Graduate Certificate in the Teaching of Composition
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
| 2025-01-01 | - |
Program Overview
The Graduate Certificate in the Teaching of Composition enhances students' understanding of composition, pedagogy, and assessment in post-secondary writing classrooms. It equips learners with skills to develop effective reading and writing materials, critique student work, and design inclusive teaching practices grounded in research and critical self-reflection. The program is accessible to students from diverse academic backgrounds, providing opportunities for professional development in writing instruction.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Graduate Certificate in the Teaching of Composition is a program designed to provide theoretical and pedagogical preparation for students who plan to teach writing and/or reading in post-secondary classrooms.
Objectives:
The program aims to help students:
- Develop a critical understanding of scholarship in the field of Composition.
- Develop and articulate a teaching philosophy/approach that is informed by scholarship in the fields of Composition and Rhetoric, principles of ethics and social justice, and critical self-reflection.
- Design integrated reading/writing courses, units, prompts, activities, and materials that are grounded in research, theory, praxis, and critical reflection.
- Develop a thoughtful and well-grounded approach for analyzing, assessing, and responding to students’ texts to foster students’ growth as readers, writers, and thinkers.
Other:
- The program is open to matriculated students as well as those who are not currently enrolled in a graduate program.
- Students do not need to have completed an undergraduate degree in English or be enrolled in a Master's program in the Department of English.
- Graduate students from other departments can inquire about how many certificate courses can be used to meet their degree requirements.
- The program requires students to fill out a CAP form (Certificate Approved Program) upon completion of all certificate courses.
- Students must familiarize themselves with the general guidelines for earning a certificate on campus.
- Students must demonstrate written English proficiency at Level One (satisfied through the home department's criteria for matriculated students in a graduate program, or a writing sample for certificate program-only students) and Level Two (by earning a grade of B or better in ENG 700).
- A suggested plan of study is provided for students admitted in the fall semester.
- Students admitted in the spring semester will receive advising based on course availability.
- The program requires a minimum of three semesters to complete for spring admission.
San Francisco State University
Overview:
San Francisco State University (SF State) is a public university located in San Francisco, California. It is part of the California State University (CSU) system, the largest system of higher education in the country. SF State is known for its diverse and inclusive community, offering a wide range of academic programs and a strong commitment to social justice.
Services Offered:
The university provides a variety of services to support student success, including:
Academic advising:
Students receive guidance on course selection, degree planning, and career exploration.Student support services:
SF State offers resources for students facing academic challenges, personal difficulties, or financial hardship.Career services:
The university provides assistance with resume writing, job searching, and career development.Health and wellness services:
Students have access to counseling, health care, and other wellness resources.Student Life and Campus Experience:
SF State offers a vibrant campus experience with a strong sense of community. Students can:
Engage in student organizations:
There are numerous clubs, organizations, and activities to join, catering to diverse interests.Participate in cultural events:
The university hosts a variety of events, performances, and exhibitions throughout the year.Explore the Bay Area:
SF State's location in the heart of the Bay Area provides easy access to cultural attractions, museums, and entertainment venues.Key Reasons to Study There:
Diverse and inclusive community:
SF State prides itself on its welcoming and diverse student body, fostering a sense of belonging for all.Strong academic programs:
The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with a focus on social justice and real-world application.Location in the Bay Area:
SF State's location provides access to a vibrant and dynamic city, offering opportunities for internships, networking, and career development.Commitment to social justice:
SF State is dedicated to promoting social justice and equity, providing students with the tools and knowledge to make a positive impact on the world.Academic Programs:
SF State offers a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines, including:
Arts and Humanities:
Visual and performing arts, literature, history, philosophy, and more.Social Sciences:
Psychology, sociology, political science, economics, and more.Business:
Accounting, finance, marketing, management, and more.Science and Technology:
Biology, chemistry, physics, computer science, and more.Education:
Teacher preparation, educational leadership, and more.Other:
SF State has a strong athletic program, competing in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). The university also has a strong commitment to international education and exchange, offering opportunities for students to study abroad and participate in global learning experiences.
Entry Requirements:
- For matriculated students, admission to either or both of the certificate programs requires completion of the internal English Department application. This application should be submitted to the department prior to the first semester of certificate coursework.
- Students who are not currently matriculated graduate students will need to apply to the University, using the published admissions process, before being considered for admission to the composition or reading certificate programs.
- Students interested in admission to the certificate programs need not have completed undergraduate degree programs in English literature or language studies, nor need they be enrolled in master's programs offered in the Department of English.
- Graduate students from master's programs offered in this department should contact their advisors to find out how many of the courses taken for the composition or reading certificates may be used to meet degree requirements in their M.A. program.
- Graduate students from master's programs offered in other departments should contact their advisor to find out how many of the courses taken for composition or reading certificates they may use to meet degree requirements in their M.A. program.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- Level One: Matriculated Students in a graduate program on campus will have satisfied Level One via their home department’s criteria. Students who are matriculated in the certificate program only must submit a writing sample with their application.
- Level Two: Students must earn a grade of B or better in ENG 700.
