BYU’s English Master of Arts Program (MA)

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. In contrast to Ph.D.-granting institutions, BYU’s English department devotes all of its graduate resources to its MA students, combining a reasonable tuition with significant financial support. Although these paid positions are not guaranteed, most graduate students avail themselves of opportunities as composition instructors, teaching assistants, and research assistants. Our graduate faculty members provide a well-rounded course of study with emphases in American literature, British literature, or Rhetoric and Composition. The program has a strong record of placement in Ph.D. programs for those students choosing to continue their graduate studies and also provides a valuable intellectual foundation for students pursuing writing, publishing, teaching, law, and other related careers.

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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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