Michael Dimmick, PhD, Graduate Director
S1067, 713-221-8663, dimmickm@uhd.edu
The Master of Arts in Rhetoric and Composition (MARC) program trains future teachers of college-level writing and English Studies courses. The curriculum places a special emphasis on preparing teachers for the multicultural character of the 21st century college classroom. Students receive advanced training in rhetorical theory, composition pedagogy, rhetorical history, composition theory, argumentative strategy, and textual analysis. In addition, students may elect to take graduate level courses in the study of literature. After completing 18 hours, students in good standing can compete for paid teaching assistantships in the English department at UHD.
The program is valuable for a range of candidates:
- Future teachers of college English courses at community colleges or four-year universities nationwide
- Local teachers seeking credentials to teach dual-credit English courses in Houston-area high schools
- Students pursuing an academic career by seeking a foundation for a doctorate in rhetoric, composition, or English studies
Program Learning Outcomes
Graduates who earn a MA in Rhetoric and Composition will be able to:
- Use rhetorical theory in the analysis and production of written communication.
- Identify and prepare strategies for teaching writing in a variety of environments: for example, online classes, large groups, and tutoring sessions.
- Identify and prepare strategies that are essential for teaching writing to today’s students: people with different cultural orientations, varying degrees of English language competence, and different levels of preparedness.
- Analyze discrete elements of written communication.
- Design and execute their own research projects in the fields of rhetoric and/or composition.
Admissions Criteria
The Admissions Committee will consider several factors when determining admission eligibility into the Master of Arts in Rhetoric and Composition program, including the candidate’s:
- Experience and interest in the field
- Proven academic ability
- Demonstration of skills necessary to complete the program successfully
- Ability to contribute to the fields of rhetoric and composition pedagogy upon completion of the program
Applicants to the program must meet the following criteria:
Admissions Materials
Applicants must complete and submit all of the following items in order to be considered for admission: Resumes, personal statements, and writing samples can be uploaded through the myUHD portal, emailed to gradadmissions@uhd.edu, or mailed to:
Office of Admissions - Graduate Admissions
University of Houston-Downtown
One Main Street, Suite GSB 308
Houston, TX 77002-1001
- Submit an application through the www.goapplytexas.org.
- Pay the $35 application fee.
- Request/submit to the email or mailing address above official transcripts from the institution where applicant received a bachelor’s degree as well as any graduate schools attended. (Community college coursework will not be considered in the admission process and need not be submitted).
- Provide a personal statement of approximately 500 words that addresses the following questions in detail. Support your views with reasons and examples drawn from such areas as your reading, experience, observations, or academic studies. Be sure to develop your ideas fully and organize them coherently:
- Why do you want to study rhetoric and composition?
- What topics or issues in our field might you want to study further and why?
- What qualifies you to embark upon this field of study?
- What experience do you have in this field?
- How do you plan to use your degree?
- Provide a 10-15-page academic writing sample. (We ask that you compose a researched, argument-driven academic essay on a topic of general interest using a generally recognized academic style sheet for references (MLA, APA, or Chicago).
- Have two recommendations sent directly from personal and/or professional contacts to the email or mailing address provided above.
- Suggested recommenders include college professors, supervisors, or community leaders. Recommenders should be acquainted with the applicant’s work and academic potential.
- Provide TOEFL scores of 550 with section scores of 50 or higher (if a graduate of a university in which English is not the native language).
Admissions Process
Once an application is complete, the Admissions Committee will evaluate candidates using a matrix based on required application materials to determine if the applicant will be “admitted,” “conditionally admitted,” or “denied admission” to the program. Applicants may be considered for conditional admission in cases in which candidate materials do not meet established program criteria. The committee may also ask for further information from the candidate before making a final admission decision. The Program Director or the Assistant Director of Graduate Studies will notify prospective students, in writing (via email), of the committee’s decision. This written notification will contain pertinent information and next steps for students, as applicable. Specifically, for conditionally admitted students: this written notification will detail the stipulations of the “conditional” status and the necessary steps/actions required to receive full admission to the program.
Admissions Appeals
Admissions decisions may be appealed through the process found in the CHSS Graduate Student Handbook linked on this page.
Transfer
Students may transfer no more than six semester hours of graduate work and must have the approval of the Graduate Director to do so; transferred coursework must be at B level or above.
Teaching Fellow Requirements
In order to serve as a Teaching Fellow in UHD’s English department, the student must be in good academic standing with at least 18 hours completed in the program. Eligible students must also pass English 5327 (MARC Practicum) with a grade of B or higher prior to service as a Teaching Fellow.
