Literature and Language (M.A.)

The Master of Arts in Literature and Language offers students the opportunity for intellectual enrichment in one of the traditional liberal arts disciplines while also offering those interested in the study of literature and language the opportunity for career enhancement through advanced study. It serves a variety of professional purposes and audiences–particularly teachers from the intermediate to the community college level. Through close consultation with an advisor, a student may choose courses that will either address gaps in educational background or provide concentrated study that will lead to specialization in a more advanced degree.

Admission Requirements

In addition to the Universitywide requirements, applicants must present:

a bachelor's degree with a major in English or a major in a humanities discipline with at least 18 credits in English (9 at the 300 or above level) or a major in any interdisciplinary humanities program;
official transcripts of all postsecondary education reflecting a grade point average (overall or in the major) of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale; and
a sample critical paper.

Transfer and Nondegree Matriculation

A maximum of 6 semester credits of transferred graduate credits may be applied toward the degree, if approved by the School dean and the registrar.

Applicants desiring enrollment for limited coursework may do so as nondegree students.

Degree Options

Candidates pursuing this degree may choose either of the following options:

30 credits, including a 3-credit Master's Project and a language requirement which involves intermediate proficiency or passing grade on a reading test (those planning to pursue doctoral work should choose this option); or
36 credits without a Master's Project or language requirement.

Degree Requirements

For the 30-credit option, candidates must successfully complete the following requirements: EN 540; 6 credits from designated language courses (EN 550 if the student has no undergraduate linguistic course, EN 524, EN 552, EN 554, EN 558); 9 credits in graduate literature courses; 9 additional credits in Literature or Language (may include up to 6 credits in Humanities Seminars); and EN 595. Candidates must also demonstrate proficiency in one foreign language.

For the 36-credit option, candidates must successfully complete the following requirements: EN 540; 6 credits from designated language courses (EN 550 if the student has no undergraduate linguistic course, EN 524, EN 552, EN 554, EN 558); 9 credits in graduate literature courses, and 15 additional credits in Literature and Language (may include 6 credits in Humanities Seminars and/or 6 credits in approved ED courses.)