Graduate Studies

Applied Linguistics & Technology (ALT) focuses on English language description, teaching, learning, and assessment, with particular emphasis on issues and practices related to technology: analysis of language using computational and corpus linguistic methods as well as the study of computer technology in English language teaching, learning, and assessment.

Our PhD program in rhetoric and  professional communication prepares students for careers in teaching, research, and practice.  Students in our program explore theory and research in areas including (but not limited to) rhetoric, visual communication, artificial intelligence, business and technical writing and editing, and composition pedagogy. Our faculty have expertise in many interdisciplinary areas of communication and support students with a variety of interests and career goals.

Creative Writing and Environment cultivates in its students an interdisciplinary approach to research and writing. The program’s unique design allows writers to develop a heightened environmental imagination that finds expression in quality, publishable works of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and drama. 

Our MA in English offers two different specializations: one in Literature and one in Literature and the Teaching of Reading. The two-year master of arts program offers high-quality, personalized instruction to students interested in secondary or college teaching or in pursuing further graduate study.

Our MA program in rhetoric, composition, and professional communication prepares students for industry careers in technical writing and editing or for teaching writing and professional communication in community or four-year colleges. The program is also ideal for students interested in pursuing advanced study at the PhD level.  Our high-quality faculty support students no matter which path they decide to pursue.

The MA in TESL/Applied Linguistics prepares students for careers in teaching English to nonnative speakers of English, either in the U.S. or abroad. Students with MA degrees in TESL teach adults and younger learners in a wide variety of contexts, supervise language programs, work for testing organizations, and create language teaching materials.