What is the difference between the Graduate Certificate in Technical Writing and Digital Communication and the Master of Arts in Technical and Professional Writing?
The Graduate Certificate is a 15-credit hour program made up of these courses:
- ENGL 5106 – Technical Writing in the Digital Age
- NMAC 5108 – Writing and Publishing in Digital Environments
- ITEC 5300 – Web Development
- ITEC 5310 – Human Computer Interaction
- ITEC 5320 – Instructional Design
The Master of Arts program includes four of the certificate courses above (ENGL 5106, NMAC 5108, ITEC 5300, and ITEC 5320), with ITEC 5310 as a possible elective and adds the following courses for a total of 30 credit hours:
- ENGL 5206 – Public and Professional Writing
- ENGL 5650 – Theory and Practice in Editing and Style
- COMM 5000 – Rhetoric: Written, Visual, and Oral Communication
- 3 of the 4 elective courses:
- ITEC 5310 – Human Computer Interaction (also part of certificate)
- MCOM 5131 – News Writing and Reporting
- COMM 6610 – Social Media, Communication, and Advertising
- ENGL 6100 – Seminar in Landmark Reports and Papers
Can I complete one program without the other?
Absolutely. You can earn the Graduate Certificate in Technical Writing and Digital Communication as a stand-alone graduate credential. If you complete the Master’s Program, you will have automatically completed the Graduate Certificate curriculum, but you do not have to apply for graduation with this credential if you do not want to.
If I am admitted to the Master’s program, can I do just the Graduate Certificate?
Definitely. Admitted M.A. students can still earn the certificate whether or not they complete the M.A. curriculum.
Any testing requirements for admission?
We do not require admissions exams for acceptance into the Master of Arts in Technical and Professional Writing or the Graduate Certificate in Technical Writing and Digital Communication.
Financial aid available?
While federal financial aid is available for the M.A., it is not currently available for the certificate. However, we do offer Graduate Certificate students other financing options such as Nelnet payment plans, alternative loans, tuition assistance programs (TAP), and third-party scholarships.
Are letters of recommendation required?
Letters of recommendation are not required for either the Master of Arts in Technical and Professional Writing or the Graduate Certificate in Technical Writing and Digital Communication.
What is “evidence of aptitude for success in graduate-level studies”?
A graduate admissions committee determines aptitude for success by reviewing applicants’ official transcript(s) and statement of interest. No additional materials beyond those indicated in the application instructions are required.
If I do not meet the GPA requirement, can I still apply?
Applicants with undergraduate GPA between 2.5 and 2.75 cannot be admitted straight into the Master of Arts program, but they can be admitted to the certificate program. On completion of the Graduate Certificate, these students would then be eligible for entry into the Master’s program.
Applicants who do not meet the 2.5 GPA threshold cannot be admitted into the Graduate Certificate or the M.A. program. Students in the Macon area may enroll in MGA’s undergraduate Professional Writing (PFWR) courses as transient students to raise their GPA and gain valuable related instruction that will equip them well for the graduate program if/when they are admitted.
Do the Master’s and Graduate Certificate programs start only in fall semester?
Not so. Admitted students may begin either program in fall, spring, or summer semester.
Do I need to live in Georgia or near Macon?
Not at all, both programs are fully online. We do have local MGA students in the program, but also students from as far away as Pennsylvania and Texas.
When are program courses offered?
The Graduate Certificate program courses (which form half of the M.A. curriculum) are offered in a consistent rotation:
- Fall — ENGL 5106 and ITEC 5300
- Spring — NMAC 5108 and ITEC 5310
- Summer — ITEC 5320
The Master of Arts rotation will begin with ENGL 5560 in fall 2019 and be developed fully in coming months. More on this soon!
Are there application deadlines?
Yes. Scroll to “Admissions deadlines for TWDC” at https://www.mga.edu/graduate-studies/admission-deadlines.php.
How do I apply?
Detailed information is available at https://www.mga.edu/graduate-studies/apply.php.
In brief, though, all it takes for either the Master or Arts in Technical and Professional Writing or the Graduate Certificate in Technical Writing and Digital Communication is these three, possibly four things, submitted to:
Graduate Admissions
Suite 217, Academic Services Bldg.
100 University Boulevard
Warner Robins, GA 31093
Phone: 1.478.929.6865
Fax: 1.478.929.6714
graduateadmissions@mga.edu:
- a completed application
- a brief (1-2 page) statement of interest, indicating why you would like to enroll in either the M.A. or Graduate Certificate program
- official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions you’ve attended
- for Georgia residents, evidence of Georgia residency: see https://www.mga.edu/admissions/docs/Lawful_Presence_Documentation.pdf.
