What Sets UM-Flint's English Language and Literature (MA) Program Apart?

Focus:

You may choose to pursue a general degree or to concentrate in a specific area, from among the following:

- American Literature - any periods, genres, movements, or figures from the Colonial period to the present in North American literature

- British Literature - any periods, genres, movements, or figures from the literature of the British Isles and former Commonwealth states

- Composition and Rhetoric - writing, rhetorical theory, composition instruction, and creative writing are all included

- Creative Writing - fiction, poetry, non-fiction, and dramatic writing

- Linguistics and Language - all aspects of language study from child language acquisition to the history of the English Language

- Multicultural Literature - includes writing by ethnic minorities in Britain and America as well as
post-colonial literature from Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean

- Pedagogy in English - secondary or post-secondary teaching of English, including pedagogy
in writing, literature, language study, or literacy (including courses offered through Education)

- Twentieth-Century Studies - literature and film of the British Isles, former Commonwealth states, and North America

- Women’s and Gender Studies - writing, rhetoric, or linguistic studies focusing on women and gender minorities

The concentration option consists of nine to twelve credits in the chosen area. You can complete it either by three courses in the concentration area or two courses plus an Individual Scholarship Experience.

Flexibility:

• Classes are held on-campus in the evenings, and some online

• The program requires 30 credit hours, typically completed within two years on a part-time basis

• With only one required core course (ENG 500), you have great flexibility to select courses which fit your schedule and interests.

• The other required degree elements (one course in theory and one course each in language study, writing, and literary study) can be fulfilled by a variety of classes.

• Combined with the many possibilities for the optional Individual Scholarship Experience, you can tailor this program to meet your unique personal and professional needs.

Resources:

You will learn from faculty who are at the forefront of trends and studies from such areas as culture, society, and the arts.

In-Depth: Individual Scholarship Experience

The optional Individual Scholarship Experience (ISE, ENG 591) is designed to allow you to pursue special projects customized to your areas of interest and expertise. If you wish to progress into a doctoral program, for instance, you may wish to demonstrate mastery of a discipline or literary period by following a course of readings that lead to a comprehensive examination. Or you may wish to undertake original research that culminates either in a traditional thesis or in some other significant production that you define in consultation with a faculty mentor. Yet another option might be to broaden your horizons through a term of study at a foreign university or accredited U.S. graduate program. If you are a secondary teacher, you might pursue implementation of a new program or course in your school district. The ISE can accommodate all these options— and more.

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree with major or significant coursework in English or related fields from an accredited institution

• Minimum overall undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale

Application Process

To be considered for admission, submit the following to the Office of Graduate Programs, 251 Thompson Library:

• Application for Graduate Admission

• $55 application fee (non-refundable)

• Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended

• Statement of Purpose: In 500-800 words, please discuss the intellectual and professional experiences that you bring to the program and your objectives in undertaking graduate studies in English. The Admissions Committee will be reviewing the content of your statement, as well as using it to assess your writing ability.

• Three letters of recommendation from people familiar with your interests and scholarly ability

Admission decisions are made by the program director in consultation with the program faculty following the receipt of all application materials.

Application Deadlines

The program has rolling admissions and reviews completed applications each month.

Application deadlines are as follows:     

Fall (early deadline*) – May 1

Fall (final deadline) – August 1

Winter – November 15

Spring – March 15

Summer – May 15

*You must apply by the early deadline to be eligible for scholarships, grants, and research assistantships.

International students are required to apply earlier than the deadlines posted here. The final deadlines for international students are May 1 for the fall semester, September 1 for the winter semester, and January 1 for the spring term.

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