Master of Arts in English Language and Literature

The faculty of English offers a flexible program leading to the Master of Arts (M.A.) degree, providing professional preparation for teaching and for doctoral study and scholarly research, as well as opportunities for creative expression. Coursework is offered in the full range of subjects defined by our faculty's expertise and by our internationally renowned archival holdings of manuscripts and books in McFarlin Library. Specific clusters of study that carry the advantage of faculty depth and the potential for original research are: (1) Victorian and Modern British and Irish literature, (2) American studies, cultural and gender/sexuality studies, African American literature, Indigenous literature, and women's literature, and (3) Early Modern, Restoration, and Eighteenth-Century British and Transatlantic Literature. The department also offers seminars in critical theory, in the pedagogy of composition, and in creative writing. Each M.A. student works closely with the Director of Graduate Studies and the faculty to develop an area of emphasis suited to the student's particular interests and professional goals.
Our students hone their writing and thinking skills through numerous mentorship and internship programs. Graduates find rewarding jobs in a wide range of beyond-traditional occupations, including journalism, advertising, public relations, marketing, law, public service, health care, and more. Our alumni with degrees in english have proven to be among the most successful professionals in the business world and enjoy careers at places like Idaho State University, Teach for America, and YouTube.

Job opportunities: Copywriter, Publisher/editor,Reporter/columnist,Teacher,Technical writer,Grant writer,Novelist,Film and television writer
Writing coach