Graduate Programs
Additional Requirements for Admission into English. In addition to the general requirements for admission to the Graduate School, the following are required for study in English:
Of the 36 hours of graduate credit, 30 must be in English courses; the remaining 6 hours may be taken in English or in another discipline. If the hours are to be taken outside of English, the student must submit a written request to the Coordinator of Graduate Studies, explaining how these hours will enrich his/her program.
Students who have an "A" teacher's certificate may obtain a "G" certificate at the completion of the degree by taking 6 of their 36 graduate hours in Education. Also, graduate courses in English may be applied toward subject matter requirements for an "A" certificate, but courses so used may not also be applied toward subject matter requirements for a "G" certificate.
No more than 6 hours of ENGL 6890 (Directed Reading), may be applied to the degree without written permission of the Chair of the Department.
All M.A. candidates, regardless of which emphasis is chosen, are required to take ENGL 6101 (Introduction to English Studies) and ENGL 6160 (Introduction to the English Language). In addition to these two courses, the following are required:
The literature emphasis includes five literature courses, at least three of which are historically oriented. Two of these courses must be in one national literature and the third in a different national literature. In addition, one writing/rhetoric course, one literary theory-intensive course, and three electives are required. At least one course must be a designated seminar.
The writing emphasis includes four writing/rhetoric courses, one writing/rhetoric theory-intensive course, two literature courses, and three electives. At least one course must be a designated seminar.
The general emphasis includes one theory-intensive course, two writing/rhetoric courses, two literature courses, and five electives. At least one course must be a designated seminar.
Courses beyond 36 hours of graduate credit may be required to remove deficiencies or to satisfy requirements for graduate certification, or may be recommended to develop areas of need, to pursue particular interests, or to gain specific experience.
Comprehensive Examination. Students entering in Fall 1995 and after must satisfactorily complete a written examination for their chosen emphasis. The examination will be based primarily on a reading list available from the Department well in advance. The written examination may not be attempted sooner than the last semester of coursework, exclusive of thesis credits.
Assistantships. A number of graduate assistantships are available each year. In order to be fully competitive, applications must be submitted by March 15. Further information is available in the Department.
Internships. The Department of English offers a number of internships for graduate students (limited to 3 hours credit), which provide program-related experience in local television and radio stations, non-profit and government agencies, and local businesses and corporations. Further information is available in the Department.
Loan Fund. The Anne R. Newman Graduate Student Loan Fund makes emergency money available to graduate students for the semester's tuition, fees and books, or other expenses related to the pursuit of an M.A. in English. Further information is available in the Department.