The Rhetoric, Composition, and the Teaching of English (RCTE) program is housed in the University of Arizona's English Department as one of four graduate programs. We offer both a Ph.D. track and an M.A. track. The M.A. program is designed for students intending to teach in the public schools and community colleges. This is ordinarily a two-year course of study. Students who are working full-time as teachers in local schools may take longer, up to a Graduate College limit of six years.Graduate students in RCTE are often distinguished for their public engagement and action-oriented research, published scholarship, and innovative teaching. They have been selected as Carson Scholars, Crossroads Collaborative Scholars, Fulbright Scholars, and Scholars for the Dream. Our graduate students are often recognized for their teaching and have received a range of teaching and research awards including the 1885 Dissertation Fellowship Award, the Centennial Achievement Award, the Marshall Foundation Fellowship, and the Patrick Dissertation Award. RCTE dissertation projects are broadly engaged and interested in social change and justice.RCTE MA and PhD students teach in our award-winning Writing Program, which provides varied opportunities to teach a range of first-year and upper-division courses, and gain additional professional experience within the program in areas such as human subjects-based research, textbook and curriculum development, assessment, transfer and placement, and writing center support. Graduate students receive small-group mentoring and support from experienced and committed teachers throughout their first year, with continued support throughout their time teaching in the program. We facilitate opportunities for research assistantships across the university as well.
Study options
Full Time
(1.5 Years)
Tuition fees
US$35,012.00
per year
Books, course materials, supplies, and equipment - $600 and Living Expenses - Housing and Food - $16,800.
Application deadline
Expected April 2027
Start date
August 2026
Venue
Main Campus
Tucson ,,
Tucson,
Arizona,
AZ 85721, West, United States
Entry requirements
For international students
The online application includes the following elements:Curriculum Vita;Statement of Purpose;Official copy of transcripts for all colleges attended, to be uploaded into online application. Hard copies are required upon admittance;Three academic letters of recommendation (your recommenders will be able to submit their letters through the online application system);A writing sample, preferably a paper in rhetoric and/or composition.The GRE exam is not required for admission.
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.