Graduate Programs in Writing at MSU

Graduate Programs in Writing
English Department
Dickson 468

Graduate Writing Faculty

English Department faculty at Montclair State University have developed two graduate programs in Writing Studies to support the development of experts in teaching writing across educational levels, from middle school right through university-level instruction. From our various experiences teaching writing and working with teachers and faculty--in English and across the disciplines--the Writing Studies faculty in the English Department at Montclair State have developed a sequence of courses that serve to prepare new teachers while also supporting veteran literacy instructors who desire theory, research, and conversation to propel their teaching practices forward.

It is our belief that our programs’ success lies in their student diversity—experienced teachers in urban middle schools provide insight for students bound for community college instruction, while recently-minted BA students heading for the classroom learn from English MA students who know well what a university education currently entails. Our small classes are thus rich in discussion as together we sort through theoretical, practical, and even empirical scholarship that provides the content knowledge that many literacy teachers have never been encouraged to read. As our students often note, although literacy educators are required extensive knowledge of imaginative literature and often pedagogy, there is little opportunity to really learn how to teach writing. These programs address this gap.

English MA with emphasis in Writing Studies. In this program, students complete the full English MA program of 33 credits. The program serves as continuing training for in-service teachers and as preparation for doctoral-level work, as well as providing intellectual enrichment. Students in the Writing Studies emphasis take between four and eight courses in Writing Studies and complete a MA thesis, guided by faculty in Writing Studies. Find out how to apply to the MA Degree in English.

Certificate in Teaching Writing. In this program, students will familiarize themselves with the guiding research, theory, and practice of composition studies, a discipline devoted to developing successful pedagogical practices for teaching writing across age, background, and ability. Read the full description of the program and find out how to apply.