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

The Master of Arts (M.A.) 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 Doctor of Philosophy (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. Please refer to the University policy for graduate admissions.

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.
 

M.A. English

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Demonstrate the ability to think critically about the literary texts they read and interpret.

2. Demonstrate how to write coherently and clearly about research topics and other topics.

3. Demonstrate an understanding on how disciplines are interconnected.

4. Apply appropriate research methods to objects of study.

5. Demonstrate effective teaching skills and knowledge of appropriate teaching theories, if on appointment.

Ph.D. English

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Demonstrate effective teaching skills and knowledge of appropriate teaching theories.

2. Demonstrate the ability to read and interpret research in their field.

3. Write coherently and clearly about research topics and other topics.

4. Demonstrate an understanding of how disciplines are interconnected.

5. Demonstrate the ability to think critically and creatively about topics both inside and outside academia.

6. Apply appropriate research methods to objects of study.

Ph.D.: Doctoral students must pass two written examinations in two 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.