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Prospective Students

Introduction to Our Programs and the Application Process

BYU’s English Master of Arts Program (MA)

The BYU Master of Arts in English is a two-year program. MA students may emphasize in one of the following: American Literature, British Literature, Rhetoric & Composition, English Education, or Digital Humanities & Professional Writing. The English MA is designed to prepare students for doctoral work or careers in teaching, writing, or editing. In contrast to PhD-granting institutions, BYU’s English department devotes all of its graduate resources to its masters-level students, combining a reasonable tuition with significant financial support. Although these paid positions are not guaranteed, most graduate students avail themselves of opportunities to work as composition instructors, teaching assistants, and research assistants. The program has a strong record of placement in Ph.D. programs for those students choosing to continue their graduate studies. It also provides a valuable intellectual foundation for students pursuing writing, publishing, teaching, law, and other related careers. For MA students emphasizing in American Literature, British Literature, Rhetoric & Composition, and English Teaching, the program includes 26 hours of coursework and 6 hours of thesis writing. The thesis project is an article-length piece of writing fit for submission to a peer-reviewed academic journal. The Digital Humanities & Professional Writing emphasis is a non-thesis option that the English Department offers in collaboration with the Office of Digital Humanities, with the culminating project being a portfolio ready to share with potential employers or graduate admissions committees.

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Emphasis Information

American Literature, British Literature, English Teaching, and Rhetoric and Composition

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Upcoming Courses

Course offerings are subject to change at any time, depending on instructor availability. Contact gradenglish@byu.edu with any questions.
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Prerequisites

Read about prerequisites for applying
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Funding Your MA or MFA

We offer opportunities for students to apply for both instructorships and mentorships.
Learn More
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Master of Arts in Creative Writing (MFA)

The BYU Creative Writing MFA is a two-year program requiring 26 hours of coursework and 6 thesis hours. Unique opportunities such as an annual retreat at Capitol Reef National Park, an internship in the teaching of introductory creative writing, and a weekly visiting writers series enhance students’ experiences in the program and prepare them for lifelong writing and teaching. BYU’s English Department devotes all of its graduate resources to master’s students, combining reasonable tuition with significant financial support. Admissions decisions are based on the strength of an applicant’s writing sample, personal statement, academic record, and recommendations. Consideration is given to the perceived fit between student interest and faculty expertise. Our program also provides generous funding for travel to AWP or a similar conference. The department-sponsored reading series features not only regional writers but also international greats such as Derek Walcott, Marilynne Robinson, Yusef Komunyakaa, Terry Tempest Williams, and Robert Pinsky.

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Creative Portfolio

MFA Writing Sample
Learn More
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Upcoming Courses

Course offerings are subject to change at any time, depending on instructor availability. Contact gradenglish@byu.edu with any questions.
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Funding Your MA or MFA

We offer opportunities for students to apply for both instructorships and mentorships.
Learn More
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Contact Information

English Graduate Program Manager
Email: gradenglish@byu.edu
Phone: 801-422-4939