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center for writing home | literacy and rhetorical studies | about LRS | admission

Admission

Admission to the LRS Minor Program is contingent upon enrollment in good standing in a relevant Doctoral or Masters program within the Graduate School of the University of Minnesota. Prior teaching experience (at any level) is also desirable.

Admission depends upon having a coherent plan of study that both takes advantage of the University’s resources and is feasible. Entrance to the Minor program is granted by permission of the Director of Graduate Studies of LRS and the faculty selection committee. Approval of a specific program of study is granted by the Director of Graduate Studies of the Minor and of the student's home department upon filing a formal program of study with the Graduate School. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

After receiving notification of admission from the LRS Director of Graduate Study, LRS students must officially declare the Literacy and Rhetorical Studies minor on the "Graduate Degree Plan" form (an official Graduate School document that can be found under the "Academic status" tab on this list). The form must be filed before taking preliminary examinations. Students are encouraged to discuss the process with the Directors of Graduate Study in both their major program and LRS so that they select a course of study that fits their particular goals.

Application materials

• A statement of purpose in which you describe the courses you are taking to fulfill the minor requirements and their relationship to your scholarly and professional goals. Suggested length: two pages. 
• a completed 1-page application form (.doc or PDF that can be filled in)
• a curriculum vitae
• relevant post-secondary transcripts (unofficial copies are acceptable)
• one letter of recommendation

Students develop a minor program in consultation with their major adviser and Director of Graduate Studies, and the Director of Graduate Studies of LRS, Richard Graff. UMD students should also consult UMD LRS faculty member David Beard (Department of Writing Studies, UM-Duluth).

Please send all application materials electronically to Graduate Programs Coordinator Allie Cooperman (writgpc@umn.edu), or in hard copy to the following address:

Allie Cooperman
Graduate Programs Coordinator
Department of Writing Studies
University of Minnesota
220 Nolte Center
315 Pillsbury Drive SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455

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