English (M.A.)

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Program Information
SDSU’s English Department offers the M.A. degree in English. There are two emphases available to students: Studies in Literature and Studies in Language and Rhetoric. Within these areas of study, the department offers two options. Students may choose either Option A (thesis) or Option C (non-thesis). Option A requires a thesis. The thesis may reflect traditional scholarship in literature, language and rhetoric, or linguistics; or in conjunction with appropriate coursework, it may include a creative component. Option C requires additional coursework hours plus a comprehensive examination.

Either option or plan of study is suitable for anyone who wishes to further pursue the study of English, including teachers of English in secondary schools or in community colleges, those who plan to continue on to the doctorate, and those preparing for technical writing/editing positions. A full-time student can complete the course requirements in one academic year. Graduate assistants should be able to complete these requirements in four semesters.

Student Support and Engagement Opportunities
The department offers a number of graduate teaching assistantships for the nine-month academic year. GTAs teach two sections of composition per semester. They receive a stipend, are provided office space, have faculty library status, and pay one-third of resident tuition. To apply for a graduate teaching assistantship, contact the Department Head or the Graduate Advisor. This application to receive a Graduate Teaching Assistantship is in addition to the application to graduate school.

Graduate Teaching Assistants begin their duties in the fall semester of the academic year; therefore, applications for Teaching Assistantships are due on or before April 15. Students applying to begin during the spring semester will not be considered for a Graduate Teaching Assistantship until the following fall semester.

Available Options for Graduate Degrees

Master of Arts Option A
Option C

Core Requirements

ENGL 704 - Introduction to Graduate Studies
Credits: 3
ENGL 705 - Seminar in Teaching Composition
Credits: 3 required for all Teaching Assistants
Elective Credits: 24-30 with approval of program advisor
Reading knowledge of a modern foreign language or two years undergraduate credit in a modern foreign language on the transcript

Total Credits: 30 (Option A), 36 (Option C)

Additional Academic Requirements

Under Option A, the candidate is required to present a minimum of 30 hours of graduate work in one of the emphases listed, including 6 hours of thesis (ENGL 798); at least 20 hours must be taken in residence. The candidate will present a thesis which reports the results of research directed by a member of the faculty in English. The thesis may reflect scholarship in literary or cultural studies, language and rhetoric, or linguistics; or in conjunction with appropriate coursework, it may include a creative component. In an oral examination the candidate will be required to defend the thesis and to demonstrate knowledge relative to coursework in the chosen emphasis.

Under Option C, the candidate is required to complete 36 hours of coursework in English followed by successful completion of written examinations under the direction of the Graduate Coordinator.

The two emphases of study for the MA degree in English are:

Studies in Literature: at least 24 semester credits mostly in literature with at least two courses in English literature and two in American Literature, plus six hours of thesis. This emphasis is well suited to those who plan to continue toward the PhD degree in literature or to enter college or community college teaching.
Studies in Language and Rhetoric: at least 24 semester credits mostly in composition, rhetoric, criticism, and linguistics, plus six hours of thesis. This emphasis is well suited to those who plan to teach in a community college or to pursue a PhD degree in rhetoric or linguistics.

Either the literature emphasis or the language/rhetoric emphasis would offer appropriate advanced work for continuing secondary school teachers.

Additional Admission Requirements

To be admitted into the M.A. Program in English, the applicant should have a minimum of 24 semester hours of undergraduate credit in English or receive the consent of the department head.

GRE: Not required
TOEFL: Department requirement of 600 paper-based, 250 computer-based, 100 Internet-based

Minimum GPA of 3.25 in English courses

All applicants are required to submit both a writing sample and a brief statement of interest, goals, etc.

The Department of English requires applicants to have two (2) letters of recommendation sent directly to:

Dr. Sharon Smith
Graduate Advisor
Department of English
South Dakota State University
Box 504, Scobey Hall
Brookings, SD 57007

In addition, applicants who wish to apply for a Teaching Assistant position need to send - to the address listed above - a scholarly writing sample (8-10 pages) along with a brief letter stating the applicant’s intention to apply for the position. Note: Teaching Assistants begin their duties in the fall semester of the academic year; therefore, applications for Teaching Assistants are due on or before April 15. Students applying to begin during the spring semester will not be considered for a Graduate Teaching Assistantship until the following fall semester.

General Requirements (Master’s Degree)

Graduate students should consult with their advisor before registering for graduate work.

See Master’s Degree Requirements .