2018-19 Academic Catalog 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
2018-19 Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

English, MA


Graduate study in English can deepen your understanding of the experience, context, institution and theories of the reading and teaching of literature and writing.  Our MA degree is focused on the theory, practice and pedagogy of writing and literatures.  It introduces students to a variety of composition and literary theories, trains them in the assessment of texts, and contextualizes concrete pedagogical issues within a larger history of how our understanding of the nature and purpose of writing has changed from Chaucer, to the present day, and into the future as writing moves into electronic environments.

The graduate program serves teachers in local high schools and community colleges interested in developing their knowledge of English, individuals who want to prepare themselves to pursue a Ph.D., as well as those who simply enjoy the challenge of advanced study in literature and writing. Program requirements are flexible, allowing students to tailor their degree to match their interests.

Special Admission Requirements


  • Writing sample
  • Strong undergraduate major or minor in English or equivalent
  • See Graduate Studies website for additional graduate admission requirements

Program Requirements


English Electives


A student may take a combination of up to six hours credit in either two non-English graduate courses or one non-English graduate course and one English course at the 40000 level. The student must take MA Comprehensive Exams or write a MA thesis (see below).

Exam and Thesis Options


Every MA student must either write a thesis or pass comprehensive exams.

  1. Comprehensive Exams - Exams are given to students in their final semester in the MA program based on their coursework. A plan of study must be submitted to the Graduate School Office one semester prior to writing MA exams.
  2. Thesis - The student should choose a professor to serve as thesis chair and two other professors to serve on the thesis committee, and complete ENGL 59000  (a directed study preparing a bibliography and prospectus) and ENGL 69800  (writing the thesis). These courses count as credits towards the degree. Please see the Department of English and Philosophy’s website for additional information about admission and remaining in good standing with the department.

Total 33 Credits Required