Master of Arts in Composition and Rhetoric
A fully online master's built for working teachers — earn the graduate credit you need to teach college-level writing (including Ohio's College Credit Plus) and the depth to pursue doctoral study if you choose.
Program Overview
The Master of Arts in Composition and Rhetoric at Shawnee State University Online Campus equips educators and aspiring scholars with advanced knowledge in writing studies, pedagogy, and research. This fully online program is designed for secondary teachers, dual-credit instructors, and those pursuing doctoral study in English composition or related fields.
Students in this program explore composition pedagogy, writing assessment, rhetorical history, and research methods. The curriculum includes opportunities to study specialized topics like feminist rhetoric, cultural studies, or the rhetoric of science. Students also select from education-focused electives to tailor the program to their career goals.
With the flexibility to study full-time or part-time, most students complete the program in under two years. Graduates are prepared to teach college-level writing, including College Credit Plus courses in Ohio and similar dual-credit programs elsewhere.
Career Outcomes
How to Apply
-
Start your application
Free, takes about 15 minutes.
-
Send transcripts
Have your high school guidance counselor send them to admissions@shawnee.edu
-
File the FAFSA
School code 009942. Required for financial aid.
-
Get your decision
Most admission decisions in under 7 days.
Admission Requirements
Before applying for this program, you must have:
- A personal statement explaining how this program fits into your professional and personal goals. In your statement, tell us about how you think you will benefit from this program, and tell us about the skills, knowledge, and experience you will bring to the program.
- Two letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to your skills, knowledge, professionalism, and/or relevant experiences.
- Official transcripts from all institutions previously attended.
- A completed online application.
At A Glance
Master of Arts in Composition and Rhetoric
Degree
M.A.
Length
Most students finish in 18–24 months
Credits
31 (19 core + 9 C&I electives + 3 capstone)
Transfer Credits Accepted
9
Class Size
12:1
Start Date
4 entry points; Summer A is the ideal start time. Students may also start in Summer B, Fall A, and Spring A; next start is Spring A: January 11, 2027
Why Study Master of Arts in Composition and Rhetoric at Shawnee University
100% online and asynchronous — designed around the schedule of working teachers and adjuncts. Meets the graduate-level coursework requirements to teach College Credit Plus composition in Ohio (verify final district requirements with your school).
Choose between a Master's Thesis or Master's Portfolio for your capstone, depending on whether you're aiming at doctoral study or applied teaching practice.
Curriculum and Instruction electives let you tailor the degree toward your classroom (cognitive theory, ed tech, philosophy of ed, educational data, or research).
Solid foundation if you want to apply to doctoral programs in rhetoric, composition, or English studies.
The 31-credit curriculum runs across three blocks: a 19-hour core in composition pedagogy, writing assessment, history and theory of composition and rhetoric, and research methods; 9 hours of Curriculum & Instruction electives; and a 3-hour capstone (thesis or portfolio).
- Core (19 credits): Intro to Graduate Studies in Composition and Rhetoric, Composition Pedagogy, Writing Assessment Theory and Practice, History of Rhetoric, History and Theory of Composition, Research Methods, Special Topics
- Curriculum & Instruction electives (9 credits): choose three from Cognitive and Motivational Theories, Technology Integration, Philosophy of Education, Educational Data Analysis, Educational Research
- Capstone (3 credits): Master's Thesis or Master's Portfolio
The capstone is the applied piece — either a thesis (for students aiming at doctoral work) or a portfolio (for students focused on classroom application). Coursework throughout emphasizes real writing instruction and real assessment practice you can take into your classroom.
- Design and implement effective composition curricula
- Apply rhetorical theory to writing and writing instruction
- Evaluate student writing using current assessment frameworks
- Conduct quantitative and qualitative research on writing and teaching
- Read rhetoric critically across cultural and educational contexts
100% online, asynchronous — take coursework from anywhere.
Graduates teach College Credit Plus composition in Ohio high schools, teach first-year writing at community colleges and four-year institutions, and move on to doctoral programs in writing studies and education.
- Secondary English teacher with College Credit Plus qualification
- Adjunct or full-time college composition instructor
- Writing center coordinator or writing program staff
- Curriculum or assessment designer
- Doctoral student in rhetoric, composition, or education
Tuition and Financial Aid
Shawnee State’s tuition is among the lowest in Ohio, and the Shawnee Advantage Tuition Guarantee keeps your rate flat for four years. Scholarships including Choose Ohio First and the Pell-Eligible Free Tuition Program may also apply.
Master of Arts in Composition and Rhetoric Frequently Asked Questions
Yes — all coursework is delivered online and asynchronously so you can keep teaching while you study.
Yes. The program is built around the 19 graduate credits needed to qualify to teach CCP composition in Ohio. Confirm any district-specific requirements with your school.
Most students finish in 18–24 months. You can study full-time or part-time depending on your workload.
No — you do need a bachelor's degree, but a current teaching license isn't required for admission.
Program handbook
For the current handbook, course descriptions, and degree requirements, contact the School of Education or visit the Academic Catalog.
Accreditation
Shawnee State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The program supports Ohio College Credit Plus credentialing and prepares students for doctoral study in composition and rhetoric.
