Composition and Rhetoric Certificate

Andrea Gazzaniga, Ph.D., Department Chair

Christopher Wilkey, Ph.D., Graduate Program Director

Introduction

The Composition and Rhetoric Certificate is a non-degree, graduate certificate program composed of 18 credit hours of specialized courses designed to explore the theoretical and pedagogical issues pertaining to the study of writing through rhetorical and composition theory. The Composition and Rhetoric Certificate is appropriate for candidates planning to teach writing at the undergraduate level or secondary level, as well as those interested in furthering their knowledge of writing in the professions, as a social practice, and to effect change.

Credits earned toward the Composition and Rhetoric Certificate may apply to or be transferred into the Master of Arts in English (MAE) at the graduate program director’s discretion. If certificate coursework is applied to the MAE program, this certificate coursework can be no more than six years old at the time of graduation from the MAE program. Candidates must complete all coursework for the certificate program within six years, including any transfer work.

Admission

Application to the Composition and Rhetoric Certificate requires the following:

1. an application for graduate admission to Northern Kentucky University.
2. official transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate work.
3. a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.
4. an undergraduate GPA of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
5. a grade of B or higher on all graduate work that may apply to the certificate.

At the discretion of the graduate program director, a writing sample may be required for evaluation and undergraduate courses recommended for applicants who did not focus on English or writing at the undergraduate level.

♦ Indicates prerequisite.