M.A. in English

(Students may select the literature-based M.A. or the M.A. track in Professional Writing and Editing to complete their degree. On this page are the requirements for the literature-based M.A.)

The Master of Arts program in English offers courses in literature research, history, and theory, genre and figure studies, creative and professional writing, linguistics and composition theory, film, and the teaching of writing and literature.

Faculty members strive to offer students an understanding of the traditions of literary study and familiarity with the latest multicultural and interdisciplinary approaches. The M.A. in English prepares graduates to pursue opportunities in teaching, professional writing, and further graduate study. Working closely with their advisors, students design individual programs to meet their interests and goals. Students are encouraged to explore a variety of approaches to the study of literature, language, and writing and to develop their abilities as readers, critics, writers, and teachers.

The English M.A. program requires 30 semester hours of coursework in English, during which students complete and present a thesis, or a portfolio of their representative work, to a faculty review committee.

Admission Requirements

Students must have an undergraduate English major or other preparation judged satisfactory by the Department and an un-recalculated grade point average in undergraduate study of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale).

Applicants for the M.A. are required to submit a brief (750-1000 words) statement of purpose outlining their reasons for wishing to obtain the M.A. in English and how that degree fits into their professional goals.