15 Fully Funded Master's Programs in English in the US
Florida State University Programs Offered:MA in Literature, Media, and Culture and MA in Rhetoric and Composition Location:English Department Florida State University 405 Williams Building Tallahassee, Admission: Admission to the program is highly competitive. Funding: Securing a fully funded offer to the program is extremely competitive.
Florida State University's English Department offers two Master of Arts programs.
One is in Literature, Media, and Culture, and another is in Rhetoric and Composition. The department boasts a diverse and accomplished faculty who are dedicated to mentoring students throughout their academic journey and job placement process. Class sizes are intimate, with an average of fewer than 10 students per course, allowing for personalized attention and engaging discussions.
The department's faculty members are actively involved in the academic community, editing prestigious scholarly journals such as Papers of the Bibliographic Society of America, Arthurian Literature, the Journal of Writing Assessment, and TheJUMP: The Journal for Undergraduate Media Projects. Graduate students have the opportunity to run the department's literary magazine, The Southeast Review, gaining valuable experience in publishing.
The department hosts a variety of events and activities that enrich the academic experience. Creative Writing sponsors weekly readings featuring visiting writers, agents, editors, faculty, and graduate students. Rhetoric and Composition organizes a Visiting Speakers series each semester and maintains the FSU Card Archive and the Museum of Everyday Writing. The Colloquium Series, hosted by Literature, Media, and Culture, provides graduate students with the chance to engage with cutting-edge scholars in literary and cultural studies.
Most graduate students in the English Program receive financial support through teaching assistantships, which include a stipend, tuition waiver, and health insurance subsidy. The duration of these assistantships varies depending on the degree program: two years for MA students. The current annual stipend for graduate students is $19,163, which can be increased to $23,953 by teaching a summer class.
Tallahassee, Florida's capital, offers a vibrant literary and arts scene despite its relatively small population of around 200,000. The city boasts numerous cinemas, theaters, museums, and musical events, providing a rich cultural environment for literature and arts enthusiasts. The department's Tuesday-night fiction and poetry series, held in a trendy bar/restaurant near the Railroad Square Arts District, is just one of the many literary events in the city. Other notable events include the Word of South festival, a weekend-long celebration of writers and musicians held in Cascades Park, and author events at Midtown Reader, a charming independent bookstore in the thriving Midtown area.
The University of Alabama Programs Offered:MA in Literature and MA in Composition, Rhetoric, and English Studies Location:103 English Building The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0244 Admission: Admission to the program is highly competitive. Funding: Securing a fully funded offer to the program is extremely competitive.
The University of Alabama's Department of English provides Master of Arts (MA) programs with specialized tracks in Literature and Composition, Rhetoric, and English Studies (CRES).
The Literature program offers a focused subprogram in Renaissance Studies, while the CRES program emphasizes the teaching of writing and the study of language, literacy, and rhetoric, particularly in digital and cultural contexts.
Throughout their graduate journey, students receive comprehensive mentorship from faculty members, encompassing coursework, teaching, examinations, and the writing of theses and dissertations. In addition to an engaging learning environment, graduate students gain valuable teaching experience under the guidance of experienced professors. First-year literature students typically lead discussion sections for large lecture classes, while second-year students teach composition classes independently.
The program's rigorous scholarly and pedagogical training, combined with extensive professional placement support, has enabled graduates to pursue successful careers as teachers, scholars, publishers, and editors. The CRES program is particularly well-suited for those aspiring to teach at community colleges, work in administrative roles, or pursue doctoral studies.
All admitted graduate students are guaranteed full financial support for up to two years, including a nine-month stipend (currently $16,488) and full coverage of graduate tuition for up to 15 credit hours per semester. Additional fellowship opportunities and stipend enhancements are available through endowed funds and various university-wide programs.
In their first year, Graduate Assistants with less than 18 hours of prior graduate coursework in English may work in the Writing Center, assist faculty members as discussion leaders for 200-level literature courses, or be assigned other appropriate duties. From the second year onward, Graduate Assistants typically teach a 1-2 or 2-1 course load of first-year writing, receiving ongoing training and support from the department's composition specialists. Experienced Graduate Assistants may request opportunities to teach literature surveys, advanced composition courses, and creative writing classes.
The department and the university offer numerous fellowships, awards, and scholarships, such as the Graduate Council Fellowships, Dean's Graduate Recruiting and Opportunity Awards, McNair Graduate Fellowships, National Alumni Association Fellowships, Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) Doctoral Scholarships, and Alumni Heritage Scholarships. These awards are granted based on eligibility, without requiring separate application processes.
Graduate students can also apply for Excellence in Teaching, Research, and Outstanding Service Awards, as well as Buford Boone and Harrison Fellowships. The department, along with various university entities, provides substantial financial assistance for research and conference travel expenses, ensuring that graduate students have ample opportunities to engage in scholarly activities and professional development.
University of Kentucky Programs Offered:Master of Arts in English Location:College of Arts & Sciences 202 Patterson Office Tower Lexington, KY 40506-0027 Admission: Admission to the program is highly competitive. Funding: Securing a fully funded offer to the program is highly competitive.
The University of Kentucky provides a comprehensive two-year Master of Arts (MA) program in English, offering students a broad education in literature, language, and theory. Designed to cater to the diverse needs of scholars, teachers, and professionals in the region, the program allows students to concentrate on either literature or film.
MA students are granted teaching assistantships in the Department of Writing, Rhetoric, and Digital Studies (WRD), which include a stipend, full tuition remission, and student health insurance. During their first year, teaching assistants dedicate 20 hours per week to tutoring at the Writing Center. In their second year, they typically teach two introductory writing courses per semester for WRD. In exceptional cases, funding may be available for a third year, subject to approval by the Director of Graduate Studies in English and the chair of the WRD Department. All teaching assistants must attend mandatory orientations, workshops, class visits, student teaching sessions, and pedagogy classes.
Assistantships are awarded on an annual basis, and renewal is contingent upon satisfactory progress towards the degree and teaching performance. In addition to teaching assistantships, the department offers several fellowships each year. MA students in English are also eligible to apply for University-wide fellowships through the Graduate School, most of which include a tuition scholarship and a stipend, lasting from one to two years.
The University of Kentucky's Graduate Program in English is widely recognized as one of the best in the nation, boasting an outstanding record in faculty research and graduate student training, research, and job placement. The English Department offers a diverse range of courses in British, American, African American, and Women's Literature, as well as Creative Writing, Film, and Literary Theory. The program's success is supported by a nationally recognized faculty, a strong University of Kentucky Research Foundation, an active university press, and a research library housing 1.2 million volumes.
University of Mississippi Programs Offered:M.A. in English Location:Department of English Bondurant Hall, P.O. Box 1848 University, MS 38677 Admission: Admission to the program is highly competitive. Funding: Securing a fully funded offer to the program is highly competitive.
The University of Mississippi's Department of English offers a Master of Arts (M.A.) program in English literature, designed to equip students with advanced knowledge and skills for pursuing doctoral degrees or teaching at the secondary level. Graduates of the program are well-prepared for careers in various fields, including teaching, higher education administration, business, publishing, public sector, and law. The department is dedicated to providing hands-on training to its M.A. students in both research and teaching, with the program based entirely on the Oxford campus and not offering distance-learning options.
One of the program's unique features is that it offers a funded Master's degree, enabling the department to attract qualified applicants regardless of their financial means. The faculty's expertise spans a wide range of areas, including American, British, and Anglophone literature, as well as various theoretical and interdisciplinary fields. The department's close ties with other academic departments and programs allow M.A. students to contextualize their work within a broader interdisciplinary framework.
The English Department hosts the annual Faulkner and Yoknapatawpha Conference and has been co-organizing the Southern Writers/Southern Writing Conference for over two decades, with graduate students playing an active role in the latter. Oxford's rich literary heritage and vibrant literary culture provide M.A. students with opportunities to engage with current research in the discipline through visiting authors and scholars, endowed speaker series, and various working groups.
All admitted M.A. students receive a teaching assistantship, which includes full tuition remission, subsidized health insurance, and a base stipend to cover living expenses. Additional funding opportunities include summer teaching, the University of Mississippi Recruiting Fellowship and Scholarship Program, Graduate School Dissertation Fellowships, and travel grants for presenting original research at professional conferences.
Miami University Programs Offered:MA in composition and rhetoric, MA in English and American Literature Location:301 S. Patterson Avenue 356 Bachelor Hall Oxford, OH 45056 Admission: Admission to the program is highly competitive. Funding: Securing a fully funded offer to the program is highly competitive.
Miami University offers Master of Arts (MA) programs in both Composition and Rhetoric, and English and American Literature. The Department of English is renowned for producing highly skilled teachers, scholars, and creative writers who excel in their careers within academia and beyond. The graduate program strikes a balance between being large enough to nurture nationally competitive scholars and writers while remaining small enough to provide individualized mentoring and engaged interaction with the department's award-winning faculty.
The MA in English and American Literature allows students to deepen their understanding of literature through graduate coursework in various historical periods and genres. Students develop theoretical and historical frameworks to enhance their comprehension of literary and cultural materials and complete individualized projects that align with their specific interests within literary studies. Small seminars led by outstanding teacher-scholars in all major areas of literary study provide a solid foundation in contemporary practices of literary criticism, theoretical work, and historical scholarship.
Most students admitted to the MA program in English and American Literature receive Graduate Assistantships, which involve teaching first-year composition courses in the College Composition program. During their first year, students also participate in a full-year workshop to support their classroom teaching experience and a two-credit introduction to professional issues required for all new MA and PhD students.
The MA in Composition and Rhetoric offers students the opportunity to explore various interests within the field under the guidance of nationally-prominent, award-winning faculty who are committed to helping students pursue their interests, expand their knowledge and expertise, and launch their professional careers. The graduate curriculum provides a solid foundation in composition and rhetoric theory, history, methodology, and pedagogy, along with opportunities to specialize in areas such as digital and multimedia rhetoric, community and public rhetorics, intercultural and comparative rhetorics, professional writing, feminist and queer studies, and writing program administration.
The graduate program, established in 1981, has helped hundreds of students achieve their goals by fostering their scholarly inquiry, research skills, pedagogical talents, and overall professional development. Students benefit from extensive faculty mentoring, support, and advising from the first semester through job placement. They also have access to diverse teaching opportunities in state-of-the-art computer classrooms, including appointments in the Professional Writing major, the Rhetoric and Writing minor, and first-year composition. Additionally, students can gain administrative and leadership experience through the Composition Program, the Digital Writing Collaborative, the Howe Writing Center, and the Howe Writing Initiative in the Farmer School of Business.
Graduate Assistantships provide tuition remission and a stipend to support graduate work, with MA students teaching two sections of first-year composition during their first year and three during their second year. For the 2023-24 academic year, the stipend for a Graduate Assistant is $17,481. Assistantships are typically renewable for up to two years, and continuation is contingent upon maintaining a satisfactory academic record and observing good teaching practices.
University of Connecticut Programs Offered:Master of Arts in English Location:215 Glenbrook Road, Unit 4025 Storrs, CT 06269-4025 Admission: Admission to the program is highly competitive. Funding: Securing a fully funded offer to the program is highly competitive.
The University of Connecticut's Master of Arts (MA) in English program offers students the opportunity to develop their skills as scholars, educators, and writers. The program serves as a platform for those seeking to pursue a Ph.D. or careers in fields such as education, publishing, or journalism. Students are expected to complete the degree requirements within two years, although the Graduate School allows a maximum of six years from the date of initial matriculation. To remain in good standing, students must take at least one course per year until all requirements are met and maintain continuous registration throughout the program.
Full-time English graduate students receive comprehensive support, including tuition waivers, living stipends, and access to university health insurance. This funding is provided through guaranteed teaching assistantships, which offer valuable classroom experience in the department's innovative First-Year Writing Program. The program is dedicated to writing across technology, collaborative learning, and small class sizes.
Teaching assistants (TAs) are typically appointed for the nine-month academic year and are expected to be full-time students, taking at least two graduate courses per semester while teaching two undergraduate courses. TA support is contingent upon the availability of department resources and the student maintaining a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 with no more than three incompletes on their academic record. Offer letters must be signed and returned promptly to the English graduate office for processing.
The length of projected financial support for graduate students varies depending on their degree program and the semester they began their studies at UConn. MA students receive four semesters of support. The English Department and the University also offer competitive non-teaching Graduate Assistantships, which may involve administrative responsibilities, advising work, or curriculum development.
Graduate students in English are encouraged to submit their writing for department-sponsored awards and contests, such as the Aetna Graduate Writing Award, the Long River Review Graduate Writing Award, and the Aetna Awards for Children's Literature and Creative Nonfiction. The Graduate School offers a Conference Participation Award to support students presenting their research at national or international meetings and conferences, including both in-person and virtual events. In-house departmental support for travel is also available to all MA students in good standing, with proposals vetted three times a year.
University of Cincinnati Programs Offered:MA in English Literature Location:155 B Arts & Sciences Hall Cincinnati, OH 45221 Admission: Admission to the program is highly competitive. Funding: Securing a fully funded offer to the program is highly competitive.
The University of Cincinnati's graduate program in Literary and Cultural Studies (LCS) offers fully-funded, personalized paths of study in various literary traditions, cultural theories, and research methodologies. MA students receive a full-tuition fellowship and a teaching assistantship for two years, with graduate teaching assistants serving as instructors of record for their own courses. They receive extensive pedagogical training and teach only one section of composition per semester. The intimate 1:1 student-to-faculty ratio ensures small graduate seminars and intensive, personalized mentorship.
The Department of English offers merit-based financial aid, including the University Graduate Scholarship (UGS) and the Graduate Assistantship (GA) award. Graduate Assistants teach one section of English Composition per term, dedicating approximately twenty hours per week to teaching-related activities.
The Charles Phelps Taft Research Center for the Humanities, the George Elliston Poetry Fund, the Creative Writing program's lecture and reading series, rare book collections, and the Helen Weinberger Endowment for drama and performance studies provide extensive research opportunities. Faculty and graduate students collaborate on nationally recognized publications, and graduate students organize an Annual Interdisciplinary Graduate Conference.
The Department of English Graduate Assistant Teacher-Training Program begins with an intensive orientation and ongoing support through English 7130: Teaching College Writing. This course offers a framework for teaching post-secondary writing and a practicum focused on assignment design, classroom activities, and assessment practices specific to English 1001. All students, regardless of prior teaching experience, must take English 7130.
Lehigh University Programs Offered:Master of Arts in English Location:Drown Hall, 35 Sayre Drive, Bethlehem, PA 18015 Admission: Admission to the program is highly competitive. Funding: Securing a fully funded offer to the program is highly competitive.
Lehigh University's graduate program in English offers a distinctive experience for students pursuing a Master of Arts (MA) degree. The program is characterized by small classes taught by research-active faculty who engage in both traditional and public-facing scholarship. A shared intellectual focus on the intersections of literary studies and social justice is a key aspect of the program, along with intensive pedagogical training and hands-on experience teaching first-year writing. The department fosters a lively and close-knit community, providing opportunities for student collaboration with faculty on research and public humanities projects, as well as post-graduate career-planning assistance.
One of the most notable features of Lehigh's graduate program is its commitment to offering a complete funding package to all admitted full-time students at the MA levels. This includes tuition remission and an additional stipend of $25,000-$26,000 per year (as of 2023). Graduate student funding is secured through teaching fellowships, with most students teaching one section of first-year composition per semester. Students receive guidance through a pedagogy seminar and practicum in their first year, followed by ongoing mentorship from dedicated writing faculty.
The two-year MA program at Lehigh enables students to develop a critical framework for understanding and evaluating the ethical, political, and formal aspects of texts within and across diverse historical and cultural contexts. Coursework is designed to create a broad foundation of knowledge in English and U.S. literature, encompassing both literary history and methodology. First-year MA students are required to enroll in the seminar "Theories of Literature and Social Justice," reflecting the department's commitment to exploring how texts serve as sites of intervention into vital social, cultural, political, and ethical issues. MA students also have the option of writing a longer thesis to deepen their expertise in a specific field of interest.
Graduates of Lehigh's MA program pursue various educational and career paths, including Ph.D. programs at prestigious institutions, secondary education, academic administration, publishing, and law. Full-time graduate students are eligible for discounted health insurance through the university, although this is optional for those who have health insurance through other sources.
Bucknell University Programs Offered:Master of Arts in English Location:121 Vaughan Literature Building, One Dent Drive Lewisburg , PA 17837 Admission: Admission to the program is highly competitive. Funding: Securing a fully funded offer to the program is extremely competitive.
Bucknell University's Master of Arts (MA) in English program is tailored for individuals seeking to pursue a Ph.D., teach in high schools or community colleges, work in related fields such as publishing, professional writing, library science, and academic administration, or pursue degrees in related postgraduate programs like law. The program offers personalized mentoring and admits a small cohort of four to five students annually.
The curriculum consists of eight seminars, with the option to take seven in English and one in another humanities discipline. Graduate students are integrated into undergraduate seminar courses, receiving enhanced syllabi with additional readings, extended writing assignments, and dedicated office hour appointments to ensure graduate-level work. All seminars require instructor permission. The program is enriched by a comprehensive schedule of guest writers and lecturers.
Admitted students may receive a Graduate Assistantship stipend of approximately $12,000 and a tuition remission scholarship covering the cost of four courses, two per semester. Competitive summer funding support is also available for second-year students.
The English department allocates the 20 hours of the Graduate Assistantship as follows: five hours for actively contributing to the department and University's intellectual life through participation in events, workshops, and public lectures, as well as organizing a colloquium; and 15 hours for an appointment providing professional academic experience in research, teaching, or administrative roles. These appointments vary based on the needs of the faculty, department, and centers, and may last one semester or a full academic year.
Research assistant positions involve working with faculty on new research projects or completing publication projects, while teaching assistant positions focus on supporting undergraduates with coursework readings and assignments. Each fall, a second-year MA student is appointed as a Teaching Assistant for ENLS 300, "Seminar in Literary Theory and Criticism," which serves as an introduction to graduate study, including literary and critical theory, research, and other elements of literary scholarship.
The Graduate Program Director coordinates interviews for positions outside the English department, such as administrative support roles in the Griot Institute or graduate assistant positions at the Writing Center or the Library's Research Center.
Auburn University Programs Offered:Master of Arts in English Location:Department of English 9030 Haley Center Auburn, AL 36849 Admission: Admission to the program is highly competitive. Funding: Securing a fully funded offer to the program is extremely competitive.
Auburn University's Master of Arts (MA) in English program provides students with an opportunity to enhance their writing and research skills while gaining valuable experience as university-level writing instructors. The program offers three distinct tracks: Creative Writing, Literature, and Rhetoric and Composition, each designed to prepare graduates for a variety of careers in writing, editing, teaching, and other fields that require strong analytical and communication skills.
In the Creative Writing track, students receive a comprehensive education in the writing and revising of poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction. Through small, interactive writing workshops, students develop their unique voices, hone their craft, and learn to critically analyze classic and contemporary works from a writer's perspective. The program culminates in the creation of a refined portfolio of original work, which is presented to an advisory committee for approval and shared in a graduate reading.
The Literature track offers students a diverse range of critical perspectives on literary and cultural studies, with a focus on British and American literature and theory. Students develop their writing and research skills through in-depth study of specific literary and cultural fields, reflecting the broad interests of the faculty. These interests include film and visual culture, women's studies, transatlantic literature and culture, and green studies, as well as various genres and regional, national, and international literatures.
The Rhetoric and Composition track provides students with a thorough understanding of key theoretical and methodological approaches to rhetoric and composition studies, emphasizing writing pedagogy and rhetorical analysis. Graduates of this track are well-prepared for positions as teachers at all levels of education, writing instructors and tutors, government lobbyists, advocacy campaign planners, education policymakers, school administrators, curriculum designers, and researchers and analysts for think tanks.
Financial aid is available to students in the form of graduate teaching assistantships (GTAs). First-year Master's students serve as teaching assistants for core literature classes, assisting with grading and leading small discussion sections. They also receive training in teaching literature and composition through a two-semester practicum. Second-year Master's GTAs teach three composition courses of their own, typically two sections of ENGL 1100 in the fall and one section of ENGL 1120 in the spring.
University of Wyoming Programs Offered:Master of Arts in English Location:Department of English - 3353 Master of Arts in English 1000 E. University Ave. Laramie, WY 82071 Admission: Admission to the program is more competitive. Funding: Securing a fully funded offer to the program is more competitive.
The University of Wyoming offers a fully-funded Master of Arts (MA) in English program with concentrations in literature or rhetoric and composition. This two-year program provides students with a supportive and engaging environment to pursue their interests and develop the skills necessary to achieve their professional goals, whether they plan to pursue a PhD, teach, or explore related career opportunities.
One of the standout features of the University of Wyoming's MA in English program is its commitment to ensuring that no student graduates with unmanageable debt. All admitted students receive a comprehensive funding package that includes a waiver of tuition and fees, a generous stipend of $12,330 per academic year to cover living expenses in Laramie, and student health insurance. This financial support allows students to focus entirely on their studies and teaching responsibilities during the program.
As part of their graduate assistantships, MA students are required to teach one course per semester, typically English 1010: College Composition and Rhetoric. Additional teaching opportunities may be available, such as English 2020, a writing-intensive introduction to literature course, or other upper-division English courses. New graduate assistants participate in a weeklong pedagogy seminar before the fall semester begins and attend weekly meetings with fellow assistants and an experienced mentor to support their development as instructors.
The program also offers funding for students to attend conferences and conduct research-related trips. Typically, students can expect funding for one conference in which they are participating as a presenter or roundtable participant during their two years in the program. Additionally, students may receive $1,000 and can request up to $2,000 for research-related travel over the course of the program. The department actively seeks other opportunities for students and collaborates with them on grant applications for research, travel, and writing support.
With a wide range of specialists among the faculty, covering numerous periods, genres, and approaches to writing, the University of Wyoming's MA in English program provides a strong foundation for students looking to pursue further academic study or various professional paths.
Iowa State University Programs Offered:MA in English with Literature Specialization Location:Department of English 203 Ross Hall 527 Farmhouse Ln. Iowa State University Ames IA 50011-1054 Admission: Admission to the program is more competitive. Funding: Securing a fully funded offer to the program is highly competitive.
Iowa State University's Master of Arts in English with Literature Specialization is a rigorous two-year program that equips students with advanced knowledge and research skills in literary and cinematic analysis, theory, criticism, pedagogy, and professionalization. This comprehensive program caters to students interested in pursuing doctoral studies, high school teachers seeking further education, and individuals aiming for college-level teaching or careers that demand strong communication skills.
The program's curriculum covers a wide range of literary periods, genres, and authors, from classic works by Shakespeare to contemporary experimental films. Students explore the power of texts in conveying and shaping cultural values and ideas, delving into topics such as race, ethnicity, economic class, gender, environment, aesthetics, and genre. The 30-credit program fosters independent scholarship, effective research communication, and ethical professionalism.
One of the program's strengths lies in its commitment to student support and mentoring. Nearly all students seeking funding receive assistance through competitive teaching assistantships, which offer generous stipends, tuition scholarships, and health insurance benefits. Incoming students benefit from a research apprenticeship program, receiving one-on-one mentoring from dedicated faculty members who are active scholars and award-winning teachers. The department also provides travel grants for students presenting at conferences.
Teaching assistantships typically involve a 1/2-time, 20-hour per week commitment during the nine-month academic year, with students teaching the equivalent of four courses in programs such as ISUComm Foundation Communication, Speech Communication, ISUComm Advanced Communication, or ESL courses. New teaching assistants enroll in proseminar training courses to prepare them for their teaching responsibilities. Nonnative English speakers must demonstrate excellent English proficiency and meet specific requirements to be considered for teaching positions.
The English Department may occasionally offer research assistantships, which involve assisting faculty members with grant-funded research projects. Tuition scholarships are available for graduate assistants, with 1/2-time or greater appointments receiving scholarships at the level determined by the Graduate College. Master of Arts students are eligible for assistantship support for up to two years, provided they maintain satisfactory academic progress and fulfill their assistantship duties.
In summary, Iowa State University's MA in English with Literature Specialization offers a well-rounded education, extensive student support, and valuable teaching and research opportunities, making it an excellent choice for students seeking to advance their knowledge and careers in the field of literature and film.
University of Louisville Programs Offered:M.A. in English Location:DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH Bingham Humanities 315 2216 S. 1st Street University of Louisville Louisville, Kentucky 40292 Admission: Admission to the program is more competitive. Funding: Securing a fully funded offer to the program is highly competitive.
The University of Louisville's Department of English offers a comprehensive Master's degree program that equips students with advanced knowledge and skills in literary studies, with additional coursework options in creative writing, rhetoric and composition, and professional writing. This well-rounded program prepares students for doctoral studies in various fields, such as literary studies, rhetoric and composition, creative writing, and cultural studies, as well as for careers in writing, publishing, research, business, education, and non-profit organizations.
The program's core curriculum focuses on literature and critical theory, while also allowing students to explore electives in their areas of interest. The department's acclaimed faculty teach a diverse range of courses, covering topics such as literary studies, critical theory, rhetoric and composition, literacy, and new media. Students interested in non-academic career paths can also gain valuable experience through graduate internships.
The University of Louisville's English Department is committed to supporting its graduate students through various means. Each year, the department awards up to 10 Graduate Teaching Assistantships to the most promising M.A. applicants. These assistantships provide tuition remission, insurance, and a stipend for a 10-month period. During their first year, Graduate Teaching Assistants gain pedagogical experience as consultants in the University Writing Center, and in their second year, they have the opportunity to teach their own first-year writing courses in the Composition Program.
The department encourages its graduate students to engage in professional development opportunities, such as serving as the Assistant Director of Creative Writing, Graduate Editor of Miracle Monocle, or Research Assistant to the Morton Endowed Chair. Students can also participate in the Axton Reading Series, connect with peers through the English Graduate Organization, and contribute to the Louisville Conference on Literature and Culture.
Graduates of the M.A. program have gone on to pursue doctoral studies at prestigious universities, such as the University of New Hampshire, the University of Pittsburgh, Rice University, and the University of Texas-Austin. Others have successfully transitioned into careers in education, publishing, and other related fields.
In summary, the University of Louisville's M.A. in English program offers a comprehensive education, professional development opportunities, and a supportive community that prepares students for success in both academic and non-academic careers.
West Virginia University Programs Offered:MA in English Location:Department of English 100 Colson Hall | 1503 University Ave Admission: Admission to the program is more competitive. Funding: Securing a fully funded offer to the program is more competitive.
West Virginia University (WVU) offers a comprehensive Master of Arts (M.A.) program in English, designed for students with a strong inclination towards intensive literary study and a desire to pursue advanced academic training. This two-year program aims to expand students' knowledge of the cultural, linguistic, and literary heritage of English-speaking countries while developing essential research, writing, and analytical skills necessary for professional success.
The program boasts a low faculty-graduate student ratio of approximately 3:1, fostering a tight-knit community and encouraging both formal and informal collaborations between faculty and students. WVU's English Department has particular strengths in American Studies, Ecocriticism and Environmental Writing, Gender, Sexuality, and the Body, as well as Writing, Editing, and Publishing.
All students admitted to the M.A. program receive guaranteed funding for two academic years as Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTAs). This position includes an annual stipend of $16,000, a waiver of university tuition, and student health insurance. GTAs typically teach composition courses (English 101 and 102), with the opportunity for advanced graduate students to take on other assignments in their second or third year. Additional research assistantships may be available through the Eberly Writing Studio or the Appalachian Prison Book Project, potentially offering course reassignments or additional stipends.
Applicants to the program typically hold an undergraduate degree in English or a related field and demonstrate a record of academic distinction. However, the Graduate Program welcomes applications from individuals who can make a compelling case for their potential success in the M.A. program, even if they do not fit the traditional profile. Application materials include academic transcripts, a strong sample of critical writing, three letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose.
Graduates of the M.A. program have gone on to pursue doctoral studies at prestigious universities such as Rice, Northwestern, and Ohio, as well as embarking on careers in law, secondary education, and civil service. WVU, with its distinctive campuses united by a single mission, has a proven track record of producing scholars who have received prestigious awards and scholarships, including Rhodes, Truman, Goldwater, and Fulbright Scholarships, among others.
James Madison University Programs Offered:M.A. in English Location:Keezell Hall MSC 1801 921 Madison Drive Room 215 Harrisonburg, Virginia 22807 Admission: Admission to the program is more competitive. Funding: Securing a fully funded offer to the program is more competitive.
James Madison University's Master of Arts program in English aims to nurture the development of scholars, teachers, and writers in the early stages of their professional careers. The program's rigorous and comprehensive curriculum is designed to provide students with the best possible environment for intellectual growth and creativity, whether they pursue traditional English graduate occupations or apply their literary studies to other fields.
The program emphasizes the importance of reading and thinking with disciplined insight, being well-versed in literary history, exploring both traditional and non-traditional canons, and analyzing new works while understanding various critical perspectives. Full-time students in the M.A. program receive full funding through a combination of Graduate Assistantships within the English Department and partnerships with other offices on campus. This funding includes a full tuition waiver and a stipend for the duration of the two-year program.
During their "teaching year," students serve as teaching assistants in an undergraduate English majors course in the fall semester, gaining experience in leading discussions, grading, and working closely with the instructor. In the spring semester, they lead independent discussion sections, grade assignments, and enroll in a professional seminar on literature pedagogy to supplement their teaching experience.
In the "non-teaching year," students are assigned to roles that broaden their experience in the discipline and related professional contexts. These positions, which require 15-20 hours per week, may include academic publishing, libraries and archives, writing instruction and support, digital humanities, podcasting, undergraduate mentoring, and university academic programming.
The JMU M.A. in English Program excels in preparing students for various academic and professional paths. Graduates have been accepted into prestigious Ph.D., M.L.S., and J.D. programs, as well as securing positions in secondary education, university administration, editing and publishing, cultural and library programming, and non-profit administration. The program's strong track record is evident in the success of its graduates in the last ten years, with many pursuing further studies at esteemed institutions such as the University of Virginia, Rice University, Harvard Law School, and the University of Maryland-College Park.
Admission to the program is highly competitive.
Securing a fully funded offer to the program is extremely competitive.
Admission to the program is more competitive.