Master of Arts Program
Requirements and recommendations for the MA program are listed below. Please take the time to read through the following notes before designing your own plan of study at UWM.
Notes:
- For the MA Program: Students will need a minimum of 24 credits of coursework beyond the bachelor's degree.
- Each student's program of study must be approved by a faculty advisor, the Plan G Coordinator, and the Associate Chair of Graduate Studies.
- Subject to the approval of the Graduate Professional Writing (Plan G) Advisory Committee, students may take up to 6 credits in a
closely related field. Students who wish to petition for more credits in a related field need to check with their advisor and the Associate Chair of Graduate Studies in the English department.
The M.A. degree at UWM involves course work, a master's project and an oral exam. All degree requirements must be completed within five years of initial enrollment. The project must be completed and the exam taken within one year after completing 24 credits.
Students will need a minimum of 24 credits of coursework beyond the bachelor's degree:
6 credits in core courses in theory and practice:
- Professional Writing Theory (English 712)
- Qualitative Research (English 713) or Usability Studies (English 714)
3 elective credits in Professional Writing Practice or Pedagogy at the 700-level or 400-U/G level
3 credits at the 800-Seminar in Professional Writing level
- English 855, Seminar in Theories of Business and Technical Writing is especially recommended.
6 credits taken for graduate credit in related interdisciplinary areas
- In consultation with their Plan G faculty advisor, students will select courses related to their special interests and special
project. Their selection is subject to the approval of the Graduate Professional Writing (Plan G) Advisory Committee.
3 credits in an internship or a 700-level elective that could lead to a final project
- Students should consult with their advisor about which option would best suit their background and career goals; in general, students with little workplace experience will take the internship and those with substantial workplace experience will take a 700-level elective.
3 elective credits
- Students should consult with their advisor about which course will best suit their career interests and career goals.
Final Project
A research paper or other special project that will grow out of and significantly extend some aspect of the student's professional writing studies and will be appropriate to the student's professional goals.
Oral Examination
This usually lasts an hour and a half and covers the final project and a reading list of at least 30 texts not listed in the project bibliography or works cited list.
Upon the completion of an MA, a student may qualify to enter the Doctoral program.
