Nov 10, 2024  
2015-2016 Graduate Studies Bulletin 
    
2015-2016 Graduate Studies Bulletin [ARCHIVED BULLETIN]

Rhetorical Studies, MA


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Assistant Professor Spieldenner, Graduate Program Director, 516-463-5955

The philosophy of the Department of Rhetoric  is based on the recognition that our society is enmeshed in an all-encompassing, interdependent, and ever-expanding web of human and technological communication. Students who major in or take courses in this department learn how the communication process works in interpersonal and group settings, in formal organizations, and in public communication situations. The primary goals of the curriculum are to develop competencies in observing, analyzing, and evaluating communication practices; to develop knowledge about human communication theory; and to develop communication skills in a variety of settings.

The Department of Rhetoric offers a Master of Arts both for those students intending to pursue doctoral work and for those for whom an MA will be the final degree. The program provides a strong liberal arts background that can be applied to a variety of professional fields, such as business, education, politics, health services and government. Examples of specific career applications include communication training and development, conflict management and resolution, law, corporate and public advocacy, and public performance.

Students receive a great deal of individual attention from faculty and have considerable flexibility in tailoring a course of study to fit their individual needs. Part-time students are welcome and most classes are scheduled in the evening to accommodate those with daytime employment.

Students may concentrate either in rhetorical studies or in performance studies. Students may choose either a final project or a traditional thesis.

Admission Requirements


Prospective students must complete and return an application to the Dean of Graduate Admission, 126 Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY 11549-1260. The application process includes:

  1. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
  2. Transcripts from all previously attended institutions of higher education.
  3. Two letters of recommendations from faculty who can write in support of the applicant’s scholarship and potential ability to complete graduate-level work.
  4. A writing sample (academic or professional).
  5. In order to be adequately prepared for graduate study, entering students should have taken at least 15 semester hours in the following undergraduate communication courses, earning at least a 3.0 GPA:
    • 3 s.h. in basic oral communication (theory and practice)
    • 3 s.h. in public speaking
    • 3 s.h. in performance studies
    • 3 s.h. in interpersonal communication
    • 3 s.h. in rhetorical studies (in addition to public speaking)

Financial Assistance


A limited number of partial scholarships are awarded for qualified students. Other student aid in the form of loans and work-study program may also be available.

Program Requirements - Semester Hours: 33


Required Courses - Semester Hours: 9


Non-Thesis Option - Semester Hours: 3


Thesis Option - Semester Hours: 6


Graduation Requirements


  1. Pass an oral defense of the thesis or non-thesis project.
  2. Completion of all program requirements with a minimum GPA of 3.0 in overall graduate course work.

Career Opportunities


Career paths open to students with graduate training in rhetorical studies are many and varied. These include communication training and development, conflict management and resolution, law, corporate and public advocacy, industrial relations, personnel and human resources, advertising, management, health services, political communication, sales, government service, community organization, education and public performance.

Employers consistently report that the number one quality they look for in new hires is the ability to communicate effectively, and that skilled communicators are very hard to find. Graduates of this program will be among the very best-trained communicators entering the job market in any of a very broad range of careers.

Advisement


Graduate students in Hofstra College of Liberal Arts and Sciences  should contact the graduate program director to have an adviser/mentor assigned as soon as they arrive on campus. Students should meet with their adviser for scheduling of classes for each semester. Adviser/mentors are available throughout each semester.

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