English, M.A.

Kevin Donovan, Program Director
(615) 898-2665
Kevin.Donovan@mtsu.edu

The Department of English offers the Master of Arts, the Doctor of Philosophy, and a minor at the graduate level.

Graduate study in English is primarily an engagement in the deep and intense study of literature and language, theory, and writing, undertaken for the special pleasure in knowledge and understanding of the world and its semiotic systems that such studies bring. It also provides preparation and training for careers within and without the academy.

The Master of Arts in English curriculum allows students to explore traditional areas of literary study (Chaucer, Spenser, Shakespeare, Milton, Blake, etc.) as well as topics related to popular culture, film, gender, folklore, linguistics, and children’s literature. Opportunities are also available for concentrated studies in rhetoric, pedagogy, and composition theory.

Please see the undergraduate catalog for information regarding undergraduate programs.

Admission Requirements

Admissions decisions are based on the department’s judgment of the applicant’s capacity, suitability, and preparation for graduate study. Admission to graduate study is not automatically guaranteed by meeting minimum admission requirements.

Candidates will be expected to have earned 15 hours of coursework at the 2000 level or above in English or in related fields when that coursework includes a significant component of literature or writing.

Application Procedures

All application materials are to be submitted to the College of Graduate Studies.

Application for Summer/Fall admission must be complete by March 1. Application for Spring admission must be complete by October 1. Those seeking teaching assistantships must apply by February 1 for the following Fall semester. All application materials, including the assistantship application, should be sent directly to the College of Graduate Studies.

Applicant must

submit an application with the appropriate application fee (online at www.mtsu.edu/graduate/apply.php);
submit three letters of recommendation from professors or professionals that address the applicant’s potential to successfully complete an M.A. program in English;
submit official scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) (English subject test optional);
submit official transcripts of all previous college work;
submit a writing example of 2,000 to 5,000 words;
submit a 500-word statement of purpose outlining academic interests and professional goals.

Degree Requirements

The Master of Arts in English requires completion of a minimum of 30 semester hours (thesis) or 33 semester hours (directed portfolio).

Candidate must

successfully complete a directed portfolio (ENGL 6913 ) if in the non-thesis option;
successfully complete and defend a thesis (ENGL 6640 ) if in the thesis option.

Curriculum: English

All students are required to take ENGL 6001 . Depending on interests, students may focus on literary studies, language and writing studies, teaching writing and literature, or popular culture/culture studies. Students should consult with the graduate program advisor to select courses suitable for their interests.

The following illustrates the minimum coursework requirements.

Thesis Option (30 hours)

ENGL 6001 - Introduction to Graduate Study: Bibliography and Research 3 credit hours
ENGL 6640 - Thesis Research 1 to 6 credit hours (3 credit hours required)
Advisor-approved electives 24 credit hours

Non-thesis Option (33 hours)

ENGL 6001 - Introduction to Graduate Study: Bibliography and Research 3 credit hours
ENGL 6913 - Directed Portfolio 1 to 6 credit hours (3 credit hours required)
Advisor-approved electives 27 credit hours

Graduate Assistant Requirements

Graduate teaching assistants are required to take ENGL 6821 - Seminar in Teaching Composition in their first year of the program.

Program Notes

Candidate must

file a degree plan in the College of Graduate Studies prior to entry into the program;
file a Notice of Intent to Graduate form in the College of Graduate Studies within the first two weeks of the term in which the student intends to graduate.