English M.A.

Degree Requirements

These vary somewhat according to the option chosen (see below), but in general the M.A. program involves 30-33 credit hours of course work, demonstrated competency in the reading of one foreign language, and successful performance on a comprehensive examination. Students who did not take History of the English Language (ENG 415 or 615) as an undergraduate must include it in their graduate degree program. A master’s thesis, which carries six credits, is optional. Nine credits of the course work must be in literary periods before 1800, nine credits in literary periods after 1800, and the remainder of the credits may be in any period or area.

ENG 791 - College Teaching in Language and Literature , is required of new  graduate assistants, does not count toward fulfilling the credit hours requirement.

Options

Students may emphasize literary study or language study in their degree programs. The exact requirements for these options or tracks within the M.A. program are stated in a document obtainable from the Director of Graduate Study.

Thesis

A master’s thesis, which carries six credits, is optional but recommended for all M.A. candidates. It is normally written during two consecutive semesters and must conform to the guidelines set forth by the Graduate College in this catalog and in its Thesis and Dissertation Manual. The M.A. thesis should be an original contribution to knowledge about a suitable literary or linguistic subject and comprise about seventy-five pages. Thesis projects must be designed, developed, and written in close consultation with an appropriate thesis advisor and with the student’s thesis committee. A statement showing in more detail the specific degree requirements of the M.A. program is available from the Director of Graduate Study.