Master of Arts in English

Program Overview

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Master of Arts in English

Program Overview

The Master of Arts in English program at the University at Albany offers students the opportunity to explore their interests in British, American, Native American, postcolonial, and contemporary literature in English, as well as creative writing, rhetoric, composition, pedagogy, and cultural studies.

Program of Study

The program requires a minimum of 32 credits, which can be completed as follows:

• Textual Practices AEng 500 (required)
• 18 credits in English subjects
• 4 credits at the 600-level or above
• 8 credits in English or other academic fields
• Master's Thesis or Research Tutorial and Exam

Career Outcomes

Alumni of the master's in English program are prepared to enter a broad range of fields that require critical analysis, formulation of persuasive arguments, explanatory and instructional writing, substantive editing, verbal skill, and strong writing abilities. Some common careers for individuals who have graduated with an MA in English include:

• Archival assistant
• Brand manager
• Instructor
• Reporter
• News producer
• Program analyst
• Public relations consultant
• Social media strategist
• Acquisitions editor
• Content developer

Certificate of Graduate Study in English Studies

The CGS English Studies is a certificate option to advance your career if you are pursuing an MS in Secondary Education (MSSE) or an MA in English. Enhance your expertise through the most recent research in your selected field of specialization and additional experience in critical and/or creative writing. You can choose to specialize in one of three areas of study:

• American Literature and Culture
• Global English Studies
• Writing Practices

Program of Study for CGS English Studies

Some of the coursework you complete for the MSSE can also count toward the requirements for the English studies certificate. The main curriculum for this CGS includes general credits in English, along with a larger set of classes in your chosen area of primary study.

You will complete 20 credits of graduate coursework, eight of which can be satisfied by the Content Area Coursework required for the MSSE. The remaining credits are distributed as follows:

• Textual Practices (4 credits)
• Four courses at the 500-level or above in the primary field of study (16 credits)

Admissions Requirements

• Deadlines:
  • Fall: Rolling
  • Spring: Rolling
  • Summer: Not Available
• Required Application Materials:
  • Transcripts from all schools attended
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • Statement of Goals
  • Critical Writing Sample
  • Creative Writing Sample (Optional)

Student Learning Objectives

• Students will read broadly and deeply in the field, and learn to make critical arguments and/or creative interventions by:
  • Writing an argument or developing a research project that engages with one or more theoretical models that have been influential within English Studies
  • Reading a wide range of materials in a subfield of English studies and developing an argument or other research project based on this broad reading
  • Reading deeply in a narrowly focused critical debate or topic and developing an argument or other research project that draws upon this depth of reading
  • Producing and improving original creative work in light of peer and instructor feedback
• Students will develop an original "capstone" project synthesizing and extending M.A. coursework:
  • Research, summarize, and articulate major arguments or characteristics of a sub-field of study within English Studies
  • Produce a substantial critical or creative work that makes an original intervention into a scholarly or creative tradition

Supplemental Degree Programs

Graduate students can typically request a supplemental degree in one or more subordinate degrees without needing to go through the full admissions process again. Supplemental programs available with this degree include:

• Africana Studies CGS
• Community College Leadership CGS
• Demography CGS
• English Studies CGS
• International Education Management CGS
• Teaching Composition CGS

Program Outline

The program provides a comprehensive study of British, American, Native American, postcolonial, and contemporary literature in English, along with creative writing, pedagogy, and cultural studies.

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Objectives:

The program aims to equip students with strong communication and research skills, preparing them for successful careers in various fields, including publishing, editing, writing, education, and library and information science.

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Description:

• The program requires a minimum of 32 credits, with a flexible structure allowing students to tailor their studies to their individual interests.
• The curriculum includes:
• Textual Practices A (required)
• 18 credits in English subjects
• 4 credits at the 600-level or above
• 8 credits in English or other academic fields
• Master's Thesis or Research Tutorial and Exam
• Students can choose from a wide range of electives, covering various literary periods, genres, and theoretical approaches.
• The program culminates in a critical and/or creative project or selected readings and a final master's exam.

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Outline

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Structure:

The program is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in literary studies while fostering their individual interests and research skills.

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Course Schedule:

• Courses are offered in various formats, including traditional lectures, seminars, and workshops.
• However, the course descriptions provide insights into the specific topics covered within each subject area.

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Module Descriptions:

• Textual Practices A: This required course introduces students to key concepts and methods in literary analysis.
• 18 credits in English subjects: Students can choose from a wide range of courses, including:
• British Literature
• American Literature
• Postcolonial Literature
• Contemporary Literature
• Creative Writing
• Rhetoric and Composition
• Literary Theory
• 4 credits at the 600-level or above: These advanced courses allow students to specialize in a particular area of interest.
• 8 credits in English or other academic fields: Students can choose to broaden their knowledge in related fields such as history, philosophy, or gender studies.
• Master's Thesis or Research Tutorial and Exam: Students can choose to complete a traditional thesis or a research tutorial and exam.
The thesis option allows students to conduct in-depth research on a specific topic, while the research tutorial and exam option provides a more focused study on a particular area of interest.

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Assessment

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Assessment Methods:

• The program uses a variety of assessment methods, including:
• Essays and research papers
• Presentations
• Class participation
• Exams
• Thesis or research project

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Assessment Criteria:

• The program assesses students based on their ability to:
• Demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of literary texts and theories
• Conduct effective research and analysis
• Communicate their ideas clearly and effectively in written and oral form
• Think critically and creatively
• Engage in scholarly debate

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Teaching

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Teaching Methods:

• The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including:
• Interactive lectures
• Small-group discussions
• Collaborative projects
• Individualized指導
• Writing workshops

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Faculty:

• The program boasts a distinguished faculty with expertise in various areas of English literature and language.
• Faculty members are actively involved in research and publishing, ensuring that students are exposed to cutting-edge scholarship.

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Unique Approaches:

• The program offers a variety of unique approaches to learning, including:
• Opportunities for independent research
• Internships and field experiences
• Study abroad programs
• Collaboration with other departments and programs

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Careers

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Career Paths:

• The program prepares students for a wide range of careers, including:
• Publishing
• Editing
• Writing
• Teaching
• Library and information science
• Public relations
• Communications
• Arts administration
• Higher education

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Career Opportunities:

• Graduates of the program have found success in a variety of positions, including:
• Editor
• Writer
• Teacher
• Professor
• Librarian
• Archivist
• Public relations specialist
• Communications manager
• Arts administrator

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Outcomes:

• The program emphasizes developing the skills and knowledge necessary for students to succeed in their chosen careers.
• The program offers an accelerated undergraduate/graduate option, allowing students to begin their graduate coursework as early as their junior year.
• The program also offers a Certificate of Graduate Study in English Studies, providing students with additional expertise in their chosen field.