Graduate Certificate in Composition Studies (Online)
Ashleigh Petts, Ph.D
Program Director
713-221-8076
pettsa@uhd.edu
Karlyli Juarez
Associate Director, Graduate Studies
CHSSGradStudies@uhd.edu
Graduate Degree and Graduate Certificate Application Deadlines
Fall 2026
August 7, 2026
Please note: Composition Studies Graduate Certificate Program is no longer accepting applications.
Overview
The Graduate Certificate in Composition Studies is an 18-hour online program designed to provide English and Writing/Composition instructors with the credentials needed to teach dual-credit/enrollment courses in Texas high schools or lower-division writing courses at local universities and community colleges.* Courses are taught online by faculty with extensive experience and expertise in teaching composition and writing courses. The program provides courses relevant to the challenges of teaching college writing in Texas – teaching that must negotiate different levels of academic preparation, language differences, and cultural differences by incorporating diverse pedagogical strategies.
Curriculum
4 Required Courses (12 SCHs)
ENG 5317 - Rhetorical Theory and Criticism
(3 SCH)
ENG 5301 - Contemporary Composition Theory
(3 SCH)
ENG 5302 - Multicultural Composition Studies
(3 SCH)
ENG 5327 - Teaching College Writing Practicum
(3 SCH)
2 Elective Courses (6 SCHs)
ENG 5306 - Critical Theory
(3 SCH)
ENG 5316 - Advanced Studies in the History of Rhetoric
(3 SCH)
ENG 6307 - Advanced Shakespeare
(3 SCH)
ENG 6313 - British Literature Seminar
(3 SCH)
ENG 6314 - American Literature Seminar
(3 SCH)
ENG 6315 - World Literature Seminar
(3 SCH)
ENG 6316 - Multicultural Rhetorics
(3 SCH)
ENG 6317 - Theories and Practice of Second Language Acquisition
(3 SCH)
ENG 6319 - Language Variation and Adaptation
(3 SCH)
ENG 6326 - Theories of Developmental Writing and Reading
(3 SCH)
ENG 6327 - Studies in Literacy
(3 SCH)
ENG 6370 - Theories of Collaborative Learning and Pedagogical Practices
(3 SCH)
TCOM 6310 - Intercultural and World Communication
(3 SCH)
ENG 6371 - Strategies for Writing Assessment
(3 SCH)
TCOM 6318 - Stylistics and Editing
(3 SCH)
TCOM 6323 - Communications and Technology
(3 SCH)
Please visit the UHD Catalog for more detailed information on degree requirements, course offerings, and course descriptions.
Note: Students should regularly consult with the Program Director and current/future employers to determine which electives to take.