English Composition and Communication, M.A.
Minimum Totals for Graduation: 30 hours
The Master of Arts degree in English Composition and Communication is a program of courses centering on the practice and teaching of non-fiction forms of writing. It prepares students for careers as writing teachers in two- and four-year colleges and universities; careers as professional writers in a variety of educational, business, or government sectors; or for doctoral studies in fields such as in rhetoric & composition, writing studies, and technical & professional writing. All students will develop their skills in a variety of forms of writing. The program offers courses in hybrid and online formats.
Admission Requirements, Retention & Termination Standards
Admission Requirement Snapshot
GPA: 3.0 (and 3.0 in major)
Entrance Exam: N/A
Internat'l Application Deadline: July 1 (Fall), Oct. 1 (Spring)
See Admission Requirement Details Below
To become a candidate for the degree of Master of Arts in English Composition and Communication, a student normally will be expected to have a grade point average of at least 3.0 on a four point scale and a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0, or demonstrate equivalent academic or professional experience. All candidates for admission to this program must submit a sample of representative writing. Students should contact the department chairperson for a description of what this sample should be. For applicants whose native language is not English, a TOEFL score of 550 (213 CBT) and a TWE of at least 5, or a MELAB of 85, are required for admission.
Students must complete at least 15 of their total semester hours at or above the 600 level.
Program Requirements
Required Core Courses (12 hours)
Select from the following:
| ENG 519 | Teaching Composition | 3(3-0) |
| ENG 601 | Nonfiction Writing for Graduate Students | 3(3-0) |
| ENG 614 | Practicum in Teaching College Composition | 3(3-0) |
| ENG 618 | Empirical Research Methods in English Studies | 3(3-0) |
| ENG 637 | Seminar in Rhetoric and Composition | 3(3-0) |
Restricted Electives I (6 hours)
Advanced courses from among any of the following chosen in consultation with an advisor:
| ENG 510WI | Writing Center Practicum | 1-3(Spec) |
| ENG 514 | Language and Media Discourse | 3(3-0) |
| ENG 517 | Reading and the English Classroom | 3(3-0) |
| ENG 539 | Seminar in Major Nonfiction Writers | 3-9(Spec) |
| ENG 615 | Seminar in Current Issues in the Teaching of Writing | 3-6(Spec) |
Restricted Electives II (6 hours)
Advanced courses from among any of the following chosen in consultation with an advisor.
| ENG 503 | Document Design | 3(3-0) |
| ENG 504 | Technical Editing | 3(3-0) |
| ENG 510WI | Writing Center Practicum | 1-3(Spec) |
| ENG 603 | Seminar in Technical and Professional Communication | 3-6(Spec) |
| ENG 672 | Applied Linguistics for Written Communication | 3(3-0) |
| ENG 691 | Seminar: Writing Fiction | 3-6(3-0) |
| ENG 693 | Seminar in Writing Creative Nonfiction | 3-6(Spec) |
Unrestricted Electives II (0-6 hours)
Select advanced courses in consultation with an advisor.
Thesis or Plan B
Select from the following:
Plan B
30 course hours and an Exit Portfolio.
Thesis (6 hours)
Thesis plus an oral examination over thesis.
Total: 30 semester hours
Accelerated M.A. in English Composition and Communication
(Currently enrolled CMU Undergraduate Students only.)
Admission Standards
- Maintain an overall cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 3.25 and a grade of 3.25 or higher in at least two of the following courses: ENG 301WI, ENG 303WI, ENG 319, ENG 402WI, ENG 493.
- Submit a writing sample and cover letter (for more details, contact the Department of English Language & Literature at 989-774-3171).
- Obtain written approval from the Chair of the Department of English Language & Literature.
- Obtain graduate school approval of courses selected to double count on both the B.A./B.S. and M.A.
Retention Standards
Maintain of a 3.25 GPA in English courses. Students who fail to maintain a 3.25 GPA in English courses in two successive semesters will be removed from the accelerated program.
Students considering an accelerated M.A. program should be aware that their financial aid may be affected for courses double counting on the B .A. and M.A.. Contact the Office of Scholarships & Financial Aid for information at 989-774-3674 or cmuosfa@cmich.edu.