MA/MS in English

The MA / MS Degree in English allows students to do advanced work in the fields of literary criticism, composition, and/or rhetoric. The aim is to professionalize students, helping them to become scholars and teachers of English. Any student with a strong undergraduate education in English and a desire to pursue that education further is welcome to pursue the Master’s in English.  The degree caters directly to future PhD students in English, future two-year college instructors, and secondary educators. Under the guidance of a faculty committee, students are required to write a thesis as the culmination of their studies.

Master’s Degree Plan Option(s)

Specialization in Creative Writing

The MA / MS in English with a Specialization in Creative Writing allows students to do advanced work in creative writing, concentrating on poetry, fiction, and/or creative nonfiction. Students with a strong background in creative writing who desire to continue on that path are encouraged to apply. In this specialization, students take creative-writing workshops in all three of the genres, and then concentrate on one genre for their thesis, working with a faculty member and their thesis committee. Hybrid theses that cross genre boundaries are also welcome.  The aim of this specialization is to allow students additional time after their undergraduate work to hone their craft, continue their apprenticeship as a writer, complete a substantial body of work, and pursue publication. The degree caters especially to those who plan to continue their studies in creative writing by seeking a PhD or MFA in creative writing, as well as to future two-year college instructors and secondary educators.  Under the guidance of a faculty committee, students are required to write a thesis as the culmination of their work.

Specialization in Creative Writing Plan Option(s)

Students seeking the Specialization in Creative Writing within the Master’s in English can receive the MS or MA by pursuing one of two options:

1. In the Plan A option, students complete graduate-level coursework, including four graduate-level writing workshops, and write a six-credit thesis—a creative work or collection of at least fifty pages—with a critical introduction.
2. In the Plan B option, students complete graduate-level coursework, including four graduate-level writing workshops, and write a three-credit thesis—a creative work or collection of at least twenty-five pages—with a critical introduction.

The course of study will include both theory and practice.  Students complete workshops in poetry, fiction, and creative non-fiction, as well as in the study criticism and scholarship about writing and literature.

Although most of their courses will be completed within Master’s in English curriculum, students may also take courses in the department’s other master’s programs (American Studies, Folklore, and Technical Communication).  Permission of the Director of Graduate Studies in English is required. Coursework may include some online courses; however, the Master’s in English is an on-campus degree and may not be completed by taking only online classes.