Graduate Program

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Program Contact

Director: Kazuko Hiramatsu, PhD
810.762.3285
umflint.edu/english
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Why UM-Flint

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 Writing and Rhetoric or Literature. The concentration option consists of twelve credits in the chosen area.
  • Our program is multi-disciplinary and encourages a broad study of historical, theoretical, and methodological research of texts in literature, writing, composition studies, linguistics, and English pedagogy.
  • Our courses entail critical engagement with language, texts, and theory through original research, presentations, and discussion. 
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
  • The program structure provides an opportunity to tailor your learning to meet your unique personal and professional goals.
  • There are 5 core courses:
    • ENG 500 - Intro to English Studies plus a course in each: Theory, Literature, Linguistics and Writing

The remaining 5 courses are electives.

  • Our courses approach English studies from diverse perspectives yet share a seminar-based approach and a goal of fostering independent, lifelong learners.
RESOURCES:
  • You will learn from active and engaged scholars who are curious, reflective, innovative, accessible and compassionate.
Results:
  • Our alumni are working in fields such as marketing and communications, social media, copy editing, K-12 education and higher education.

Admission

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

Applying

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 reasons for pursuing an MA in English at the University of Michigan-Flint. The Admissions Committee will be reviewing the content of your statement, as well as using it to assess your writing ability. Focused statements indicating clear goals and familiarity with our program will be given preference.
  • Three letters of recommendation: Letters should be from people who are familiar with your work in academic or professional contexts, rather than personal ones, and who can comment on your critical thinking skills, your ability to undertake independent projects, and your capacity for collaborating with colleagues.
  • International students must submit additional documentation. Visit the International Students page for details.

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.

Courses

English Language and Literature (Master of Arts)

Requirements. Completion of a minimum of 30 credit hours, distributed as follows, with an overall cumulative grade point average of 3.0 (B) or better. The program must be completed within six consecutive years.

  1. English Studies (3 credits). ENG 500 - English Studies: Issues and Methods.  
  2. Theory (3 credits). A course in literary or composition/rhetorical theory from:  ENG 563 , ENG 567 , ENG 568 , ENG 570 , ENG 571 , ENG 572 .
  3. One course from each of the following areas (9 credits). 
    1. Literature. ENG 522 , ENG 525 , ENG 526 , ENG 527 , ENG 531 , ENG 532 , ENG 533 , ENG 534 , ENG 537 , ENG 538 , ENG 539 , ENG 555 , ENG 587 . 
    2. Linguistics. ENG 508 ,  ENG 509 , ENG 549 , ENG 588 ; LIN 520 , LIN 521 .
    3. Writing. ENG 560 , ENG 561 , ENG 562 , ENG 563 *, ENG 566 , ENG 567 *, ENG 568 *.
      *May not also be counted toward theory requirement.
  4. Electives (15 credits). Additional courses in English to bring total credit hours to 30.
  5. Portfolio

Optional Concentration

Students may specialize in one of two concentrations by completing twelve (12) credits as follows. Only one concentration may be completed. ENG 590 , ENG 592 , and ENG 593  do not count toward the concentration.

Writing and Rhetoric concentration
          
          1.  A course in rhetorical theory (ENG 563 , ENG 567  or ENG 568 )  or a theory course approved by the program director.
          2.  Three (3) courses in composition, rhetoric, or creative writing.

Literature concentration

          1. A course in literary theory (ENG 570 , ENG 571  or ENG 572 ) or a theory course approved by the program director.
          2. Three (3) courses in literature.
 

Cognate Areas

Where appropriate, and after consultation with an advisor, students may fulfill program requirements with courses from cognate graduate areas such as Education, Social Sciences, and Liberal Studies.

Transfer of Credit

Up to six (6) semester credit hours of graduate credit completed at an accredited institution may be accepted for transfer. Transfers of credit are subject to the approval of the program director. Requests for transferring additional coursework may be made by submitting a petition to the program director.

Read More

Scott Atkinson, MA

Hometown: Grand Blanc

I have always said I wanted to be a full-time writer who has time to teach, or a full-time teacher who has time to write. Currently I’m a writer who teaches; someday I’d like to see that switch. UM-Flint got me the degree and experience I needed to start teaching and get that career path moving. While in the English program, I focused on teaching writing and my professor, Dr. Jacob Blumner, took a very pragmatic approach to that. He taught my Teaching College Composition class and I also studied independently with him. More than that though, he has continued to offer advice and mentor me as I begin teaching. I think he recognized that I was motivated and has never stopped being a teacher.