English, MA

Location(s): Main Campus

The graduate program offers the Master of Arts (MA) in English. For the program, candidates specify a literature or creative writing focus at the time of application. MA candidates develop a broad knowledge of English literature and language, American literature and literary theory, other Anglophone literatures and criticism. Such breadth of knowledge is a prerequisite for advanced graduate study. Students who wish to apply for doctoral programs after the MA are advised to plan a curriculum that emphasizes the development of a broad knowledge of English, American and more broadly Anglophone literatures, although some specialization in a single field may be appropriate.

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.

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. All applicants should submit a sample of their critical writing (10-20 pages).

Those wishing to enter the MA program with a specialization in creative writing should so indicate on the front page of the application and should submit, together with a sample of their critical writing, a portfolio of their creative work (not more than 40 pages of fiction or 25 pages of verse).

GRE general test scores are accepted, but not required for the MA program application.

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 to apply online.

Program Requirements

Course Requirements

Students pursuing the MA in English must nine graduate level courses (or 36 credits), which includes:

One literature course before 1800
One course including literary theory
Seven 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 may wish to write a master’s thesis. Such students must submit to the graduate director a plan that shows adequate preparation for their proposed thesis, a brief prospectus of the proposed investigation, and a signed approval from the faculty member with whom the student wishes to work. The thesis is a substantial (50-75 pages) piece of original research or criticism. Only students whose thesis plan has been approved may register for ENG 599 Master’s Thesis. ENG 599 may be taken twice for credit, and it may be used for as many as two of the five electives required for the degree.

When the thesis has been approved by the faculty advisor, the director of graduate programs appoints a qualified second reader to review it. The thesis must conform to the Graduate School requirements, as outlined in the Graduate School Manual. Students may plan a course of study that does not include the writing of a thesis.

Master of Arts with a Certificate in Creative Writing Program Requirements

Course Requirements

Students pursuing the MA in English must nine graduate level courses (or 36 credits), which includes:

One literature course before 1800
Three workshops or tutorials in the writing of fiction or poetry
Four additional topics courses
ENG 599 Thesis, for four credits

Students may 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. Students are limited to two independent study courses as part of their program.

Thesis Requirement

At the conclusion of their coursework, students must submit to their thesis director a collection of poems, a collection of stories, a novel, or work in creative nonfiction. The director of the thesis and another faculty member evaluate this thesis. The thesis is the most important requirement for the MA in English/creative writing; it must be of substantial length and publishable quality, and it must conform to the Graduate School requirements for a thesis, as outlined in the Graduate School Manual.

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.