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 530 | Writing Theory and Practice (Max 6 credits) | 3 |
ENGL 565 | Literary Landscapes | 3 |
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 505 | Teaching College Composition | 3 |
ENGL 510 | Studies in Critical Theory (Max 6 credits) | 3 |
ENGL 520 | Pedagogy Theory and Practice (Max 6 credits) | 3 |
ENGL 550 | Focused Research Seminar (Max 6 credits) | 3 |
ENGL 589 | Graduate Consultation | 3 |
ENGL 591 | Special Topics | 1-4 |
ENGL 592 | Independent Study | 1-4 |
ENGL 598 | Internship | 1-12 |
Total Credits | 30 |