COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Arts in English requires students to complete a total of 30 credit hours, combining core courses, electives, and a capstone or thesis experience to provide a well-rounded graduate education in literature and composition. Core courses, totaling 18 credit hours, include foundational studies in argument and research writing, theories of composition, and literary criticism, with students having the option to select between Literary Criticism or Critical Approaches to Literature to align with their academic focus. Additional core requirements include a seminar in English and the completion of a master’s thesis, capstone project, or an individual reading course, allowing students to explore specialized areas of interest under faculty guidance. In addition to the core, students are required to take at least one other 600-level literature course to deepen their engagement with advanced literary studies. The program also includes 12 credit hours of electives at the 500 or 600-level, enabling students to tailor their coursework to personal academic goals, interests, and professional aspirations. Collectively, the curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, scholarly research, and advanced writing skills, preparing graduates for careers in education, writing, publishing, or further graduate studies. Through this combination of structured coursework, independent research, and elective study, students gain the analytical, interpretive, and communicative expertise essential for success in professional and academic settings.