SPEECH COMMUNICATION & RHETORIC

The M.A. Program

Program Overview

The M.A. program in Speech Communication & Rhetoric is a two-year course of study that affords students an opportunity to take core and elective courses, work closely with faculty members, and develop a program of original research that culminates in the writing of a thesis project.

Upon completion of the program, students receive a Master of Arts Degree in English with Emphasis in Speech Communication – Rhetoric. Reflecting the interdisciplinary commitments of the program, this degree offers interested students an excellent foundation for pursuing their PhD in one of several fields, including Rhetoric, Speech Communication, Communication Studies, and Rhetoric and Composition.

Given its student-faculty ratio, the program offers extensive opportunities for advising as well as dedicated training for those interested in completing a doctoral degree. For other students, the M.A. degree alone offers a platform to pursue and enhance careers in a number of fields, including work in law, the nongovernmental sector, politics, and education.

Students in the M.A. program are typically eligible for teaching and research assistantships (see below and consult the section on applying to the program) that include tuition abatement and a competitive package of benefits.

Coursework Requirements

For an M.A. with emphasis in Speech Communication & Rhetoric, students are required to complete thirty (30) hours of coursework, including thesis hours, while in residence.

In their first year, it is strongly recommended that M.A. students enroll in the program’s three core seminars – Classical Rhetorical Theory (SPCH 792), Modern Rhetorical Theory (SPCH 794), and Rhetorical Criticism (SPCH 741). Additional courses are chosen in light of student’s particular interests and in consultation with their advisors.

To obtain an MA degree, students are required to successfully complete the following:
            - 12 course hours in Speech Communication & Rhetoric at the 700 or 800 level
                        - These hours cannot include SPCH 700 and 701
                        - These hours can include (SPCH 741, 792, and 794)
            - Issues and Methods in Speech Communication (SPCH 700)
            - Teaching Speech Communication (SPCH 701)
            - 9 elective course hours in student’s area of study
                        - Courses must be approved by each student's advisor
            - 3 hours of thesis credit (SPCH 799)
                        - Students may enroll in additional hours but only 3 count toward the degree.

Students are responsible for ensuring that they fulfill these requirements. For additional and important rules about courses, see: Residency, Time Limits for Degrees.

Comprehensive Exam
In their penultimate semester (or prior to beginning work on a thesis), MA candidates take a written comprehensive exam based on a reading list compiled by the speech communication – rhetoric faculty.

At the beginning of the semester in which the exam is to be taken, students must notify the Director of Graduate Studies of their intention. Preparation for the exam proceeds in collaboration with each student’s advisor. Two of three graders must pass the exam. Students have two opportunities to pass the exam.

Thesis

To receive an M.A. degree, students are required to undertake and complete a thesis.

A successful thesis project makes an original and sustained (typically 60-80 pages) contribution to scholarship in the area of communication and rhetoric. In developing, researching and writing their thesis, students enroll in SPCH 799 (Thesis Hours) and work closely with their thesis director.

At the completion of the project, the thesis will be reviewed both by the thesis director and one other member of the graduate faculty. Thesis projects must conform to standards set by The Graduate School.

Advising

Upon entering the program, students will work with an assigned temporary advisor in order to complete their class schedule and develop a program of study.

By the end of their second semester in residence, students should identify and begin to work with an advisor in their area of concentration. This advisor should be consulted with respect to the selection of courses. In many cases, they will serve as a thesis director.

When necessary, students may change advisors so long as the replacement advisor consents to the change. Faculty members also retain the capacity to withdraw from particular advising arrangements.

Travel Support

The program does have limited resources to assist students in the presentation of their work at national conferences such as the meetings of the Rhetoric Society of America and the National Communication Association. Check with any faculty member about the deadlines for submitting work to these venues and to receive information on available funding.

Preparation for Doctoral Work

Students interested in pursuing their PhD in Speech Communication & Rhetoric should consult with their advisors early in their second year for information about program opportunities and developing applications. It is also recommended that students attend the annual convention of the National Communication Association.

Assistantships
The Department offers several types of assistantships:

• teaching assistantships,
• editorial assistantships,
• instructional assistantships,
• research assistantships.

Based on information provided in applications completed by January 30, prospective students will automatically be considered for an appropriate assistantship.

All assistantships confer in-state tuition status, as well as a stipend and tuition supplement whose amounts vary with the type of assistantship. Students awarded an assistantship by the Department are expected to:

• carry no incompletes;
• earn no more than one grade below B during their academic career;
• perform assigned duties in a satisfactory manner;
• maintain a GPA of 3.5; and
• make steady progress toward the degree.