English, MA

Location(s): Main Campus

The graduate program offers the Master of Arts (MA) in English. The MA program encourages students to develop a broad knowledge of English literature. The department offers two options for the MA in English: the Master of Arts in English, and the Master of Arts in English with a Certificate in Creative Writing. Candidates specify a literature or creative writing focus at the time of application.

Admission Requirements

Qualified students holding a bachelor’s degree are eligible for admission to the program. An undergraduate major in English is desirable for admission. The English graduate admissions committee admits qualified students to the MA program based on their total records, including the personal statement, transcripts, recommendations, and a sample of their critical writing (10 to 20 pages). Applicants to the creative writing option for the program should so indicate on the front page of the application and should submit a portfolio of their creative work (not more than 25 pages) in addition to the critical writing sample. Scores from the GRE general test are accepted, but not required.

The application deadline for fall admission to the MA is Jan. 27. The application deadline for spring admission to the MA is Nov. 15. All applicants for the MA should go to the graduate admissions website for the online application.

Program Requirements

Course Requirements

Students pursuing the MA in English plan a program of study comprising at least nine graduate level courses (or 36 credits; 500-level or above). Students with a focus on literary research are required to take:

One literature course before 1800
One course including literary theory
Seven additional topics courses

Creative writing focused MA candidates are required to take:

One literature course before 1900
Three workshops or tutorials in creative writing
ENG 599, Thesis, for four credits
Four additional topics courses

Students normally take no more than two appropriate courses in other departments and no more than two courses from the same faculty member. Students who wish to take independent study courses must seek the consent of a faculty member who is willing to direct the independent study as well as the graduate director. Students are limited to two independent study courses as part of their program.

Thesis Requirement

Students with a focus on literary research may choose to plan a course of study that does not include the writing of a thesis; students with a focus on creative writing must write a master’s thesis. The thesis is a substantial (50-70 pages) piece of original research, criticism, or creative work as appropriate for the student’s focus. Students completing a thesis must submit to their faculty advisor a plan that shows adequate preparation for their proposed thesis and a brief prospectus of the proposed investigation. The student must submit to the graduate director a signed approval from the faculty advisor. The graduate director designates a thesis committee consisting of two members of the faculty who supervise and approve the thesis, with the faculty advisor typically serving as the lead supervisor.

Students whose thesis plan has been approved by the advisor and the graduate director are required to register for Master’s Thesis ENG 599. Students may take ENG 599 for credit twice. When the thesis has been approved by the thesis committee and the graduate director, it should be submitted to the Graduate School. Theses must conform to the Graduate School requirements, as outlined in the Faculty and Student Graduate Degree Handbook.

Additional Information About the Program

The student must maintain at least a B (3.0) average to remain in the program; more than one C grade normally requires dismissal.

Residency Requirement: A student not in residence must register each semester to remain in good standing.

For more information on the English MA program, please refer to the English, General Literature and Rhetoric website for more information. To apply to the English MA program, please visit the University Admissions website.