Program Overview

M.A. in English Literature

The M.A. in English Literature program offers students a comprehensive education in literature, genre studies, author studies, culture, and literary thematics. Throughout the program, students work together in a collaborative cohort to explore and implement various research methodologies and discover practical applications for their degree in professional fields after graduation.

Program Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate familiarity with texts from diverse literary traditions.
• Demonstrate advanced writing, research, and analytical skills.
• Apply advanced critical approaches and methodologies to literary analysis.
• Engage in a sustained culminating scholarly project and communicate it effectively to a larger audience.

Program Options

Boise State University offers two options for students interested in earning a Master of Arts in English Literature.

Option 1: "4+1" Accelerated Program

In this program, students can enroll in up to 9 credits of 500-level courses during the last two semesters of their undergraduate career. These 500-level courses can be used to satisfy the degree requirements for both a bachelor's and master's degree. The remaining requirements for the master's degree are satisfied by the student in the semesters subsequent to the award of the bachelor's degree. All requirements for both the bachelor's and master's degrees must be met.

• Meeting the listed eligibility standards does not guarantee acceptance into the accelerated master's program. Acceptance is based upon an evaluation and recommendation provided by the Master of Arts in English Literature Program to the Dean of the Graduate College who will make the final admission decision.
• Students must have permission from the instructor before taking a class for graduate credit and may not repeat a course for dual credit.
• ALL students taking "Dual-Enrollment" courses complete a "Permit for Seniors to Take Graduate Courses" form and submit it to the Registrar's Office.
• There is an additional fee for enrolling in courses for graduate credit.

Option 2: Traditional 2-Year Program

In this track, students with a BA in English literature (or a related field) who are accepted to the M.A. program will follow a traditional 2-year course of study for the degree of Master of Arts in English Literature. Undergraduate credits will not count toward graduate requirements.

Core Courses for the M.A. in English Literature

• ENGLIT 500: Symposium on Research and Methods
• ENGLIT 510: Studies in an Author
• ENGLIT 520: Studies in a Genre
• ENGLIT 530: Studies in a Literary Period
• ENGLIT 540: Studies in Literary Themes
• ENGLIT 550: Studies in Literature and Culture
• ENGLIT 591: Project
• ENGLIT 592: Portfolio
• ENGLIT 590: Practicum/Internship