English: Concentration in Composition, M.A.

Program Scope

The M.A. in Composition provides solid grounding for students who plan to become reading and writing teachers, particularly at the postsecondary level. The MA  also provides valuable professional development for experienced educators seeking additional specialization. Our graduate seminars draw on faculty expertise in critical pedagogies; culturally informed pedagogies; teaching for racial justice; enhancing teaching and learning through technology; the changing nature of literacies; integration of reading and writing; academic acceleration; current curricular and pedagogical reforms in community colleges due to AB 705.

The M.A. degree consists of 30 units (10 courses total). Most students take two or three courses per semester and complete the degree in two years.

What Makes Our Program Special?

• Graduates receive not only an M.A. degree, but also a certificate in Teaching of Composition and an optional certificate in Teaching Postsecondary Reading.
• We emphasize teaching for social justice, particularly at open-access institutions such as California Community Colleges.
• Our students come from rich and varied academic and professional backgrounds; previous coursework in English is not required. 
• We offer opportunities to experience in the field. M.A. students may apply to teach a section of First Year Composition; to tutor in the writing center; to serve as an embedded tutor; or to take on other career-relevant jobs on campus.
• We offer value: Tuition is low compared to private programs. Students may apply for financial aid, scholarships, and on-campus jobs. Out-of-state students may be eligible for in-state tuition. (see Western Regional States).
• We offer flexibility: Courses are offered during convenient late-afternoon hours to accommodate working graduate students. Students may take 1, 2 or 3 courses per semester.
• The M.A. culminates in a professional teaching portfolio showcasing achievements to prospective employers.  Instead of a thesis, students write an article suitable for publication in a teaching journal and give a professional presentation.
• We have a strong alumni presence in Community Colleges throughout the Bay Area.

Additional Specialization

The Certificate in Teaching Composition is incorporated directly into the M.A. degree and is typically completed during the first year of graduate study; no additional coursework is necessary. 

The Certificate in Teaching Post-Secondary Reading may be obtained by selecting electives focused on reading theory and pedagogy (ENG 701, ENG 715). No additional coursework is necessary.

Students may also take additional courses to obtain the Certificate in Immigrant Literacies; the Certificate in Computational Linguistics; or the Certificate in TESOL (undergraduate).

Program Learning Outcomes

1. English MA students will critically evaluate scholarship using knowledge of disciplinary history, foundational theories, epistemologies, and scholarly debates in order to participate in professional communities of Composition, TESOL, and Linguistics.
2. English MA students will conduct principled inquiry (critical reflection, observation, and/or formal research) using appropriate methods and tools of analysis in order to address disciplinary questions and problems of practice.
3. English MA students will produce effective written and oral presentations that follow professional disciplinary standards of Composition, TESOL, and Linguistics.
4. English MA students will apply pedagogical knowledge and skills to the teaching of language, literacy, or linguistics.
5. Composition students will articulate a coherent teaching philosophy that has been informed by practical experience and knowledge of relevant teaching principles and research.
6. Composition students will create appropriate lessons and curricula for students in postsecondary reading and writing classes.
7. Composition students will produce critical reflections on teaching practices and materials and how they embody educational values of ethics, social justice, diversity, and globalization.