Program Overview

English, MA Program Description

The MA in English Program offers all candidates the opportunity to grow intellectually and creatively through the advanced study of language, literature, and writing. The program provides a variety of opportunities designed to:

• further students' understanding of academic fields pertaining to writing, composition theory, language, applied linguistics, literature, and literary and cultural theory
• encourage awareness and application of diverse humanistic, social scientific, and creative methodologies for and theoretical approaches to analyzing texts
• involve students in community-oriented and/or public-facing ways of making knowledge
• develop accomplished professionals who may pursue careers in non-profit, private, and academic areas
• provide students with the background and skills needed to pursue terminal degrees in fields such as English, American Studies, Cultural Studies, Technical Communication, Composition and Rhetoric, and more

Program Modality

Each semester, options to take face-to-face, hybrid/blended, and fully online courses will be offered. Students may choose to complete the degree fully online or face-to-face. Students should be aware that not all courses will be offered in their desired modality in the semester in which they wish to take it.

Student Learning Outcomes

At the end of the program, students will demonstrate:

• proficiency in critical reading, writing, and thinking at the graduate level
• understanding and application of core knowledge, vocabulary, and concepts in the discipline
• proficiency in scholarly methods of research and inquiry
• appropriate preparation for individual career paths within the profession

Good Standing

Students must maintain a 3.0 ("B") grade point average to remain in good standing in the English MA Program. Students whose cumulative GPA drops below 3.0 will be placed on scholastic probation. If, while on scholastic probation, a student's GPA for any semester again drops below 3.0, the student will be forced to withdraw from the university for at least one year before reapplying for admission.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must comply with the university procedures and requirements in applying for admission to the English Graduate Program. Application is made through the Office of Recruitment and Admissions, with duplicate materials submitted to the English Graduate Program Coordinator. Applicants must submit a portfolio that includes:

• Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate course work taken at any accredited college or University attended
• A statement of interest (500-750 words) from the candidate addressed to the English Graduate Committee
• A recent writing sample of at least 2000 words
• One letter of recommendation

Program Requirements

The candidate for the English MA degree must complete 36 graduate hours in English with a "B" average. Credit for no more than one "C" earned at this university may be applied to the degree. In addition to the 9 hours of core courses, students choosing the thesis option will take 6 hours in Writing studies, 6 hours in Literary Studies, 9 hours of English electives, and 6 hours of ENGL 5395 (Thesis). Students choosing the non-thesis option will take 9 hours of core courses, 6 hours in Writing Studies, 6 hours in Literary Studies, and 15 hours of English electives.

Course List

Core Courses

• ENGL 5301: Theory and Practice I: Literary Studies
• ENGL 5303: Theory and Practice II: Writing Studies
• ENGL 5304: Building Your (Virtual) Bookshelf
• ENGL 5305: Seminar in Professionalization

Writing Studies

• ENGL 5360: Writing Assessment
• ENGL 5361: Basic Writing Theory and Pedagogy
• ENGL 5362: Multimodal Rhetoric
• ENGL 5363: Rhetoric
• ENGL 5366: Visual Rhetoric
• ENGL 5369: Topics in Rhetoric and Composition
• ENGL 5372: Composition Theory and Pedagogy
• ENGL 5375: Creative Writing
• ENGL 5376: Professional Writing
• ENGL 5377: Grant Writing

Literary Studies

• ENGL 5340: British Literature Before 1660
• ENGL 5342: British Literature 1660 - 1830
• ENGL 5343: British Poetry and Fiction 1900-Present
• ENGL 5344: British Literature 1830 - 1900
• ENGL 5346: American Literature to 1865
• ENGL 5347: American Literature
• ENGL 5348: American Literature 1945-Present
• ENGL 5349: Topics in Literature and Culture
• ENGL 5350: Theoretical Approaches to Literature and Culture
• ENGL 5351: Survey Approaches to Literature and Culture
• ENGL 5352: Seminar in Genre
• ENGL 5353: Pedagogies for Literature and Culture

Thesis and Non-Thesis Options

Candidates for the MA in English may choose either to write a thesis or complete additional courses at the conclusion of their degree. Thesis-option students must complete 6 thesis hours and 9 hours of electives in addition to the other requirements listed above. Non-thesis students must complete 15 hours of electives in addition to the other requirements listed above.

Graduate Degree Mentor

Upon admission into the program, the student will be notified of their mentor, who will be a member of the English graduate faculty. Students are expected to meet with their mentor once a semester as they advance through the program.

Degree Plan

Each student working toward a graduate degree is responsible for meeting the requirements outlined in the degree plan. The student is also responsible for meeting all deadlines: program application, examination, and graduate application.

Transfer of Credit

Up to 9 semester hours of graduate-level study may be transferred from other regionally accredited institutions of higher education if appropriate to the degree. No course with a grade of less than a "B," and no course that has counted toward the earning of another graduate degree, will be accepted as transfer credit. Credit that is more than seven years old at the time of graduation will not be counted toward the MA degree.