English Language and Literature, M.A.

Minimum Totals for Graduation: 30 hours

This program is designed to meet the needs of students who wish to teach English at a community college, for students seeking preparation for advanced study at the doctoral level at another university, or for students teaching English at the secondary level who wish to pursue more study in the discipline.

Students must complete at least 15 of their total semester hours at or above the 600 level. At the advisor's discretion up to 6 hours from other departments may be included.

Admission Requirements, Retention & Termination Standards

Admission Requirement Snapshot

GPA: 3.0 (and 3.0 in major)

Entrance Exam: N/A

Internat'l Application Deadline: July 1 (Fall), Oct. 1 (Spring)

See Admission Requirement Details Below

To become a candidate for the degree of Master of Arts in English Language and Literature, a student normally will be expected to have had an undergraduate major or minor in English with a grade point average of at least 3.0 on a four point scale and a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0. For applicants whose native language is not English, a TOEFL score of 550 (213 CBT) and a TWE of at least 5, or a MELAB of 85, are required for admission. All students applying for admission to the Language and Literature program must submit a 7-10 page sample of analytical writing that shows an aptitude to do graduate-level work in English.

Program Requirements

Required Courses I (6 hours)

Professional Methodologies

ENG 535	History of Literary Criticism	3(3-0)
ENG 602	Introduction to Graduate English Studies	3(3-0)

Required Courses II (9 hours)

Literature Seminars

ENG 635	Seminar in English Literature	3-9(3-0)
ENG 656	Seminar in American Literature	3-9(Spec)
ENG 665	Seminar in World Literature	3-9(Spec)

Note: At least one of these seminars must focus on literature before 1800.

Unrestricted Electives (15 hours)

Hours authorized by the advisor and planned with the student.

Capstone Project

Plan B

Total: 30 semester hours

Accelerated Master of Arts in English Language & Literature

Admission Standards

(Currently enrolled CMU Undergraduate Students only.)

Student must be a signed major in English or a related field.

1. Maintain an overall cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 3.25 and a grade of 3.25 or higher in at least two of the following courses: ENG 334, ENG 335, ENG 336, ENG 337, and ENG 338.
2. Submit a writing sample and cover letter (for more details, contact the Department of English Language & Literature at 989-774-3171).
3. Obtain written approval from the Chair of the Department of English Language & Literature.
4. Obtain graduate school approval of courses selected to double count on both the BA/BS and MA.

Retention Standards

Maintain of a 3.25 GPA in English courses. Students who fail to maintain a 3.25 GPA in English courses in two successive semesters will be removed from the accelerated program.

Students considering an accelerated MA program should be aware that their financial aid may be affected for courses double counting on the BA/BS and MA Contact the Office of Scholarships & Financial Aid for information at 989-774-3674 or [e-mail].