The Master of Arts and Master of Science programs in English offer the opportunity for individuals to expand their knowledge of literature, composition, and critical theory. The program is comprised of courses in early English language, pre-1500 English literature, American literature, and British literature. Students can also pursue a specialization in African-American literature. This program will prepare students to pursue doctoral studies in English and positions in the teaching profession. Students in the M.A. and M.S. English degree programs may be eligible for graduate teaching assistantships to gain experience observing and teaching in a college classroom.
Rather than offer a quick or surface-level graduate certificate, at Southern, we train you to play a meaningful part in the professional and academic world of English studies. The 36-credit degree takes four semesters to complete full-time (9 credits per term), though it can be finished more quickly through a mixture of summer and winter classes, or more slowly part-time at your own pace.
Over the course of the master's degree, you will:
- Learn advanced approaches to English research and contemporary theory through our introductory seminars (ENG 517 and ENG 508)
- Take a wide range of courses in American, British, and global literature, including the origins of the English language and literature
- Have the option to specialize in African-American Literature (9 credits)
- Be eligible to teach your own college-level class through one of our Graduate Teaching Assistantship
- Have access to funding to present your creative or scholarly work at academic conferences
- Show the expertise you gained from your coursework or independent research through one of two final capstones: the Master's Comprehensive Exam or Master's Thesis
- Discover professional opportunities through a graduate internship or apprenticeship in one of New Haven’s arts, humanities, or educational organizations (e.g., research libraries, grant-writing, etc.)
Upon acceptance to the program, you will meet with the Graduate Coordinator to develop a planned program of study, choose classes, and strategize how to meet your academic and career goals in the above areas.
Our graduate program is ideal for English professionals and for those who wish to advance their careers in the field of English. This program is also appropriate for those who are already certified teachers. Applicants are required to have a reading knowledge of one foreign language.
Program Features
- Courses in early English language and pre-1500 English literature include history of language, Medieval literature and women, Anglo-Saxon literature, and Chaucer
- Courses in British literature include 17th and 18th-century literature, Victorian poetry and novels, Renaissance literature, and Shakespeare
- Courses in American literature consist of 20th-century American poets and drama, contemporary African-American literature, and American authors from Hawthorne and Douglass to Twain and Erdrich.
Concentrations
English, M.A.
As a student in the Master of Arts (M.A.) in English, you’ll be a part of a graduate program defined by small, in-person seminars, one-on-one mentorship with publishing faculty, and a serious commitment to literature, ideas, and conversation. The M.A. is particularly appropriate for those who are looking to develop an advanced knowledge of literature, research, and writing for a career in the humanities professions (e.g., publishing, grant-writing, arts management) or a bridge to the Ph.D.
English, M.S.
As a student in the Master of Science (M.S.) in English, you’ll be a part of a graduate program defined by small, in-person seminars, one-on-one mentorship with publishing faculty, and a serious commitment to literature, ideas, and conversation. The M.S. is particularly appropriate for those who want to combine advanced training literary studies with courses in a related field – e.g., education, psychology, Women’s Studies, etc. Many secondary educators pursue the M.S. for this reason, though either master's degree is appropriate for in-service teachers.
Careers
Graduates of the program are prepared to advance their careers in teaching and writing or pursue doctoral studies in English. Individuals are prepared to pursue positions in:
- Elementary, Secondary, and Higher Education
- Editing
- Copywriting
- Journalism
Typical Job Titles
- English Teacher
- College Professor
- Technical Writer
- Grant Writer
- Journalist
- Editor
- Copywriter
- Content Writer
- Public Relations Writer
Application Requirements / Deadlines
School / College
College of Arts & Sciences
Department
English
Contact
Dr. Paul Petrie