English - Professional Writing and Rhetoric

Applicants to the MA in english must submit

• Completed Application for Graduate Study (online).
• Nonrefundable application fee.
• Application for In-State Tuition Rates if claiming entitlement to these rates.
• One official transcript from all previous institutions attended. Transcripts must be sent in a sealed envelope to the College of Humanities and Social Sciences Graduate Admissions Office or, if an official electronic transcript, to Mason’s official email address for transcript receipt. Official Transcripts
• Goals statement. The goals statement should be 750 - 1000 words and describe particular areas of interest within a chosen concentration. Read More
• Two letters of recommendation. The recommendations should be academic, rather than professional or personal. Requests for letters are submitted as part of the online application process. Read More
• Writing Sample. 1,500 to 2,000-word writing sample is required for all concentrations. Applicants to the concentrations in cultural studies, literature, professional writing and rhetoric, or the teaching of writing and literature, should submit a sample of literary analysis. Applicants to the concentration in linguistics should submit an analytical writing sample. Read More
• Portfolio. Applicants to the concentration in professional writing and rhetoric are encouraged to submit a portfolio that showcases nonacademic/workplace writing. Applicants should submit a 10-15 page portfolio of their nonfiction work such as technical or business reports, editing projects, or any other materials reflecting interests and skills in nonfiction writing. The portfolio should include 2-3 samples of writing oriented to the applicant\'s professional or educational interests. The admissions committee would prefer to see at least one sample of professional or technical writing (newswriting, report, feature article, instructions, web design, etc.) but any piece that has a clear audience and rhetorical purpose is acceptable. On a cover sheet, discuss the audience and purpose of the writing sample. The cover sheet should be uploaded with the portfolio.

Applicants with international academic credentials should apply 30 days before the program deadline and must also provide:

• Proof of English proficiency: either TOEFL, IELTS, or Pearson Test of English. Please refer to the university’s English Proficiency Standards.
• Degree certificates, diplomas, or additional transcript documentation as outlined in the university’s International Transcript Submission Guidelines.
• Applicants may supply an official international transcript evaluation from an independent evaluation agency approved by NACES or AACRAO. The WES-ICAP evaluation service includes verified academic credentials as part of the evaluation package.