Masters Degrees in Print Media, USA

The Communication Arts program uses a unique blend of theory-driven and experienced-based classes where students acquire the knowledge and skills to enter the media industry. Fields of study include production, print media, or convergent media delivery and prepares students for further study at the graduate level.The Communication Arts Graduate program addresses the Guiding Principles and Objectives for Graduate Studies with the expectation that graduate students will:

•Display mastery of both theoretical and empirical knowledge in the field of communications.
•Demonstrate intellectual imagination and professional creativity demonstrated in individual theses and projects on various issues of communications.
•Conduct critical analysis of mediated communication in both social and cultural scopes.
•Provide articulated presentation of scholarly concepts and professional works.
•Make contribution to both academic and professional sectors in the field of communications through original research and alternative perspectives.

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The Master of Arts in Composition, Rhetoric, and Digital Media program is built with students’ long-term success and employability in mind. Graduates with an M.A. in Composition, Rhetoric, and Digital Media from NSU will be prepared to pursue doctoral studies as well as a variety of careers in publishing and/or education. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for editors and writers will keep pace with other professions over the next several years, while demand for certain specialties, such as technical writing, will increase 10% faster than the average for all occupations from 2014-2024. Further, the mandatory composition course requirement of most colleges and universities nationwide ensures the continued demand for qualified faculty in composition and rhetoric. As part of the program, students have the opportunity to contribute to Digressions, the student-run literary magazine.

M.A. in Composition, Rhetoric, and Digital Media graduates:

• Teach rhetoric, composition, and related courses at universities, colleges, tech schools, and high schools
• Work as professional writers and editors
• Work in web design and development
• Work for professional organizations, such as the National Council of Teachers of English and the College Board
• Work as researchers and technical writers for private sector, non-profit, and/or political organizations

Program Format

The Master of Arts in Composition, Rhetoric, and Digital Media program is offered weeknights on NSU's main campus.

Learning Outcomes

The successful M.A. in Composition, Rhetoric, and Digital Media graduate is expected to:

• Demonstrate advanced knowledge of what effective writing is in a variety of rhetorical contexts.
• Evaluate writing curricula and pedagogical practices.
• Design successful digital media using rhetorically appropriate strategies.
• Produce and present original research based on the theories and methods applicable to composition, rhetoric, and digital media.

Curriculum

The Master of Arts in Composition, Rhetoric, and Digital Media will educate students about the history and theory of composition, rhetoric, and digital media, providing students with a foundation for conducting and presenting research, applying rhetorical theories, teaching writing, and producing digital media. Through specialised coursework and experiential learning, students will develop expertise researching and teaching composition while practising writing in a variety of professional genres. Students will prepare for careers in writing, publishing, and teaching and will be prepared to pursue a variety of Ph.D. programs, including those in Composition and Rhetoric.

Core courses (12 credits)

• WRIT 5010 - Research Methods
• WRIT 5100 - Teaching Writing
• WRIT 5120 - Theories of Composition
• WRIT 5340 - Studies in Multimodality and Digital Media

Elective Courses (12 credits)

• WRIT 5000 - Professional and Public Writing
• WRIT 5140 - Writing Center Praxis
• WRIT 5160 - Teaching Writing Online
• WRIT 5200 - History of the English Language
• WRIT 5320 - Advanced Writing with Technologies
• WRIT 5400 - Technical Writing
• WRIT 5550 - Feature Writing
• WRIT 5620 - Rhetorical Traditions in Writing Studies
• WRIT 5650 - Rhetorical Criticism
• WRIT 5800 - Editing, Layout, and Design
• WRIT 5900 - Special Topics

Thesis (6 credits)

• WRIT 6000 - Master’s Thesis

Types of Theses

The thesis may take one of the following forms:

Research Thesis: Student designs, conducts, and reports findings from qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods research projects.

Theoretical Thesis: Student examines a well-focused question or problem through an informed context that is critical, theoretical, and/or historical.

Digital Media Thesis: Student designs a piece of digital media, such as a website or app.

Technical Thesis: Student produces a substantial manual, guidebook, scholarly or professional Web site, white paper, report, or grant proposal.

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