Become a Better Communicator, Writer, and Instructor

The Master of Arts in Composition, Rhetoric, and Digital Media (CRDM) from Nova Southeastern University provides students with a foundation for conducting and presenting research, applying rhetorical theories, teaching writing, and producing digital media. Through specialized coursework and experiential learning in the history, theory, and production of composition, rhetoric, and digital media, you will develop expertise researching and composing in a range of professional genres.

As part of NSU's program, you have the opportunity to work with a variety of local organizations and university departments and programs, present and publish research independently and collaboratively with faculty and peers, and contribute to NSU publications such as Digressions, the student-run literary and art magazine.  

CRDM is built with your long-term success and employability in mind. The CRDM program prepares you for a career in writing, publishing, teaching, communication, and doctoral study. CRDM graduates are prepared to pursue doctoral studies in Composition and Rhetoric and related disciplines, as well as a variety of careers in publishing, media production, public relations, and education.

Did You Know?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for editors and writers will keep pace with other professions over the next several years, while demand for certain specialties, such as technical writing and public relations, will increase 7-10% faster than the average for all occupations from 2019-2029. Additionally, the composition course requirement of most colleges and universities nationwide ensures the continued demand for qualified faculty in composition and rhetoric.

Upon successful completion of the SoFlo Writing Project’s Summer Institute, applicants to NSU’s M.A. in Composition, Rhetoric, and Digital Media program may apply to receive credit for up to two elective courses (6 credits) towards the 30 credits required for the M.A. degree.

Quick Facts

Curriculum

NSU’s M.A. in Composition, Rhetoric and Digital Media is 30 total credits to complete. 

Start Dates

Admissions is on a “rolling” basis with program start dates offered in August (Fall term), May (Summer term) and January (Winter term).

Delivery Options

Classes for the M.A. in Composition, Rhetoric and Digital Media are offered at NSU’s Fort Lauderdale/Davie campus with select coursework offered online. Classes meet once a week in the evening.

Tuition

Visit the Tuition and Fees page for more information.

Application Deadline

Fall 2024: Friday, July 19th, 2024, Winter 2024: Friday, November 17th, 2023, Summer 2024: Friday, April 12th, 2024.

Career Outcomes

Technical Writers

$74,650 Median Salary Per Year

Editors

$63,400 Median Salary Per Year

Content Writers

$67,120 Median Salary Per Year

College Instructor

$80,790 Median Salary Per Year

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Learning Outcomes

A graduate with an M.A. in Composition, Rhetoric, and Digital Media graduate is expected to: 

  • Demonstrate advanced knowledge of what effective writing is in a variety of rhetorical contexts.
  • Evaluate writing curricula and pedagogical practices.
  • Design successful digital media using rhetorically appropriate strategies.
  • Produce and present original research based on the theories and methods applicable to composition, rhetoric, and digital media.

Composition, Rhetoric, and Digital Media Curriculum

View PDF
Core Courses (12 credits)
Credits
WRIT 5010
Research Methods (WRIT 5010 / Credits: 3 )
3
WRIT 5120
Theories of Composition (WRIT 5120 / Credits: 3 )
3
WRIT 5340
Studies in Multimodality (WRIT 5340 / Credits: 3 )
3
WRIT 5650
Rhetorical Criticism (WRIT 5650 / Credits: 3 )
3
Elective Courses (12-18 credits)
Credits
WRIT 5100
Teaching Writing (WRIT 5100 / Credits: 3 )
3
WRIT 5140
Writing Center Praxis (WRIT 5140 / Credits: 3 )
3
WRIT 5160
Teaching Writing Online (WRIT 5160 / Credits: 3 )
3
WRIT 5250
Social Media Writing and Strategy (WRIT 5250 / Credits: 3 )
3
WRIT 5320
Advanced Writing with Technologies (WRIT 5320 / Credits: 3 )
3
WRIT 5350
Game Studies (WRIT 5350 / Credits: 3 )
3
WRIT 5400
Technical Writing (WRIT 5400 / Credits: 3 )
3
WRIT 5620
Rhetorical Traditions in Writing Studies (WRIT 5620 / Credits: 3 )
3
WRIT 5750
Transmedia Theory and Production (WRIT 5750 / Credits: 3 )
3
WRIT 5800
Editing, Layout and Design (WRIT 5800 / Credits: 3 )
3
WRIT 5850
Teaching and Tutoring Second Language Writing (WRIT 5850 / Credits: 3 )
3
WRIT 5900
Special Topics (WRIT 5900 / Credits: 3 )
3
Degree Completion (3) Options
Credits
WRIT 5950
Media Internship (Repeatable) (WRIT 5950 / Credits: 6 )
6
WRIT 6000
Master's Thesis (Repeatable) (WRIT 6000 / Credits: 6 )
6
Culminating Exam
Complete and pass an on-site (3) hour exam during final semester of coursework (Culminating Exam )

For specific course requirements, refer to the “Master of Arts in Composition, Rhetoric and Digital Media Program (M.A.)" 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.

Admissions Requirements


1

Completed NSU Graduate Application and $50 Application Fee

2

Transcripts from all previously attended higher education institutions including degree conferral.  

(Applicants who have not yet completed their undergraduate degree programs may submit official transcripts prior to degree conferral to be considered for provisional admission.  Final official transcripts must be submitted to receive full admission into the program.) 

3 Personal Statement of approximately 500 words, detailing the ways in which the program may help the applicant achieve his or her goals. 
4 An academic writing sample (it can be an academic paper, submitted journal writing, or a piece of professional writing). 
5 Submit (2) Letters of Recommendation 
6 Undergraduate GPA of +2.85 above to Apply.  
7

For non-native English speakers and graduates of foreign institutions (where English is not the primary language instruction). Demonstrate English-language proficiency is required through one of the following options:

  1. Successful completion of a degree at an approved U.S. institution of higher education where English is the primary language of instruction.
  2. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) official score of 213 on the computerized test, 550 on the paper test format, or 79 on the Internet format. 

GRADUATE OPEN HOUSE

Join us on Friday, March 8th at 12:00 PM EST to learn more about Composition, Rhetoric, and Digital Meda, including careers within the field, NSU graduate degree offerings, and the application process.

 This event is free and open for all to attend. You may register for the Open House here.

Program directors and department faculty from the Department of Communication, Media, and the Arts (DCMA) and NSU Halmos College of Arts and Sciences Graduate Admissions will be in attendance to answer your questions about your program(s) of interest.

Program Director and Admissions Staff

Shanti Bruce, Ph.D.

Assistant Dean & Professor
Department of Communication, Media, and the Arts
Image of Shanti Bruce

Juliette Kitchens

Associate Professor
Department of Communication, Media, and the Arts
Image of Juliette Kitchens

Megan Troy

Assistant Director
Halmos Graduate Admissions
Image of Megan Troy

Where Will a M.A. in Composition, Rhetoric and Digital Media Take You? Hear From Our Alumni.

Sabrina Louissaint, M.A.

Graduate, 2021

Angelica Zadak, M.A.

Graduate, 2020

Daniel Malinconico, M.A.

Graduate, 2020

Veronica Diaz, M.A.

Graduate, 2019

You and NSU – the Sky’s the Limit

Your support and involvement helps us create, investigate and improve the world around us. Join us in our passion to bring out the best in our students, our society, our environment and our economy.