English - M.A. and Ph.D. Download to print

The Master of Arts in English consists of two concentrations: Literature and Writing and a Concentration for Teachers.

Literature and Writing offers students a broad perspective of English studies while providing concentrated study in one area. The program achieves this goal with distribution requirements, electives and a required focus in either literary traditions, critical theory or rhetoric and composition. The degree prepares students for further graduate study in English and related fields, for professional training in such fields as library and information science, and for careers in teaching.

Concentration for Teachers is for teachers interested in advanced study of literature and writing. Coursework focuses on current scholarship and approaches to literature and writing. While not a degree in literary and composition pedagogy, it is designed to encourage the application of current literary and writing research to the work responsibilities of the practicing teacher.

The Ph.D. in English permits students to focus on literary traditions and literary theory. Graduate students identify, investigate and theorize the social functions of texts in a variety of contexts both within and outside the academy, doing work that crosses the increasingly fluid boundaries that have begun to characterize the profession of literary and cultural studies. The program provides sustained focus on the social functions of all categories of texts (both literary and non-literary), including the conditions of their production, distribution and consequent use.

Official transcript(s), GRE (waived for in-service teachers), goal statement, three letters of recommendation and an 8-15 page writing sample relevant to the field of study (writing sample waived for Concentration for Teachers concentration). All requirements are reviewed and evaluated holistically.

M.A.: All graduate students are required to complete 33 hours of graded coursework. Graduate students must take ENG 61000. All graduate assistants must also take ENG 61094.

Ph.D.: Students with an emphasis in literature are required to complete 27 hours of coursework beyond the Master of Arts. New graduate students without prior teaching experience must take ENG 61094. Students must also satisfy a language requirement.
 

Ph.D.: Doctoral students must pass three written examinations in three distinct areas of English studies before being admitted to candidacy. They must also defend a dissertation prospectus.

The English Department offers the M.A. in TESL, M.F.A. in Creative Writing and the Ph.D. in Rhetoric and Composition.