Master of Arts in English Literature

Program Requirements

The following are required for successful completion of the Master of Arts in English Literature Program.

Students are required to maintain a grade point average of at least 3.0 and to complete (within a five-year period) 33 credits distributed as follows:

Required Courses

• 3 credits in Research Methods
  (ideally should be completed during the student's first year in the program)
• 3 credits in Critical Theory
  (ideally should be completed during the student's first year in the program)
• 3 credits in Shakespeare or Milton

Distribution Requirements

• 6 credits (or two courses) in pre-1800 British or American Literature
• 3 credits (or one course) in pre-1900 British or American Literature

Only one of these requirements is to be satisfied with a course in American Literature

Electives

The remaining 15 credits may be satisfied in a number of ways. In addition to choosing among many of the graduate courses we offer each year, students may also design a 3-credit independent study, take a literature course through the Humanities Program (to be selected under advisement) or register for one course in Creative Writing. As part of graduate training in English, we also encourage students to write a 3-credit Master's Essay; however, a 3-credit course is an equally acceptable option.