Shawnee State University Online MA in Composition and Rhetoric

Shawnee State University (SSU) offers an online Master of Arts (MA) in Composition and Rhetoric with no campus visits that can be completed in five semesters. The program is specifically geared toward preparing teachers for high-quality writing instruction at secondary and post-secondary levels, including serving as directors and administrators in writing centers and postsecondary writing programs. Graduates will also be qualified to teach dual-credit courses such as college in the high school programs.

The Composition and Rhetoric MA program comprises 30 credits and can be completed in as few as five semesters. Courses begin six times yearly, twice each in the fall, spring, and summer. Both full-time and part-time study is offered. Courses last seven weeks each and students typically enroll in one to two courses at a time.

SSU delivers online courses through the Blackboard learning management system. Asynchronous instruction provides maximum flexibility for working professionals. Students can log in at their convenience; however, coursework has set deadlines. All exams are completed online. Dedicated faculty members provide personalized support to help graduate students meet their educational and professional goals. Students can access library and bookstore services, academic advising, academic tutoring, and disability services.

Core courses for the MA in Composition and Rhetoric include Composition Pedagogy; Writing Assessment Theory and Practice; History of Rhetoric; History and Theory of Composition; Research Methods; and Special Topics in Rhetoric and Composition. Students then choose three Curriculum and Instruction courses which include Cognitive and Motivational Theories in the Classroom; Technology Integration for Learning; Philosophy of Education Professional Ethics; Educational Data Analysis; and Educational Research. Finally, a Capstone Master’s Thesis or Capstone Master’s Portfolio course is completed.

Shawnee State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).