University of Alabama :: Composition Rhetoric and English Studies

Welcome to the Composition, Rhetoric, and English Studies (CRES) site at the University of Alabama. We offer a specialized concentration within the English Department’s M.A. and Ph.D. degrees. The CRES Program is designed for students wishing to study the many facets of expository writing and become involved in research projects that will influence the course of writing instruction, literacy theory, rhetorical studies, and composition assessment.

Admissions

Prospective students should go first to the Admissions link above, then to the website for UA's Graduate School to begin the application process. Applicants will need to provide an electronic application form and statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, transcripts, GRE scores, a self-addressed, stamped postcard sent directly to the English Department, and a critical writing sample.

Program Information

The graduate curriculum provides a solid foundation in English studies. The doctoral program is designed for those seeking academic positions as composition specialists (researchers, teachers, or administrators) or generalist positions in postsecondary English departments that emphasize writing instruction. The newly formed (in 2006) MA program is ideal for practicing teachers wishing to improve their credentials by developing a specialty in the teaching of writing as well as for BA graduates who plan to go on for the Ph.D.

Faculty

Within the past five years, the CRES program has welcomed several new faculty members who bring a renewed sense of excitement and expanded possibilities for graduate study in composition and rhetoric. Particular areas of specialization now include composition theory and pedagogy, writing program and writing center administration, digital rhetoric, technology and writing, literacy studies, critical race theory, African-American rhetoric, and curriculum development and design.