2024-2025 Graduate Catalog 
    
    Nov 23, 2024  
2024-2025 Graduate Catalog

English, M.A.


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Students develop knowledge of literature and its history and expand their abilities to think analytically and write effectively through advanced study and research in British, American, and other literatures. The M.A. program in English thus prepares students for advanced graduate studies in English (Ph.D.), for pre-professional studies (law, business, and administration), for teaching careers, and for work in related fields (e.g., communications, public relations, publishing, and human resources).

Program Description


Students develop knowledge of literature and its history and expand their abilities to think analytically and write effectively through advanced study and research in British, American, and other literatures. The M.A. program in English thus prepares students for advanced graduate studies in English (Ph.D.), for pre-professional studies (law, business, and administration), for teaching careers, and for work in related fields (e.g., communications, public relations, publishing, and human resources).

The M.A. in English Licensure Programs prepares students for careers as teachers at the 5-12 level. Students may earn Initial Licensure through an NCTE (National Council of Teachers of English) accredited program or earn Professional Licensure. Candidates may elect the M.A. with Professional Licensure Option, a graduate program designed to allow teachers of English who hold initial licensure to become fully certified according to the educational reforms mandated for Massachusetts by the Board of Education. Candidates for certification complete a program that includes four required courses: ENGL 0539 - Advanced Methods of Teaching English, ENGL 0609 - Contemporary Tensions in English Teaching, ENGL 0646 - Pre-Capstone Course, and ENGL 0626 - Seminar in English Education Capstone Experience.

 

Admission Requirements


  • Official transcripts indicating a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
  • Three professional or academic recommendations.
  • Narrrative statement
  • Minimum of 18 hours in English above Composition at the undergraduate level.*
  • A 3.0 (B) average in all English courses is required, as is a 2.8 overall G.P.A.
  • A writing sample, preferably a literary essay, is required.

*Students may be required to fulfill undergraduate prerequisites as determined by the Graduate Advisor.

M.A. in English - 33 Credits


Course Work - 27 Credits


  • Credits: 3
  • One 600-level course in American literature Credits: 3
  • One 600-level course in British Literature Credits: 3
  • Nine additional credits at the 600 level Credits: 9
  • Two additional English courses at either the 500 or 600 level Credits: 6
  • One 500-level or 600-level course in Diverse Literatures Credits: 3

Note:


History of the English Language or The Structure of Modern English must be included in the program for students who have not had one of these courses as an undergraduate. Up to six graduate credits may be taken in a related discipline (such as history). Written permission from the English Graduate Advisor or the English Department Chair must be obtained before taking these credits.

 

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