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Master of Arts in English
36 Credits
NOTE: This degree is no longer admitting students. If interested in the MA in English, please see the MA in English Online program.
The on-campus Master of Arts in English degree at Indiana University East is unique in its offering of small on-campus class sizes, the opportunity to work closely with award-winning faculty in creative writing, literature, and the field of composition and rhetoric. Students enrolled in our program have the flexibility to tailor a degree program that fits their own interests, strengths, as well as personal and professional goals.
Graduates of the on-campus Master of Arts in English program acquire an academic foundation suitable for a wide range of careers in areas such as professional writing, literary editing, publishing, and teaching. We have also had a number of graduates go on to further academic study in MFA in creative writing programs, as well as PhD programs. Graduates interested in post-secondary teaching options will be qualified to teach full- or part-time in community colleges and in four-year colleges and universities and to teach dual-credit courses in high schools. Part-time college teachers seeking advanced training, and individuals who wish to strengthen their knowledge of writing, rhetoric and literary studies for other professional or personal reasons would benefit as well.
The program of study of the on-campus MA in English is designed to meet the needs of current holders of a Bachelor’s degree in English, Education, Communication, Humanities, or a related field. Students have the option of taking a full-time or part-time program. Full-time students complete the course work within four semesters, including one summer. Part-time students complete the course work within six to eight semesters, depending on the amount of summer work. The program is particularly attractive to students in our region who need a nearby program.
The on-campus M.A. in English offers students a program that can be shaped to individual goals. This degree is especially attractive to creative writing students, and students interested in further study in literature. Graduates from the on-campus MA in English have gone on to further study in MFA programs in creative writing, and graduate programs in literature. Students in the on-campus MA in English work closely with an English faculty advisor to develop a program of study created to meet particular goals.
This program is part of the School of Humanities & Social Sciences.
Degree Requirements
The on-campus M.A. in English requires the following:
- The foundational course: ENG-L 506 Introduction to Methods of Criticism and Research
- Elective courses chosen from among literature, writing, and rhetoric in consultation with an advisor
- A capstone project completed in W609, a course students design in collaboration with a faculty member
- A program final completion portfolio.
Required Courses (8 Credit Hours)
- ENG-L 506 Introduction to Methods of Criticism and Research (4 cr)
- ENG-W 609 Independent Writing Project (4 cr)
Portfolio
During the final semester of study, students work with an advisor to craft a final portfolio of work. This portfolio takes the form of an e-portfolio, shaped to reflect the student's experience, professional, creative, and academic goals.
Elective Course (28 Credit Hours)
Elective courses are chosen in consultation with the program advisor.
- Creative Writing
- Literature
- ENG-L 553 Studies in Literature (4 cr)
- ENG-L 625 Shakespeare (4 cr)
- ENG-L 635 Readings in American Ethnic Literature and Culture (4 cr)
- ENG-L 643 Readings in Colonial and Postcolonial Literature (4 cr)
- ENG-L 646 Readings in Media/Literature/Culture (4 cr)
- ENG-L 649 British Literature since 1900 (4 cr)
- ENG-L 653 American Literature 1800-1900 (4 cr)
- ENG-L 655 American Literature and Culture 1900-1945 (4 cr)
- ENG-L 666 Survey of Children's Literature (4 cr)
- ENG-L 680 Special Topics in Literature (4 cr)
- ENG-L 682 Topics in Children's Literature
- Teaching of Writing and Literature
- Rhetoric, Language, and Composition Studies
- ENG-W 509 Writing and Literary Studies
- ENG-D 600 History of the English Language (4 cr)
- ENG-G 500 Intro. to the English Language (4 cr)
- ENG-G 660 Stylistics (4 cr)
- ENG-W 600 Topics in Rhetoric and Composition (4 cr)
- ENG-W 620 Advanced Argumentative Writing (4 cr)
- ENG-W 682 Special Topics: Rhetoric & Composition (4 cr)
- Internship
- ENG-L 590 Internship in Literature (4 cr)
Note: Other courses may apply toward the degree as approved by the degree program advisors.
Careers
Employment settings:
- Advertising departments
- Human services agencies
- Business/industry
- Colleges and schools
- Magazines and newspapers
- Public relations firms
- Publishing companies
- Research and development firms
Admissions
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my graduate credit from another institution transfer?
Up to 8 semester credit hours may be applied towards your degree. 28 hours must be earned at IU East to earn the MA in English.
Do I need to take the GRE?
No. The GRE is not required at this time.
What is the minimum GPA for admission?
An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher is required for admission to the MA in English.
Is an undergraduate degree in English required?
The IU East Master of Arts in English is designed for those who performed well academically in English, Communications, Humanities or other related fields. Individual assessment will be used to determine any additional academic preparation needed.
Is there a minimum GPA that must be maintained while in the program?
Students who maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 will be considered in good standing.
Is financial aid available?
Contact the Financial Aid office at 765-973-8206 or toll free 800-959-EAST
Fax 765-973-8288 or email eaosfa@iue.edu
How to Apply
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, for admission into Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters. Applicants must provide the following materials for review by the MA in English Admissions Application committee:
- Undergraduate transcripts (Note: a minimum of a 3.0 G.P.A. is required for Admission)
- Two letters of recommendation
- Your current CV or resume
- A statement of purpose:
- 250 words explaining your interest in the on-campus MA in English at IU East
- An academic writing sample of 5 - 10 pages.
All materials should be sent to the IU East Admissions Office.