Click here for Spring 2010 Graduate Course Descriptions

Master of Arts in English

In the Master’s program, students may choose course work in British Literature, American Literature, International Literature, or Writing Studies to complement the required core courses and electives. Students are expected to demonstrate the ability to participate in sophisticated scholarly discourse, both orally and in writing. The program serves as continuing training for in-service teachers and as preparation for doctoral-level work, as well as providing intellectual enrichment. A significant number of M.A. graduates have, in recent years, gone on to doctoral programs at major universities or to teaching positions at community colleges. Others have found the program to be both useful and enhancing to careers in business.

Admission Requirements

Candidates for matriculation in the Master of Arts program of this department must show a B average or better in their undergraduate work and a score of not less than 500 (Verbal) on their Graduate Record Examinations. Most applicants will have majored in literature (English, comparative, or foreign) at the undergraduate level. However, students with strong academic credentials may apply even if they do not have the recommended background in literature. The graduate program coordinator will interview each candidate for the program regarding his or her scholastic record and intellectual or professional goals. Students admitted to the graduate program coordinator in English must take at least one course in each academic year in order to maintain matriculation. Exceptions may be made upon application to the departmental graduate program coordinator. Non-matriculated students must obtain the approval of the departmental graduate coordinator in order to enter graduate courses in English.

Requirements for the Master of Arts in English

I. Distribution of course work

Any ENGL, ENLT, or ENWR graduate courses not used to fulfill requirements in “B.” Six credits may be taken outside the English Department with prior permission of the English graduate program coordinator. Minimum semester hours: 33

II. Foreign Language Requirement

Students are not required to demonstrate a reading knowledge of a foreign language; however, the department provides students with the opportunity to demonstrate such competency by examination in case they wish to present this credential when they apply for admission to doctoral programs. Examinations may normally be given in French, German, Italian, Russian, and Spanish. Other languages may be offered with the approval of the department. Testing arrangements should be made with the graduate program coordinator.

For further information please see the Graduate Catalog.