Program: Rhetoric and Writing Studies, Teaching of Writing Specialization, M.A. - San Diego State University

May 22, 2025

2025-2026 University Catalog

(Academic Plan Code: 112202MAS)

In addition to meeting the requirements for classified graduate standing and the basic Requirements for Master’s Degrees , a student must complete a program of study approved by the department’s graduate adviser. The program must consist of at least 30 units, with at least 18 units of 600- and 700-level courses. All students must complete 18 units of core courses, 9 units specific to the specialization, and 3 units of electives.

Advancement to Candidacy

All students must satisfy the general requirements for advancement to candidacy, as stated in Requirements for Master’s Degrees .

Core Courses

Required Courses

(18 units)

RWS 600 - Reading and Writing Rhetorically Units: 3
RWS 601A - History of Rhetoric I Units: 3
RWS 602 - Modern Rhetoric and Composition Studies Units: 3
RWS 603 - Cultural Rhetorics Units: 3
RWS 640 - Research Methods in Rhetoric and Writing Studies Units: 3
RWS 790 - M.A. Examination Preparation Units: 3
or
RWS 799A - Thesis or Project Units: 3
But not both.

Specialization in the Teaching of Writing

Required Courses

(9 units)

RWS 512 - Writing Center Practice, Research, and Theory Units: 3
RWS 609 - Theory and Practice of Teaching Composition Units: 3
RWS 796A - Teaching Internship Units: 3
or
RWS 798 - Special Study Units: 1-3 (3 units)
But not both.
(Based on work experience, where appropriate and with the approval of the Department of Rhetoric and Writing Studies graduate adviser.)

Electives

(3 units)

Three units of thematically focused electives selected with the approval of the Department of Rhetoric and Writing Studies graduate adviser.