“I decided to enroll in the WRD program because I wanted to study the complexities, both practical and theoretical, surrounding the use of writing. I particularly wanted to develop my skills as a writer and improve my practice as a writing teacher by using theory as a tool to analyze my own habits and dispositions. I knew this phenomenon of writing, which the world practices on a daily basis, went well beyond just “putting pen to paper” (or fingers to keyboard) and the program’s mission resonated with my desire to capture a more comprehensive image of writing in its nearly infinite contexts.” – Jeff Melichar, MA in WRD
“When I started looking at graduate schools I was looking for a dual program, one that offered professional writing and a teaching component. DePaul, specifically WRD, met that desire. In addition to the writing, rhetoric, and discourse department offering a dual program, I found that I could further customize it to meet my career needs. I had the option to focus on teaching English as a second language or simply teaching composition. I chose to add the TESOL certificate to my masters degree. I was also able to focus my research for the writing and rhetoric classes in areas that are significant to the next stage of my career. It’s a win win.” – Shannon Kelley, MA in WRD