Rhetoric, Composition, and Professional Communication

Program Information:

Program Statement:

The MA in Rhetoric, Composition, and Professional Communication (RCPC) prepares students for careers in business, technical, and professional communication in the private and public sectors and for teaching writing and communication at the postsecondary level. It features a wide range of courses on the history, theory, and pedagogy of rhetoric and writing; in communication theory and professional document analysis, design, and production; and on a variety of special topics. An internship in professional communication is also available. The degree requires a minimum of 30 hours of graduate credits including a final thesis or creative component (3 credits). The English Department offers a PhD in Rhetoric and Professional Communication as well.

Degrees Offered:

Master of Arts (M.A.)

Program Handbook(s):

Handbook

Learning Goals:

Understand the field of rhetoric, composition, and technical communication in the United States and internationally
Understand, analyze, and act upon humane and ethical issues, especially as they entail decisions facing professional communicators in business and in the academy situated in an increasingly complex, technological society
Apply the historical and theoretical understanding necessary to the discipline to assess the impact of specific technologies upon communication within complex organizations and institutions
Synthesize their strategies for problem-solving and their skills in rhetorical analysis in designing, composing, and evaluating professional documents, including those for electronic, networked environments
Integrate oral, written, electronic, and visual skills to produce effective professional communication in the contemporary workplace

How long does it take to earn a degree?

Median time to earn the master’s: 1.8 years (Methods)

Program Contact:

Contact: Teresa Smiley
Phone: 515-294-2477
E-mail Address:

Mailing Address:

English Department
Graduate Studies Program, 203 Ross Hall
Iowa State University
Ames, IA 50011-1201

Admission Requirements:

Graduate College Requirements:

4 year Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent)
Academic Records/Transcripts
Minimum 3.0 GPA (Program may alter requirement.)
Proof of English Proficiency.

Program Specific Requirements:

1. Three letters of recommendation (LOR)
2. Curriculum vitae/resume
3. Statement of purpose and personal goals
4. Application for Teaching Assistantship statement
5. Writing sample according to our guidelines
6. All nonnative speaking applicants must provide an audio/video of spontaneous spoken English emailed to englgrad@iastate.edu.
NOTE: Nonnative speakers of English may NOT be required to submit English proficiency test scores (see below). Review downloadable Graduate Application Instructions document.
Program Requires GRE: No
Program Requires GMAT: No
Program Will Review Without TOEFL or IELTS: No

International Requirements:

Financial Statement: Application

English Proficiency Minimum:

TOEFL Paper (PBT)	587
TOEFL Internet (iBT)	95
IELTS	7
PTE	68
Duolingo (approved through spring 2025)	115

Application Information:

Application Deadlines:

January 5 for fall semester entry, with applications accepted and evaluated beginning October 15. Early applications are encouraged. October 15 for spring semester entry (no assistantships, scholarships, or fellowships available with spring admission)

Application Details:

This program is open to domestic and international students.

Application Instructions

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