M.A. in English

The Master of Art in English focuses on writing, teaching, and literary studies. Serious intellectual work takes place in the landscape of the Northern Rocky Mountains and Yellowstone region. Students develop close mentoring relationships with faculty members who have expertise in fields such as British Literature, education and pedagogy, literature of the American West, and Writing Studies. Students may elect to write either a scholarly thesis (Plan A) or a professional paper (Plan B) in our two-year program.

Students’ interests for earning the degree varies. The MA in English can prepare students to go on to PhD programs in literature or writing studies, as well as MFA programs in creative writing. Students also go on to teach in secondary education and higher education, work in the business sector, and work for non-profit agencies. Others pursue the degree for personal enrichment.

The department awards up to six teaching assistantships to our top applicants each year. 


Program Requirements

The Master of Arts degree requires the minimum completion of 30 course credits. Students will select one of two options, either the professional paper or the thesis. The first option involves 24 hours of course work and 6 hours of professional paper, the latter 20 hours of course work and 10 hours of thesis. Students are expected to have completed the equivalent of a baccalaureate degree in English. Students with undergraduate degrees other than English are encouraged to apply; however, they may be required to take additional English courses as a condition of their acceptance.

Required Core Courses

Required Core Courses
ENGL 530Writing Theory and Practice (Max 6 credits)3
ENGL 565Literary Landscapes3
Choose one of the following:1-10
Professional Paper (Max 6 credits (Plan B Only))
Master's Thesis (1-10 credits (Plan A Only))
Electives
ENGL 505Teaching College Composition3
ENGL 510Studies in Critical Theory (Max 6 credits)3
ENGL 520Pedagogy Theory and Practice (Max 6 credits)3
ENGL 550Focused Research Seminar (Max 6 credits)3
ENGL 589Graduate Consultation3
ENGL 591Special Topics1-4
ENGL 592Independent Study1-4
ENGL 598Internship1-12
Total Credits30