How Do I Get an MA in Rhetoric?

An MA in rhetoric will prepare you for a variety of careers, many in the field of academics, and the degree will give you the skills necessary to understand and interpret various texts, as well as communicate complex ideas clearly. In order to earn an MA in rhetoric, you must first complete an undergraduate degree. English is perhaps the best option for an undergraduate degree that will prepare you for a master's of arts in rhetoric, though other degrees such as philosophy, communications, or even sociology can prepare you for this postgraduate degree program.

If you are still completing your undergraduate degree, it may be a wise decision to consult your academic advisor in order to determine the best course of action for earning an MA in rhetoric. He or she may have recommendations for particular coursework to take, as well as preparation materials for the various exams you may need to complete in order to be accepted to a master's program. Many schools may require you to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), which tests your general ability to complete work at the master's level. Other schools may not require such testing, but they may require you to have a specific grade point average, which means you will need to work hard during your undergraduate years in order to be accepted to an MA in rhetoric program.

Once you have completed your undergraduate degree, you will need to apply to various programs. It is best to apply to more than one program, as you may not get accepted to your first choice. Take note of any application fees and be sure you can afford them. The application requirements for an MA in rhetoric will vary by school, so be sure to find out what materials are necessary for each application. You will very likely need to write an essay or present some other scholarly writing for consideration by the applications committee that will review your materials.

If you are accepted to a program, prepare yourself for the material by ensuring you understand what coursework you will need to complete, what the basic concepts are for each course, and the amount of time you will need to devote to your studies. If finances are an issue, you may want to consider applying for a graduate assistantship that will allow you to teach introductory level classes and earn living stipends. Many assistantships also help reduce the amount of tuition you will have to pay.