The Master of Arts degree in English requires 30 credit hours and the passing of a comprehensive oral examination. No more than 12 credit hours on the 500 level may be counted toward a degree. An identifiable unifying principle is required for each student’s program.

The Master of Arts program in English develops professional competency in literary and textual analysis and in writing. The program offers concentrations in literature, the teaching of English, rhetoric and composition, and professional writing. The program prepares students for further graduate study in English; for professional writing and editing; for teaching in secondary schools and colleges; for further study in such fields as anthropology, law, psychology, and philosophy; for careers in government and industry; and for other professions requiring analytical, literary, linguistic, digital media, or writing skills.