Master of Technical Writing & Digital Rhetoric (TWDR), MA

Program Overview

The Master's program in Technical Writing & Digital Rhetoric focuses on the intersection of technology and composition, emphasizing rhetorical theory in digital spaces. Students develop essential communication skills, creating both digital and print content, preparing them for careers in the modern workforce, college-level teaching, or doctoral programs in related fields. The program offers a range of electives and allows students to choose between a professional internship, portfolio, or thesis as a culminating experience.

Program Outline

Here is a detailed extraction of the requested sections:

Degree Overview:

The Master's program in Technical Writing & Digital Rhetoric focuses on the intersections between technology and composition. The program emphasizes rhetorical theory as it applies to and is represented within digital spaces. Students will develop essential communication skills, creating both digital and print content. The program helps students advance their knowledge and experience in writing for various professional contexts, preparing them for careers in the modern workforce, college-level teaching, or doctoral programs in new media, digital rhetoric, or technical writing.

Outline:

Program Curriculum:

• Required Courses:
• ENGL 6400 Advanced Editing (3 credits)
• ENGL 6401 Research Methods in Technical Writing and Digital Rhetoric (3 credits)
• ENGL 6402 Critical Theories in Technical Writing and Digital Rhetoric (3 credits)
• Electives (choose 18 credits from the following):
• ENGL 6460 Special Topics in Digital Rhetoric (3-6 credits)
• ENGL 6470 Special Topics in Writing Technologies (3-6 credits)
• ENGL 6480 Special Topics in Technical Writing (3-6 credits)
• ENGL 6820 Practicum in Teaching College Composition (3 credits)
• ENGL 6900 Professional Internship (3 credits)
• ENGL 6971 Professional Portfolio in Technical Writing and Digital Rhetoric (3 credits)
• ENGL 6920R Directed Readings in Technical Writing and Digital Rhetoric (3-6 credits)
• Choose one of the following:
• ENGL 6900 Professional Internship (3 credits)
• ENGL 6971 Professional Portfolio in Technical Writing and Digital Rhetoric (3 credits)
• ENGL 6972R Master's Thesis (3 credits)

Graduation Plans:

• Graduation Plan for Graduate Assistants:
• 1st Year:
• Fall Semester:
ENGL 6820 (3 credits), ENGL 6400 (3 credits)
• Spring Semester:
ENGL 6401 (3 credits), ENGL 6460 (3 credits), ENGL 6480 (3 credits), ENGL 6470 (3 credits)
• 2nd Year:
• Fall Semester:
ENGL 6480 (3 credits)
• Spring Semester:
One of the following: ENGL 6972R (Master's Thesis), ENGL 6971 (Professional Portfolio), or ENGL 6900 (Professional Internship) (3 credits), ENGL 6402 (3 credits), ENGL 6920R (Directed Readings) (3 credits)
• Graduation Plan for non-Graduate Assistants:
• 1st Year:
• Fall Semester:
ENGL 6402 (3 credits)
• Spring Semester:
ENGL 6400 (3 credits), ENGL 6480 (3 credits), ENGL 6460 (3 credits), ENGL 6470 (3 credits)
• 2nd Year:

Careers:

The program prepares students for careers in:

• Modern workforce: This could include roles such as technical writer, content strategist, user experience (UX) writer, or digital marketing specialist.
• College-level teaching: The program can help students pursue positions as instructors in technical writing, rhetoric, or composition.
• Doctoral programs: The program provides a foundation for pursuing further study in fields like new media, digital rhetoric, or technical writing.

Other:

• Admission Requirements:
• Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution.
• 3.0 GPA or higher in the final two years of the applicant's bachelor's degree.
• Writing samples.
• Two letters of recommendation.
• Letter of intent.
• International Students: International students or applicants educated outside the US must demonstrate proficiency in Standard American English.
They must submit an official TOEFL score of 550 (paper-based) or 213 (computer-based), not older than two years.
• Graduation Requirements:
• Complete 30 approved credit hours with no grade lower than a C.
• Earn a 3.0 or higher grade point average in the graduate program.
• Gain final approval for graduation from the Graduate Council.
• Complete all other program and university requirements.
• Program Learning Outcomes: At the successful completion of the program, students will be able to:
• Convert technical language into user-friendly and inclusive language.
• Create software user manuals, documentation, and training materials.
• Create supporting documentation for products.
• Standardize content across platforms and media.
• Produce technical artifacts through common software tools such as Dreamweaver, InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, HTML editors, PowerPoint, Word, and Excel.
• Integrate photographs, drawings, diagrams, animation, and charts to increase users' understanding of technical documents.
• Research topics to create technical publications.
• Devise audience-aware documents that demonstrate a strong command of grammar, syntax, diction, and writing conventions.
• Employ critical terms, theoretical concepts, and interpretative strategies associated with the study of digital rhetoric and technical writing.