English

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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. Admission to the English Department’s graduate program must include a minimum GPA in English of 3.25. 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. Students may choose either Option A (thesis) or Option C (non-thesis).

Under Option A (thesis), 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. In an oral examination the candidate will be required to defend the thesis and to demonstrate knowledge relative to coursework in the chosen emphasis.

The two areas of study for the M.A. degree in English are:

Studies in Literature: 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 Ph.D. degree in literature or to enter college or community college teaching.

Studies in Language and Rhetoric: 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 Ph.D. degree in rhetoric or linguistics.

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

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.

Available Options for Graduate Degrees
Master of Arts:
Option A
Option C

See Master’s Degrees and Options for descriptions of available options.

Core Requirements

Reading knowledge of a modern foreign language or two years of undergraduate credit on the transcript.

ENGL 792 - Topics
Composition and Literature

Additional Admission Requirements

GRE: (General): Required
TOEFL: Department requirement of 600 paper-based, 250 computer-based, 100 Internet-based

Minimum GPA of 3.25 in English courses

General Requirements (Master’s Degree)

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

See Master’s Degree Requirements.