English

Our graduate programs in English are designed to train you as both a scholar and a teacher. This is where your love for literature converges with a deep commitment to social justice. Through the power of narratives, you can forge a future where your passion becomes the positive force for societal change. 

Here, you will explore questions of power and inequities that are both historical and contemporary and illuminate pathways to a more inclusive and equitable society.

M.A. candidates typically complete the program in 2 years with 33 credit hours of coursework, thesis optional. 

Ph.D. candidates typically complete the program in 5 - 7 years with additional credit hours (depending on entry level) as well as a dissertation. 

Program Specific Admissions Requirements

• Submit a CAS graduate application with supporting materials
• English requires these additional documents:
  • M.A. and Ph.D. programs: total of 3 letters of recommendation
  • M.A. program: writing sample of 12-15 pages of academic prose on literature or a related topic (e.g. film, cultural studies, etc.). For most applicants, this is a revised essay previously submitted for undergraduate coursework or a selection from an undergraduate thesis.
  • Ph.D. program:
    • M.A. in English or related field
    • Writing sample of 12-15 pages of academic prose on literature or a related topic (e.g. film, cultural studies, etc.) that both engages close readings of primary texts and cites relevant secondary sources. For most applicants, this is a revised essay previously submitted for M.A. coursework or a selection from an M.A. thesis.
• Applications and all supporting materials are due by January 1 for fall enrollment.