About This Program
The English M.A. program offers advanced study in literature, writing and critical thinking. With a focus on small class sizes and mentorship from experienced faculty, you will hone your analytical and creative skills and advance your career opportunities. Read more...
Contact Information
Program Delivery
Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries*
English language and literature teachers, postsecondary
- 2.1% slower than the average
- 81,300 number of jobs
- $69,000 potential earnings
Proofreaders and copy markers
- -2.7% decline
- 10,300 number of jobs
- $41,140 potential earnings
Secondary school teachers, except special and career/technical education
- 3.8% about as fast as the average
- 1,050,800 number of jobs
- $62,870 potential earnings
* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.
For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
- Minimum 2.750 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale
- Official transcript(s)
- Writing sample (8-15 pages) relevant to the field of study
- Goal statement (1-2 pages)1
- Three letters of recommendation2
- Starting with the spring 2027 admission term: Interview with faculty (virtual) for applicants being considered for assistantships
- English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:3
- Minimum 94 TOEFL iBT score
- Minimum 7.0 IELTS score
- Minimum 65 PTE score
- Minimum 120 DET score
Application Deadlines
- Fall Semester
- Funding deadline: December 1 (international student) and January 15 (domestic student)
All application materials (including applicable fee, transcripts, recommendation letters, etc.) must be submitted by this deadline to be considered for an assistantship or any other funded position.
- Spring Semester
- Rolling admissions
Applicants for the spring semester will not be considered for funded assistantships.
Program Learning Outcomes
Graduates of this program will be able to:
- Analyze and interpret literary and non-literary texts and narratives.
- Interpret and explain research in and connections between the fields of narrative theory, literary studies, rhetoric and writing studies.
- Apply appropriate research methods to objects of study.
- Communicate research clearly and effectively in written, oral and/or multi-modal formats.
- Demonstrate effective teaching skills and knowledge of appropriate teaching theories, if on appointment.
Full Description
The Master of Arts degree in English offers students broad learning in the areas of literature, rhetoric and composition, writing studies and beyond, with a distinctive focus on narrative. The program provides a deep and nuanced understanding of the ways narratives not only represent the world but also make it and change it, for both good and ill.
Narrative is defined very broadly as a fundamental and ubiquitous mode of thought that guides perception, constructs feelings and directs actions, operating at varying scales, in all domains and through multiple media and modes of perception. Students acquire advanced skills in critiquing, revising and creating narratives in the service of more effective and socially responsible problem solving, decision making, innovation and action planning. These skills are useful in a range of professions both in and outside the university, including law, teaching and library and information science. The M.A. degree is also strong preparation for doctoral study.
