Master of Arts (M.A.) in English
The M.A. in English is designed for students seeking continuing education, a foundation for doctoral work (Ph.D., Ed.D., J.D.), and/or a credential qualifying them to teach literature and composition courses at junior and community colleges.
Candidates for the M.A. English degree will be required to pass a comprehensive examination, given each fall and spring. M.A. students have the option of completing an original work of literary criticism as a thesis project; the M.A. thesis does not, however, take the place of the M.A. comprehensive exam. The thesis option is strongly recommended for students intending to pursue doctoral studies. For further information on degree prerequisites, admission requirements, and a list of courses, view the Graduate Course Catalog.
Dual M.A./M.F.A. Degree
The dual degree combines the M.F.A. in Creative Writing and the M.A. in English. The dual degree combines the practice and study of creative writing with literary scholarship. It is designed for students who intend to pursue a career in teaching English and creative writing at the university, community college, or secondary-school level.
Dual degree students must be admitted to both degree programs, be enrolled concurrently in both programs, and complete all requirements for each degree program, including the book-length thesis for the creative writing program and the Comprehensive Examination for the English degree program. For further information on degree prerequisites, admission requirements, and a list of courses, view the Graduate Course Catalog.
Students already enrolled in either the M.A. or the M.F.A. programs who wish to switch to the dual degree program must apply and be admitted to the dual degree program before completing a maximum of 27 credits of study.
