Mercy College?s Master of Arts (MA) in English Literature program provides a strong foundation for students interested in these and other pursuits. Some of our MA graduates have gone on to PhD programs, have continued into college teaching positions, or have gone on to earn advanced creative writing degrees. Numerous English teachers have earned the MA or graduate content credits through our program for purposes of (re)licensing, promotion, or simply to increase knowledge of their field. Some of our MA students have no such professional goals or needs and simply love literature, and join our program to study and experience with others the tremendous power, mystery, and meaning that moves through and emerges from literature. Our program includes students of practically all ages located throughout the U.S. and across the globe.

By the end of this program, students should be able to:?

  • Demonstrate critical thinking and interpretive skills reflecting?knowledge and comprehension of important British literary texts
  • Demonstrate critical thinking and interpretive skills reflecting?knowledge and comprehension of important American literary texts
  • Demonstrate critical thinking and interpretive skills reflecting an?awareness of theoretical trends and criticism
  • Demonstrate knowledge of some of the literary traditions, and/or?cultural situations, and /or historical eras from which the literature?referenced in the above learning outcomes emerged