English: Master of Arts Degree
Rhetoric and Composition Certificate
Program Overview
Program Director: Dr. Colin Ramsey; ramseyct@appstate.edu; 828-262-7390; English
Contact for Certificate: Dr. Georgia Rhoades; rhoadesgd@appstate.edu; 828-262-2250; English
http://pm.appstate.edu/dept/english/grad.html?&MMN_position=23:21
The program's goals are to accomplish the following objectives:
- To produce scholars/practitioners who appreciate language and literature and who practice research
- To foster a well-rounded knowledge of British, American, and World literature and of the various genres, as opposed to narrow, specialized knowledge of any one period or genre
- To instill a basic understanding of the distinguishing features of the various literary periods and both cononical and non-cononical writers in those periods
- To expect students to master the skills of perceptive, analytical reading and of writing sound expository prose
- To conduct graduate classes in such a manner that, in addition to mastering the content of courses, students gain skills for independent research and study
- To serve as role models for our students in communicating appreciation for and knowledge of literature, encouraging good language habits, and generally functioning as effective teachers of English
- To aid students in developing appropriate professional values and positive, healthy attitudes about our field and the teaching profession
Program Highlights
- It is highly encouraged that all students in the program write theses; if you are pursuing an “academic” degree, you must do so.
- You can expect to take between 36 and 39 credit hours as a minimum to complete the degree.
There are several types of assistantships available to English graduate students.
- Graduate: serve up to 20 hours per week as consultants in the University Writing Center and complete a 1-hour course on writing center theory and practice as part of their position
- Research: provide students the opportunity to assist with the research of a faculty member for 10 hours per week
- Teaching: teach two classes per semester in consultation with a faculty mentor
Degree Application Essentials
Concentrations for education program: Secondary School Teaching; Community College Teaching
Location of instruction: English program: on campus; education program: on and off campus. Specific locations of off-campus cohorts can be obtained from the Office of Extension and Distance Education
Required Entrance Exam: GRE (score must be no more than 5 years old)
Required Number of References to specify in the on-line form: 3
Supplemental Information: Resume (Required upload for application submission); writing sample and letter of intent (upload in one document on the Additional Information page in the on-line application); for secondary concentration: proof of teacher licensure
Deadlines for Application. A program not open for a particular term will be marked with an "x." If the program has early screening dates, those dates are listed in parentheses. Applications that are not complete by the early screening date risk denial of admission due to no seats available. Increased enrollment may lead to a term being closed for new applications.
- Spring: 11/1
- Summer Session 1: 4/1
- Summer Session 2: 5/1
- Fall: 7/1 (3/1)
Basic Criteria for Admission: Cum UGPA 3.0, GREV 500 or higher, GREW 4.0 or higher
Certificate Application Essentials
Location of instruction: On campus
Required Entrance Exam: GRE (score must be no more than 5 years old)
Required Number of References to specify in the on-line form: 3
Supplemental Information: Resume (Required upload for application submission); writing sample and letter of intent (upload in one document on the Additional Information page in the on-line application)
Deadlines for Application. A program not open for a particular term will be marked with an "x." If the program has early screening dates, those dates are listed in parentheses. Applications that are not complete by the early screening date risk denial of admission due to no seats available. (Summer and Fall applicants planning to enroll full time on campus should apply by February 1 to be eligible for scholarships.)
- Spring: 11/1
- Summer Session 1: 4/1
- Summer Session 2: 5/1
- Fall: 7/1
Additional Notes: Earned Master's degee from an accredited college or university or currently enrolled in a graduate program at Appalachian, official GRE scores. Cum UGPA 3.0, GREV 500, GREW 4.0