Rhetoric, Composition, and Professional Communication

General communication
Collaborate closely with renowned faculty on cutting-edge research in rhetorical analysis, digital communication, writing pedagogy, and professional discourse. Whether your career aspirations lie in academia, technical writing, digital media strategy, or organizational communication, Iowa State provides the expertise and support to thrive in shaping persuasive messages and fostering effective communication practices.
Program Homepage Program Handbook

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.)

 

Graduate Program Office

englgrad@iastate.edu
515-294-2477
English Department
Graduate Program Office
Iowa State University
227 Ross Hall
Ames, IA 50011-1201

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

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:

International Requirements:

  • Financial Statement:  Application
  • English Proficiency Minimum:
    TOEFL Paper (PBT) 587
    TOEFL Internet (iBT) 95
    IELTS 7
    PTE 68
    Duolingo (only approved through spring 2025 requested entry term) 115

Application Requirements

Application Deadlines:

January 5 for fall semester entry with financial support consideration. Early applications are encouraged. April 1 (fall entry) and October 15 (spring entry) with no consideration for assistantships, scholarships, or fellowships.

Application Details:

This program is open to domestic and international students.

Application Instructions