Graduate Programs

The Department of English grants the M.A. and Ph.D. in English and American Literature.  It also houses the graduate program in Rhetoric, which offers a certificate, as described below.  The Department features particular strengths in medieval languages and literature, history of drama, Irish literature, and religion and literature. A wide range of financial aid is available, including scholarships and teaching assistantships. Ph.D. alumni of our program occupy senior positions at major research universities such as Stanford, Texas, and Wisconsin. Recent graduates have entered tenured and tenure-track positions at a variety of institutions across the country. A highly favorable student- to-faculty ratio facilitates individual development and career guidance. The vibrant Graduate Students Association sponsors numerous academic and social activities.

 

M.A. and Ph.D. degree in English Language and Literature: The M.A. degree requires 30 hours of course work, including two research seminars, and a comprehensive examination. By petition to the department, an M.A. thesis may subsitute, in rare cases, for the research seminars.  The Ph.D. degree requires 53 hours of course work, a comprehensive examination, and a dissertation representing a substantial piece of original scholarship. Students in both degree programs must take required courses in Linguistics, Literary Theory, and Bibliography and Methods. For full details regarding application procedures and degree requirements, see the Graduate Announcements and the English Department's Complete Course Descriptions, or contact Dr. Joseph Sendry.

 

Certificate in Rhetoric:  The Department of English offers a Certificate in Rhetoric granted upom the completion of four courses, approved by the department, in the field.  Notation that the certificate has been earned will appear on the student's transcript.  Students may count rhetoric courses taken to gain the certificate in the total number required for the degree.  M.A. students with an interest in rhetoric may take one part of the two-part master's comprehensive examination in that field;  Ph.D. students may choose a topic in rhetoric for one part of the three-part doctoral comprehensive examination.  For details, see the Graduate Announcements or contact Dr. Stephen McKenna.