The goal of the program is to prepare teachers and researchers in the field of composition and rhetoric or in community literacy. The program emphasizes the teaching and learning of language and literacy in multiple contexts and multiple modes, including print, digital, and visual, as well as research in these areas. Central to the program’s emphasis is the critical examination of diversity as it impacts the teaching of rhetoric, writing and literacy; the democratization of the classroom; the role of language and schooling in society at large; and the politics of language, literacy, and culture.The program is available with two concentration areas:

• The Rhetoric and Writing concentration is specifically designed for individuals who wish to teach rhetoric and writing at the college level and who plan to go on to advanced graduate study in writing and rhetoric studies.

• The Community Teaching and Literacy concentration is specifically designed for individuals who wish to teach or to do literacy work in community organizations, including community colleges. This concentration provides students with opportunities to directly address community-specific pedagogical interests and needs.

In addition to meeting the requirements of the university, and the College of Arts and Letters, students must meet the requirements specified below.