-
Composition is one of three concentrations within the MA in English.
-
The M.A. in Composition provides students with a solid grounding in theory, research, and practice of teaching composition and reading to diverse student populations at the postsecondary level.
-
Graduate courses focus on theoretical foundations of the field: curriculum design; practices for responding to student writing; and strategies for supporting diverse student populations. In the culminating experience class (English 895), students create a portfolio containing teaching materials, a statement of teaching philosophy, a publication-quality academic article, and other materials relevant to their professional growth.
-
The M.A. in Composition prepares students for teaching in a variety of postsecondary settings. Most graduates of the program obtain positions teaching at community colleges, four-year colleges, or universities. Some graduates work in learning centers, educational programs, and fields related to writing and teaching.

The English: Concentration in Composition at San Francisco State University is a Master program designed for students who want to build the knowledge and skills required for careers in this field. Delivered on campus at the university's main campus in San Francisco, United States of America, the program is taught in English and takes 2 years to complete. Students study in a Full Time environment while preparing for future professional opportunities. The next intake starts on August 16, 2027.
About Master of English: Concentration in Composition
- English MA students will critically evaluate scholarship using knowledge of disciplinary history, foundational theories, epistemologies, and scholarly debates in order to participate in professional communities of Composition, TESOL, and Linguistics.
- English MA students will conduct principled inquiry (critical reflection, observation, and/or formal research) using appropriate methods and tools of analysis in order to address disciplinary questions and problems of practice.
- English MA students will produce effective written and oral presentations that follow professional disciplinary standards of Composition, TESOL, and Linguistics.
- English MA students will apply pedagogical knowledge and skills to the teaching of language, literacy, or linguistics.
- Composition students will articulate a coherent teaching philosophy that has been informed by practical experience and knowledge of relevant teaching principles and research.
- Composition students will create appropriate lessons and curricula for students in postsecondary reading and writing classes.
- Composition students will produce critical reflections on teaching practices and materials and how they embody educational values of ethics, social justice, diversity, and globalization.
Requirements and Admission Criteria for Master of English: Concentration in Composition at San Francisco State University
Entry Requirements
Eligible Degrees: Bachelor's degree.
Required Academic Documents: Degree certificate and transcript (record of subjects taken and marks earned) If your academic record is not in English, an English translation must accompany all academic documents. Academic documents must be university issued and sealed.
GPA Equivalency: a GPA of "B" or higher is required for graduate study 70 - 79
English Requirements
- PTEMin 59
- IELTSMin 6.5
- TOEFLMin 80
Tuition and Fee Information for Master of English: Concentration in Composition at San Francisco State University
How to Apply for Master of English: Concentration in Composition at San Francisco State University
Before Applying
- Spend time reviewing your desired program's information
- Note your program deadline for application. Applications are due by 9:00 pm the day of your application deadline. Refer to the lists below to determine your application deadline.
- Review the minimum university requirements for admission for domestic or international students.
- Gather your transcripts, test scores, and additional program materials that can be uploaded online. At this time, you may use unofficial copies, however, official copies will be required for formal review.
- International students should also gather uploadable versions of their TOEFL or IELTS scores.
- Provide notice to your recommenders prior to completing your application.
Submitting Your Application
- Go to the Cal State Apply portal, select semester from dropdown menu, create an account or login with account credentials
- Upload and attach all required materials under the four quadrants
- Once you have submitted names and emails for recommendations, recommendation requests are automatically generated.
- Complete payment for application: $70. All fees are non-refundable and non-transferrable.
- Once your application and payment have been submitted, you cannot add documents.
Cal State Apply
San Francisco State Graduate program applications are submitted through Cal State Apply. Cal State Apply is a Centralized Application Service (CAS) that simplifies the process of applying to CSU programs. You will only submit one application for the university and the graduate program.
Quadrant I: Personal Information
- Complete all of the required fields in the 7 sub-sections
- Fields noted as optional may be skipped
Quadrant II: Academic History
- Colleges attended: Add all previous institution information and dates attended
- Standardized tests: Standardized tests will be reported under Program Materials, click on "I am Not Adding Any Standardized Tests"
- GPA entries: Graduate Studies will calculate your GPA from your previous institution transcripts, click on "Don't have a GPA to add"
Quadrant III: Supporting Information
- Experiences: You may opt out of all supporting materials, unless your intended program instructs you to use these fields. Select "I Am Not Adding Any Experiences" in this section of the application.
Quadrant IV: Program Materials
- Program materials is composed of 4 separate tabs. Carefully read the Home tab as the program lists all required materials and important information on this tab.
- Questions: All required questions must be answered
- Documents: All required documents must be uploaded. Attach documents that are legible. You may need to resize any scanned PDFs so that you do not exceed the MB limit for each document.
- Recommendations: Once you have submitted names and emails for recommendations, recommendation requests are automatically generated.
- Do not wait for recommendations to be returned. Continue with the application process in order to meet your deadline.
After Submitting
- Applications will be sent electronically to the program once all materials have arrived and evaluators have evaluated the minimum requirements are met.
- The program reviews applications and makes their recommendations to the Graduate Division.
- You will receive an email notifying you that a decision is ready.
- Log into your Student Center to review the acceptance checklist. If you have not already arranged for submission of official copies of transcripts, test scores and degree certificates, you will need to make these arrangements.

United States of America, San Francisco