Program Overview

English (MA) Program

The Department of English offers an MA degree in the areas of literature studies, creative writing, and composition and rhetoric.

Description

We offer graduate course work in all listed areas of study. There are also opportunities for students to obtain a specialization in ethnic studies; Great Plains studies, human rights and humanitarian affairs, 19th-century studies, and women's and gender studies. We also have certifications in Digital Humanities and the Teaching of Writing.

Specializations

• Composition and Rhetoric
• Ervin and Loretta Krause Specialization in Creative Writing
• Ethnic Studies
• Great Plains Studies
• Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs
• Literary and Cultural Studies
• Nineteenth Century Studies
• Women's & Gender Studies

Program Requirements

The masters degree under Option A requires a thesis. Option A is most appropriate for students who are preparing for careers in research and scholarly work or additional academic pursuits beyond the masters degree. Under this option, a student must earn a minimum of 30 credit hours, consisting of 20 to 24 credit hours of regular course work, plus a thesis equivalent to 6 to 10 credit hours. At least one-half of the credit hours required for the degree, including thesis, must be in the major. The remaining work may be in supporting courses and may comprise a minor consisting of at least 9 credit hours selected from and approved by the minor department. At least 8 credit hours, excluding thesis, must be earned in courses open exclusively to graduate students.

The masters degree under Option B does not require a thesis. Option B is most appropriate for students pursuing practice-based or professional careers in which the masters degree provides suitable training. Under Option B, a student must earn a minimum of 30 credit hours. At least one-half of the credit hours required for the degree must be in the major. The remaining work may be in supporting courses and may comprise a minor consisting of at least 9 credit hours selected from and approved by the minor department. At least 15 credit hours must be earned in courses open exclusively to graduate students.

Admission Requirements

Standard Requirements

• Application for Admission with a non-refundable application fee.
• Transcripts (unofficial): Uploaded as part of the application form.
• Verification of English proficiency is required for applicants whose native language is not English.
• Financial information is required for international applicants who expect an F or J visa.

Additional Requirements

• Minimum English proficiency: Paper TOEFL 600, Internet TOEFL 100, IELTS 6.5
• Resume/CV
• Personal Statement: This statement should be 1-3 pages and include why you want a degree from Nebraska.
• Writing Sample: Provide 15-20 pages of a critical paper in English Studies.
• Other Upload: A summary of your teaching experience or a discussion of your teaching potential, no more than 2 pages.
• Three recommendation letters.

Admission Deadlines

December 1 for Fall. Prospective students are admitted for Fall only.

Program Faculty

• Kenneth Price: American Literature and Periodicals, Textual Editing, Digital Humanities
• Stephen Ramsay: Digital Humanities, Critical Theory, Drama
• Guy Reynolds: Willa Cather, Women's Fiction, American Studies
• Gregory Rutledge: African-American Literature and Culture, American Literature
• Timothy Schaffert: Creative Writing, Fiction Writing
• Kelly Stage: Renaissance Literature, Literature of 16th and 17th Century London
• Shari Stenberg: Composition and Rhetoric, Critical and Feminist Pedagogies, Literacy Studies, Teaching and Writing Development
• Hope Wabuke: Creative Writing (Poetry, Nonfiction), African and Diasporic Literature
• Stacey Waite: Composition, Rhetoric, Literacy, Queer Theory/Queer Pedagogies, Teaching of Writing, Feminist and Gender Studies, Creative Writing/Poetry
• Deborah Williams Minter: Composition, Literacy Studies, Rhetoric