English - Composition Track

The Composition Track is intended for students interested in teaching English in secondary schools, two-year colleges, and four-year colleges. The degree is also appropriate for those planning to enter a doctoral program in composition and rhetoric. The program does not lead to state certification for teaching; students should consult the Department of Curricular and Instructional Studies for requirements for state certification to teach in the public schools.

Admission Requirements

The English Department requires for acceptance into the program a B.A. in English, a minor in English, or other suitable course preparation.

To qualify for full admission, a student must meet the Graduate School requirement of a minimum overall GPA of 2.75 for four years or 3.0 over the last two years. Applicants must request that official transcripts of undergraduate and, if applicable, graduate work be sent to the Graduate School. A nonrefundable application fee is also required.

Applications should be received at least six weeks prior to registration, which may occur in the fall, spring, or summer terms.

To qualify for provisional admission, the Graduate School requires a minimum overall GPA of 2.5 over four years or 2.75 over the last two years. A student whose GPA falls below 2.75 or who lacks the B.A. in English may be granted deferred admission and given postbaccalaureate status, which is a probationary category.

Akron Advantage

Since an M.A. degree in English is a liberal arts degree and does not prepare students for a single career path, our students pursue a variety of professional goals and jobs: further study at the Ph.D. level; jobs as editors, writers, and business professionals; and work as teachers in private schools and community colleges. Still others continue working at full-time jobs they have held while pursuing their graduate degrees with us part time. We do not have specific placement objectives per se, but we try to ensure our program meets the needs of these various constituencies.

We also strive to offer extracurricular activities and workshops to help students prepare for the job market. Such activities include an annual graduate student symposium for those advancing in graduate work or those seeking a Ph.D.; career workshops for those seeking information on the variety of careers available; and graduate internships for those seeking on the job training for career experience.

Additional Information

The department offers two tracks for the M.A. degree. Early registration is necessary to ensure that the 600-level seminars will run. Classes with low enrollment will be cancelled.