Writing Rhetoric and Discourse
Master of Arts
College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences
Programs of Interest
0Become a strategic and flexible writer
DePaul's master's program in Writing, Rhetoric, and Discourse is Chicago's only graduate program to focus solely on writing, rhetoric, pedagogy, and language. Students build a solid theoretical foundation in rhetoric and discourse, and pair it with hands-on practical training; faculty in the program seek to make you a better writer and teach you exciting new approaches to the history, craft, politics, and practical applications of writing and content. With the option to concentrate on Professional and Digital Writing or Teaching Writing and Language, you'll develop valuable skills for approaching writing and content production in a range of industries and careers.
With an MA in WRD, you can pursue professional goals such as
- Writing for businesses, nonprofits, and tech companies
- Producing and managing digital content in organizations
- Working in an instructional design role at a university or other educational setting
- Teaching writing in a post-secondary institution
- Continuing the study of writing in a PhD program
- Building skills in language and composition instruction as a high school English teacher
Enhance your degree with graduate certificates in
Teaching English as a Second Language (TESOL),
Teaching English in Two-Year Colleges,
Strategic Writing and Advancement for Nonprofits (SWAN), and
Digital Humanities.
Students interested in teaching writing at the college level or those who anticipate going on for a Ph.D. will benefit from the Department of Writing, Rhetoric, & Discourse's Teaching Apprenticeship Program.
Read about WRD courses, events, and alumni on our blog wrdblog.org.
Courses are offered on weekday evenings at the Lincoln Park Campus. The program can be completed in two years.
Application Deadlines
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. The deadline to be considered for a graduate assistantship is February 15.
Submit an online application, official transcripts, 500-word statement of purpose, current résumé, and 15 to 20 pages of your own written work.
Students take a core foundation course and three courses in Rhetoric and Discourse, plus eight additional electives or required concentration courses.
The MA in WRD is the only such program in Chicago with an embedded TESOL certificate and Teaching Apprenticeship Program
Alumni Network
Alumni of the Writing, Rhetoric and Discourse graduate program have found rewarding work in companies, nonprofit organizations, and colleges and universities in Chicago, nationwide and worldwide. Learn more about some of our alumni.
Scholarships & Aid
Graduate school is an investment in your future. Learn more about the financial aid and scholarship opportunities available to you.
Contact Information
For more information about applying, contact The Office of Graduate Admission at
(773) 325-7315 or LASgrad@depaul.edu.
Take the next step
We’ll send you information about the degree, admission requirements and upcoming info sessions. Let’s get started.