Master of Arts in English
Overview
(Please see our brochure for more information)
The BYU Master of Arts in English is a two-year program including 26 hours of coursework and 6 hours of thesis writing. It is designed to prepare students for doctoral work or careers in teaching, writing, or editing. The 55 graduate faculty members provide a well-rounded program with depth in American Literature, British Literature, and Rhetoric and Composition. This highly affordable program includes tuition benefits and competitive teaching and research assistantships.
Contact Information
Chair: Phillip A. Snyder
Graduate Coordinator:
Aaron Eastley
4198 JFSB
Provo, UT 84602-6701
(801) 422-8673
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Program Scope
The English Department, as a part of the College of Humanities, offers graduate study devoted to the development of reading, writing, and thinking abilities derived from studying and producing literary and other texts in English. Students study these works in aesthetic, historical, religious, and other contexts, including the theoretical contexts the faculty bring to the courses they teach. This program makes intensive use of the library and its resources. The English MA program enables students to develop knowledge, skills, and attitudes that have application in contemporary society and that are in harmony with the principles of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.
The program may appeal to students who plan to enter such careers as teaching, editing, and writing; to those who seek an advanced liberal arts degree for preparation in library science or public service; to those who plan to go on for a doctorate in English or a related area; and to those who wish to continue studies for personal satisfaction.
Each year approximately 20-25 new students are admitted to the English MA program. The average duration for the degree is two years.
Requirements
The MA degree in English offers course work beyond the bachelor’s degree in two areas of emphasis: Literature and Rhetoric and Composition.
Admission and Entry.
- Semesters of entry and application deadlines: fall, January 15 (U.S. and international).
- Application requirements: application, including writing sample.
- Entrance examination: GRE general exam is required (only the verbal and writing sections are considered).
- Prerequisite: undergraduate major or its equivalent and one course in literary criticism (Engl 451 or 452 or equivalent).
Additional Requirements for Degree—Literature Emphasis.
- Credit hours: 32 minimum, consisting of 26 course work hours plus 6 thesis hours (Engl 699R).
- Introductory course (2 hours): Engl 600.
- Required courses (15 hours): Engl 630; four additional courses in a coherent plan of study from British literature, American literature, other literatures in English, folklore, or literary theory and criticism.
- Electives (9 hours): three courses.
- Thesis: 6 hours of 699R on a topic demanding research, analysis, interpretation, and theoretical or methodological expertise.
- Examination: oral examination on thesis, related course work in emphasis, and an approved reading list of writers or topics.
Additional Requirements for Degree—Rhetoric and Composition Emphasis.
- Credit hours: 32 minimum, consisting of 26 course work hours plus 6 thesis hours (Engl 699R).
- Introductory course (2 hours): Engl 600.
- Required courses (15 hours): two courses selected from Engl 612, 613, 614, 616; three additional courses in Rhetoric and Composition or in Technical and Professional Communication.
- Electives (9 hours): three courses.
- Thesis (6 hours of 699R): thesis, project, or portfolio.
- Examination: oral examination on thesis, related course work, relevant topics, and an approved reading list of writers or topics.