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.
Master of Arts in Rhetoric and Writing at Findlay
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.
College of business and humanities
At a Glance
College
College of Business and Humanities
Degree
Master of Arts in Rhetoric and Writing
Format
On-Campus
Required credits
36 Credits
Curriculum
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.
master of arts in rhetoric and writing
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.
- 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 American universities must meet the previously listed admissions conditions, plus:
- A verified TOEFL Internet-based test (iBT) minimum total score of 100 with 25 or better in speaking and 25 or better in writing or a verified international English Language Testing System (IELTS) academic score with a minimum overall band score of 8.0. Students not supplying a TOEFL or IELTS score are required to test in the Intensive English Language Program, and if necessary, complete coursework in English.
- Provide an affidavit of financial support (original), if not an American citizen or permanent resident.
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.
beyond graduation
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.
TESTIMONIALS
The Oiler Experience
Hear directly from students about their experience
at the University of Findlay.
“At the University of Findlay, I had the opportunity to meet and work with many peers who had similar career goals as me. We would lesson plan together for the classes we taught, discuss course readings, and we shared materials when it came time to apply to PhD programs. These friendships have continued post our time at the University of Findlay.”
“The Master of Arts in Rhetoric and Writing (MARW) program opened my mind to timely scholarship in my field. The focus on electronic composition offered enriching insights about the future of the fields of composition and rhetoric just before rapid advancement in AI technology and the development of large language models. My studies at UF gave me the tools needed to critically assess how best to move our important field forward and serve as a leader at my college and in my discipline as a whole. The connections I’ve made at UF have played a significant role in my growth and enrich my work.”
financial aid
Cost of Education
Graduate students can support the cost of their education in a variety of ways during their time at Findlay.
college of business and humanities
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.
Accreditation status is reviewed on a regular basis. For the most current accreditation information, visit the University of Findlay Accreditation page.
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