Overview

Key Facts

Through a solid theoretical foundation in rhetoric and discourse paired with practical training, the master’s in Writing, Rhetoric and Discourse (WRD) from DePaul University both makes you a better writer and teaches you exciting new ways to think about the history, craft and politics of writing. With the option to concentrate in Professional & Digital Writing or Teaching Writing & Language, you’ll develop lifelong skills that are invaluable to a range of careers. Read about WRD courses, events and alumni on our blog.

With an MA in WRD, you can pursue professional roles such as:

Writing for businesses, nonprofits and tech companies
Producing and managing digital content
Working in an instructional design role at a university or other educational setting
Teaching writing in a post-secondary institution
Continuing the study of writing in a PhD program
Advancing your career as a high school English teacher

Enhance your degree with graduate certificates in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESOL), Teaching English in Two-Year Colleges, and Digital Humanities.

Courses are offered on weekday evenings at the Lincoln Park Campus. The program can be completed in two years.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Ancient rhetorics

Contemporary rhetorics

Multicultural rhetorics

Global englishes

Discourse and style

Genre theory and practice

Topics in rhetorical history

Topics in community, culture and identity

Topics in language

Sociolinguistics

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-06-15 00:00:00

Apply anytime.
Starting 2026-09-10 00:00:00

Apply anytime.
Starting 2027-01-03 00:00:00

Apply anytime.
Starting 2027-03-28 00:00:00

Apply anytime.

More details

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. The deadline to be considered for a graduate assistantship is February 15.

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

130

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TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

7.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Credits

48 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Chicago, United States

Disciplines

Creative Writing Literature View 385 other Masters in Creative Writing in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

130

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

7.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

A graduate application
Official transcript(s) from all previous schools attended
Statement of Purpose (approximately 500 words): In your Statement of Purpose, specifically discuss the academic and professional experiences that helped shape your decision to pursue graduate work in Writing, Rhetoric, and Discourse (WRD). Explain your educational and career objectives and how these relate to the MA in WRD program.
Current resume or CV
15 to 20 pages of your own written work.
Two letters of recommendation, which speak to your academic and professional abilities.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

19488 USD / year

≈ 19488 USD / year
Out-of-State

19488 USD / year

≈ 19488 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

19488 USD / year

≈ 19488 USD / year

Living costs

Chicago

United States

1297 - 2491 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

Interested in financing your studies? Find a student loan that works for you.

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Free visa & career support through our Path2Success program

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Writing, Rhetoric and Discourse.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Key Facts

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Chicago

Financing

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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