English MA

The English department offers a wide-ranging course of study that combines historical research with theoretical inquiry in a stimulating, challenging and supportive environment. Our programs are among the most open and flexible in the country. Students take seminars across a number of fields, including American and British literature, modernism, contemporary literature, psychoanalysis, cultural studies, poetics and critical theory. Combining professional rigor with highly individualized mentorship, our graduate programs prepare students to become innovative scholars and teachers of literature, culture, and critical theory.

Required Core (6 credits)

ENG 501SEM - Intro Scholarly Methods Credits: 3
ENG 502SEM - Intro Critical Theory Credits: 3

Seminars (12 credits)

Select 4 Intensive “A” section seminars from:
- any ENG graduate level A sections (excluding ENG 501, 502, 700, 598, 601)
- any COL graduate level A sections (excluding COL 598, 599, 600, 650, 690, 700)

Electives & Culminating Experience (12 credits)

Electives (6-12 credits)

Number of elective credits may vary depending on choice made to complete the culminating experience. Be sure to complete enough elective credit to reach 30 minimum total credit hours.

Choose from any graduate level ENG or COL course (excluding ENG 598, 700 or any thesis, project or research.)
Courses outside of English department may be taken with advisor approval

Culminating Experience: Project, Thesis or Exam (0-6 credits)

ENG 700TUT - Thesis Guidance Credits: 1 - 12
ENG 598TUT - Project Guidance Masters Credits: 1 - 6
Exam: 0 Credits (Ph.D students getting a Master’s degree)

Total Credit Hours: 30

3.0 Degree GPA required

Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)

1) Mastery of graduate-level research methods, critical reading and writing, and oral presentation of ideas.

2) Ability to demonstrate capacity for rigorous conceptual analysis, original scholarship and the ability to situate one’s scholarship in broad contexts of literary and cultural study.

3) Preparation for education or employment opportunities following the MA, either: application to PhD programs in English or related fields; application to other graduate degree programs (e.g., law, education); applications to enter the professional workforce.

SED Statement

This program is officially registered with the New York State Education Department (SED).