MA in Literature

Requirements for the Master of Arts Degree in English - Literature

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 canceled. Please contact the English department or download our handout for more information.

Thesis Option

A minimum of 33 credits is required (27 credits of coursework and 6 credits of thesis). Of the 27 credits of coursework, 18 must be at the 600 level and 12 must be in literature or literary theory (exclusive of individual reading).

Non-Thesis Option

A minimum of 36 credits is required, of which 24 must be at the 600 level and 24 must be in literature or literary theory (exclusive of individual reading).

Required Courses for Both Options:

3300:506 Chaucer *
3300:615 Shakespearean Drama *
3300:665 Literary Criticism
3300:570 History of the English Language *

3300:670 Modern Linguistics *

At least one course in four of the following five categories is required:

British

Up to 1660
1660-1900
1900-present

American

Up to 1865
1865-present

Note 1:

How graduate courses count for the M.A. requirements in literature or composition is explained in a separate document available from the Graduate Coordinator and posted in the Graduate Assistant office.

( * Unless the student has passed a comparable undergraduate course with a B grade or better.)

English - Literature Track

Admission Requirements

Statement of purpose. Please send a 1-2 page Statement of Background and Goals to the English Department at englishsa2@uakron.edu.

Application Deadline

Applications to the master's degree program in English - Composition are accepted on a rolling basis.

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.

Assistantship/Scholarship Information

All assistantships (and any fellowships) are awarded through the academic department. Students interested in obtaining an assistantship must apply. New students may indicate on their online application for admission that they would like to be considered for an assistantship. Current students must contact the academic department for application information. Each department may have different requirements for assistantship applicants, so all students should contact the academic department to determine these particular requirements. Only those students fully admitted to a master’s or doctoral degree-seeking program are eligible for a graduate assistantship. Students admitted as non-degree seeking or to a certificate program may not hold an assistantship.

Financial Aid Information

Paying for college is a vital part of the education process! it is important to be informed of the many sources of aid available. Student loans are available to degree-seeking graduate students. Information on student loans can be found through the Office of Student Financial Aid. The Office of Student Financial Aid is located in Simmons Hall.