English

The M.A. degree in English is awarded upon the successful completion of the following requirements: 30-36 semester hours of graduate credit—15 hours of which are the CORE, which consists of ENGL 618 (Research Methods), A Theory/Literary Criticism course, An Early British Literature Course, A Late British Literature Course, and An American Literature Course, and, depending on type of degree sought (M.A. with Thesis or M.A. with Non- Thesis Option), EITHER 9 additional hours of graduate coursework and 6 hours of thesis/ portfolio credit, OR 21 additional hours of graduate coursework selected by the student and his or her advisor. These 9 or 21 additional graduate hours must be in one of three CONCENTRATIONS: Literature, Professional Writing, or TESOL. In addition, all M.A. students (thesis or non-thesis option) must successfully pass written comprehensive examinations on both Early and Later Literature, a reading examination in a foreign language— normally French, German, or Spanish, and, in the case of those writing a thesis, a final oral defense. For reading lists, sample exams, and other information on the M.A., see the 2004 Guide to Graduate Study in English, available online.

Two Certificate Programs, in Professional Writing or TESOL, are offered by the Department of English. These are 15-hour (five course) programs, which lead to a Certificate awarded by the Graduate School and designation of completion on the official transcript. See below for more information.