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Nova Southeastern University's graduate programs in Composition, Rhetoric, and Digital Media (CRDM) are designed for those looking to shape the future of digital media production and writing instruction through rigorous research, advanced practice, and a focus on experiential learning in writing, communication, and media production. Our program emphasizes preparing graduates to excel in industry and academic positions and apply their knowledge to improve the effectiveness of writing and communication practices. Nova Southeastern University offers an M.A. and a Ph.D. in Composition, Rhetoric, and Digital Media.
Students engage in interdisciplinary research, practical teaching experiences, and real-world collaborations with local organizations —building portfolios that include published and presented work.
Did You Know?
Upon successful completion of the SoFlo Writing Project’s Summer Institute, applicants to NSU’s Composition, Rhetoric, and Digital Media program may apply to receive credit for up to two elective courses (6 credits) toward the M.A. or Ph.D. degree.
Quick Facts
- Fall (all programs): Priority – February 15 | Final – July 1
- Winter (Ph.D. only): October 15
- Summer (all programs): Priority – February 15 | Final – April 1
Composition, Rhetoric, and Digital Media Curriculum
M.A. Curriculum (30 credits)
Core Curriculum (12 credits)
Credits
Elective Courses (12 credits)
Completion Project (6 credits) Choose one of the following options:
Credits
For specific course requirements, refer to the “Ph.D. in Composition, Rhetoric, and Digital Media Program" in NSU's Halmos College of Arts and Sciences Graduate Student catalog.
The academic program and curriculum requirements listed on this page are from the NSU Halmos College of Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Catalog. Students are bound by policies and curricula published in the catalog in effect the semester they enter the university unless an agreement is made with appropriate NSU administration officials allowing them to abide by policies published in a later catalog.
Ph.D. Curriculum (57 credits)
Core Curriculum (9 credits)
Credits
Elective Courses (9 credits)
Professional Development (21 credits)
Credits
Dissertation (18 credits)
For specific course requirements, refer to the “Ph.D. in Composition, Rhetoric, and Digital Media Program" in NSU's Halmos College of Arts and Sciences Graduate Student catalog.
The academic program and curriculum requirements listed on this page are from the NSU Halmos College of Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Catalog. Students are bound by policies and curricula published in the catalog in effect the semester they enter the university unless an agreement is made with appropriate NSU administration officials allowing them to abide by policies published in a later catalog.
M.A. + Ph.D. Curriculum (69 credits)
Core Curriculum (12 credits)
Credits
Elective Courses (18 credits)
Credits
Professional Development (21 credits)
Credits
Dissertation (18 credits)
For specific course requirements, refer to the “Ph.D. in Composition, Rhetoric, and Digital Media Program" in NSU's Halmos College of Arts and Sciences Graduate Student catalog.
The academic program and curriculum requirements listed on this page are from the NSU Halmos College of Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Catalog. Students are bound by policies and curricula published in the catalog in effect the semester they enter the university unless an agreement is made with appropriate NSU administration officials allowing them to abide by policies published in a later catalog.
Elective Course list
Elective Course list
Credits
For specific course requirements, refer to the “Ph.D. in Composition, Rhetoric, and Digital Media Program" in NSU's Halmos College of Arts and Sciences Graduate Student catalog.
The academic program and curriculum requirements listed on this page are from the NSU Halmos College of Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Catalog. Students are bound by policies and curricula published in the catalog in effect the semester they enter the university unless an agreement is made with appropriate NSU administration officials allowing them to abide by policies published in a later catalog.
Admission Requirements
Documents to Submit
Have the following materials ready to upload with your online application:
Resume
English Proficiency
Non-native English speakers and graduates of foreign institutions (where English is not the primary language instruction) must demonstrate English-language proficiency through one of the following options:
- Successful completion of a degree at an approved U.S. institution of higher education where English is the primary language of instruction.
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) official iBT score of 80+ (old test scale) or 4+ (new test scale).
Two Content Samples
Applicants should submit two samples selected from the categories below:
- Academic paper (analytical essay, research paper)
- Journalistic content (news or feature article, column, profile)
- Public relations content (social media campaign portfolio, press release portfolio)
- Digital media content (video reel, podcast, news package, game narrative)
- Teaching materials (syllabus, assignment sheet, in-class activity)
- Technical writing (manual, proposal, white paper)
- Other (with prior program approval)
Written samples should not exceed five pages each, and media samples should not exceed three minutes each. Ph.D. and M.A. + Ph.D. applicants are encouraged to submit at least one academic writing sample. Additional guidance for media submissions can be provided upon request.
An interview may be requested following the initial review of application materials.
Program Director and Admissions Staff
Shanti Bruce, Ph.D.
Professor and Department Chair Department of Communication, Media, and the Arts
Juliette Kitchens, Ph.D.
Professor and Director of Graduate Studies Department of Communication, Media, and
the Arts
Brett McAllister
Director of Graduate Admissions, Halmos Graduate Admissions