

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Accreditation

University of Findlay’s College of Business and Humanities Master of Arts in Rhetoric and Writing program follows best practices for Conference on College Composition and Communication.

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