English M.A. Program

The Master of Arts in English program at the University of West Florida is designed for students who are passionate about the study of literature and writing. This program offers two specializations: creative writing and literature.

Program Details

• Credit Hours: 33-36
• Course Length: 16 weeks
• Estimated Program Length: 24 months

Program Overview

The program provides students with the opportunity to work closely with faculty mentors and pursue individual research interests. Students will develop advanced skills in critical analysis, creative expression, and effective communication, preparing them for roles in teaching, content development, editorial positions, and more.

Why Study English at UWF?

By studying literature and writing, students will develop the creativity, communication skills, critical thinking, and collaborative spirit that drives success in the 21st century. The close study of the written word provides skills that are valued in every professional field.

What You Will Learn

Students will engage the written word at a deep level, expanding their analytical and writing skills to develop as scholars and writers. The program offers opportunities to benefit from study with active scholars and successful creative writers, community-based internships, hands-on teaching experience, small classes, visiting lectures, and participant-centered workshops.

Courses and Requirements

The M.A. in English program requires a minimum of 33-36 credit hours of coursework, 18 of which must be 6000-level courses. Students will indicate their choice of specialization at the time of admission and declare whether they intend to pursue the thesis or non-thesis track after completing 18 credit hours of 6000-level coursework.

Thesis Track

Students completing 18 credit hours of 6000-level coursework with a minimum 3.5 grade-point average are eligible for the thesis track. Students with a lower GPA may petition the chair of the department to be allowed to pursue the thesis track.

Non-Thesis Track

After completing 30 credit hours of graduate-level coursework, M.A. candidates in the non-thesis track must complete an additional 6 credit hours of coursework.

Specializations

The program offers two specializations: creative writing and literature.

Creative Writing Specialization

• Graduate English Core (6 credit hours)
• One of the following (6 credit hours)
• Choose four courses from the following (12 credit hours)
• Choose 12 credit hours total from three of the following five blocks

Literature Specialization

• Graduate English Core (21 credit hours)
• One of the following (6 credit hours)
• Choose three courses from the following (9 credit hours)

Admission Requirements

Applicants will submit a portfolio of materials to be reviewed by the department's Graduate Committee. Other criteria for successful admission include:

• An institutional undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale on the last 60 hours of coursework in the baccalaureate degree
• Official transcripts confirming a bachelor's degree from an institution whose accrediting agency is included on the list of UWF approved accrediting agencies
• A two-page statement of purpose
• Three letters of recommendation
• Submission of an academic writing sample
• Submission of a creative writing sample (for those interested in the creative writing concentration)

Careers and Outcomes

A master's degree in English opens the door to a wide range of career opportunities in education, writing, publishing, and communications. Graduates develop advanced skills in critical analysis, creative expression, and effective communication, preparing them for roles in teaching, content development, editorial positions, and more.

Job Titles

• Writers and Authors
• Editors
• Technical Writers
• Postsecondary Teachers
• High School Teachers

Career Outlook

• Employment of technical writers is projected to grow 7% from 2022 to 2032 (faster than average)
• The median annual wage for technical writers was $79,960 in May 2022

Cost and Financial Aid

• Tuition Rate Per Credit Hour
• Alabama, Military, and Financial Aid

Tuition Rate Per Credit Hour

• In-state Tuition: $377.60 per credit hour
• Out-of-state Tuition: $1,037.24 per credit hour

Alabama, Military, and Financial Aid

• Alabama Differential Out-of-State Tuition
• Military and Veterans Resource Center
• UWF Financial Assistance

Featured Courses

A sample of featured courses in the English M.A. program includes:

• CRW 6130: Workshop in Fiction Writing
• ENL 6298: Topics in British Literature from the Romantics to Present
• CRW 6934: Special Topics in Creative Writing
• ENG 6018: History of Literary Theory

Related Programs

Related programs at the University of West Florida include:

• Strategic Communication and Leadership, M.A.
• Political Science, M.A.
• History, M.A.
• International Affairs, M.A.

Degree Overview:

• Overview: The Master of Arts in English program at UWF is designed for scholars and creative writers with a passion for studying literature and writing in various forms.
• Program Objectives: Graduates of the program become successful scholars, writers, publishers, educators, and professionals with valuable critical thinking and communication skills.

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Outline:

• Content: The program encompasses the study of literature and writing, fostering creativity, communication skills, critical thinking, and collaboration.
• Structure: Students can choose between a thesis or non-thesis track.
• Course Schedule: Courses cover both canonical and non-canonical works of fiction and nonfiction, providing exposure to texts from diverse historical periods and cultures.
• Modules: The program offers two specializations:
• Creative Writing:
Students engage in intensive study of techniques and workshop their own writing, preparing for careers in writing, editing, publishing, teaching, and pursuing terminal degrees.

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Teaching:

• Teaching Methods: The program utilizes active student learning, providing opportunities for students to strengthen their analytical and communication skills.
• Faculty: Students benefit from working closely with faculty mentors and engaging with active scholars and successful creative writers.
• Unique Approaches: The program includes hands-on teaching experience in the UWF Writing Lab, small classes, visiting lectures by notable scholars and writers, and participant-centered workshops.

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Careers:

• Potential Career Paths: Graduates of the program are equipped for careers that require critical thinking and writing skills, including publishing, editing, creative writing, not-for-profit administration, and more.
• Career Outcomes: Graduates have achieved success as publishers, editors, creative writers, technical writers, assistant professors, communications specialists, marketing executives, journalists, advertising specialists, entrepreneurs, and lawyers.

University of West Florida

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Overview:

The University of West Florida (UWF) is a public university offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. It prides itself on providing a personalized learning experience with small class sizes and dedicated faculty. UWF emphasizes a strong student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring individual attention and support.

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Services Offered:

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

UWF offers a vibrant campus community with various facilities and resources. Students can explore the Pensacola campus, UWF Emerald Coast in Fort Walton Beach, UWF Historic Trust in Historic Pensacola, and UWF's downtown Pensacola facilities. A virtual tour is available to experience the campus remotely.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Personalized Attention:

UWF boasts a 100:1 student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention and support from world-renowned professors.

Diverse Programs:

Over 110 undergraduate and graduate programs cater to various interests and career aspirations.

Strong Reputation:

UWF is ranked #100 in the "Top Public School – Regional Universities South" by U.S. News and World Report.

Engaging Campus Life:

UWF offers a vibrant campus community with various facilities and resources, including a virtual tour for remote exploration.

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Academic Programs:

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Other:

UWF actively engages in research and community outreach. Recent initiatives include:

Archaeology Institute Field Schools:

Offering students hands-on experience in archaeological investigations.

HeirStory Project:

Collaborating with a renowned journalist to develop technology for preserving family legacies.

Galapagos Islands Study Abroad:

Providing students with immersive cultural and historical experiences.