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Indiana University Online

Composition Studies, Graduate Certificate

Develop fluency with the current debates, schools, and theories of writing instruction with the IU Online Graduate Certificate in Composition Studies. Explore the core principles of writing and literature through this fully online, flexible program.

Course Delivery: 100% Online

Total Credits: 20

In-State Tuition Per Credit: $350.00

Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit: $490.00

Cost of attendance may vary by campus. View the total cost calculator

Degree Overview

Learn to teach students how to craft sound arguments using close attention to logic, context, and audience. Areas of focus include:

  • Contemporary theory on the pedagogy of composition and literature
  • Linguistic structures and history of the English language
  • Reading strategies and literary analysis, with attention to close reading, style, form, genre, and rhetorical practices
  • Approaches to composition and writing instruction, including the identification and evaluation of sources, use of evidence, generation of ideas, and the development and organization of argument
  • Developing archival research skills and facility with electronic resources
  • Developments, trends, and frontiers in the digital humanities

You’ll graduate with an Indiana University certificate respected by employers worldwide—and you can work on yours anytime and anywhere. Plus, you’ll enjoy personalized support services throughout your academic journey.

To be accepted to this program, you must have:
  1. A bachelor's degree
    To enroll in this program, you must possess either a B.A. in English (or related bachelor's degree in education with an English specialization, concentration, or outside area) or two years of secondary teaching experience in literature or composition 
  2. 3.0 GPA or above on a 4.0 scale
To apply to this program:

Complete an online application that includes: 

  • Transcripts 
  • A 250-word personal statement explaining your background and reasons for entering the program
  • TOEFL scores (international students only) 
Application Dates

Fall semester: Aug 1

Spring semester: Jan 1

Summer 1 semester: May 1

Summer 2 semester: Jun 15

Your IU Online Graduate Certificate in Composition Studies prepares you for such careers as:

  • Composition dual-credit teacher (high school) 
  • Composition instructor (community college)

To enroll in this program, you must possess either a B.A. in English (or related bachelor's degree in education with an English specialization, concentration, or outside area) or two years of secondary teaching experience in literature or composition classes. To earn the Graduate Certificate in Composition Studies, you must complete 20 credit hours.

NOTE: If you choose to pursue the IU Online M.A. in English or the IU Online Master of Liberal Studies, these certificate courses may apply to your degree requirements. Admission to the Graduate Certificate in Composition Studies does not constitute admission into any of the face-to-face graduate programs in English at the participating campuses.

Core
Core Classes for the Composition Studies Graduate Certificate
Course Number Course Name Credits

ENG-G 660 -or- ENG-L 646

Stylistics -or- Readings in Media/Literature/Culture

4 Credits

ENG-W 500 -or- ENG-W 509

Teaching Composition: Issues & Approaches -or- Writing and Literacy Studies

4 Credits

ENG-W 501 -or- ENG-W 600

Teaching of Composition in College -or- Topics of Rhetoric and Composition

4 Credits

ENG-W 590 -or- ENG-W 620

Teaching Writing: Theories and Application -or- Advanced Argumentative Writing

4 Credits

ENG-W 682

Sp. Topics: Rhetoric & Composition

4 Credits

Find course descriptions with our Search Schedule of Classes/Courses tool.

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