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English - Literature, Master of Arts

If literature is your passion, the MA in English - Literature might be for you. The degree is designed to broaden and refine your knowledge of literary traditions in English. Our program's flexibility allows you to follow your own interests while experiencing the best of curricular innovation and established traditions. We offer courses and a curriculum that maximize your opportunities for the future, whether that is teaching at the community college level, working within publishing, or studying further at the PhD level.

This plan fosters your understanding of concepts, periods, authors, and issues fundamental to the advanced study of literature in English.

Career Accordion Open

Career opportunities that might be pursued:
  • Editing and publishing
  • Public relations
  • Teaching

Requirements Accordion Closed

University Requirements

  • To receive a master’s degree at Northern Arizona University, you must complete a planned group of courses from one or more subject areas, consisting of at least 30 units of graduate-level courses. (Many master’s degree programs require more than 30 units.)

    You must additionally complete:

    • All requirements for your specific academic plan(s). This may include a thesis.
    • All graduate work with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0.
    • All work toward the master’s degree must be completed within six consecutive years. The six years begins with the semester and year of admission to the program.
    The full policy can be viewed here.

     

Overview Accordion Closed

Overview

In addition to University Requirements:

  • Complete individual plan requirements.
Minimum Units for Completion36
Additional Admission RequirementsAdmission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.
ThesisThesis may be required by chosen emphasis or offered as an option.
ResearchIndividualized research may be required by chosen emphasis or offered as an option.
Progression Plan LinkView Program of Study

Purpose Statement

In the Literary Studies Emphasis of the MA-English, students acquire a strong foundation in literary theory and research and develop an advanced understanding of traditional and emerging literary histories and fields of scholarship. The course of study for this flexible program includes foundational coursework in literary theory, rhetorical theory, and literary research methods, while additional classes build upon these foundations by developing expertise in specific genres, periods, and topics.  The program provides opportunities for students to work on closely mentored, individualized projects directed toward practical professional goals like writing and submitting essays for publication in journals and for presentation at conferences.  This degree is ideal for students seeking preparation for PhD work or community college teaching in literature, and for secondary teachers and others seeking additional training in literary studies.

Student Learning Outcomes

Theory and Knowledge
1.     Students will learn the theoretical foundations and research methods in advanced literary studies, and gain expertise in specific genres, periods, and topics in the field.
Analysis and Critical Thinking
2.     Students will learn to critically analyze how written, digital, visual, and spoken texts shape and are shaped by diverse local, national, global, historical, aesthetic, and ideological contexts.
3.     Students will learn to evaluate and synthesize appropriate research, scholarship, and methodologies as demonstrated in advanced-level scholarly projects, creative work, discussion and presentation, and other appropriate assignments.
Research and Application
4.     Students will learn to construct course-related projects directed at investigating, understanding, and applying scholarly approaches and criticism in the field of literary studies.
5.     Students will learn to participate in advanced professional activities (conferences, publications, practicum experiences, research projects, and other activities).

Details Accordion Closed

Details

Additional Admission Requirements
  • Admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.
    • NAU Graduate Online application is required for all programs. Details on admission requirements are included in the online application.
    • Undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution
    • Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A"), or the equivalent. 
    • Admission to many graduate programs is on a competitive basis, and programs may have higher standards than those established by the Graduate College.
    • Transcripts
    • For details on graduate admission policies, please visit the Graduate Admissions Policy
    • International applicants have additional admission requirements. Please see the International Graduate Admissions Policy 


    Individual program admission requirements include:

    • 2 letters of recommendation
    • Personal statement or essay 
    • Writing sample
    • Resume or curriculum vitae
Master's Requirements

  • This Master’s degree requires 36 units distributed as follows:

    • Common Course Requirements: 9 units
    • Five Literature Courses: 15 units
    • Electives: 12 units
    The 36 units required for the degree must include at least 6 units of Global Learning Initiative (GLI) -focused coursework.
     

    Take the following 36 units:

    Common Course Requirements 

    Literature Courses
    Select five courses from the following literature courses (15 units):
    The 36 units required for the degree must include at least 6 units of Global Learning Initiative (GLI) -focused coursework, at least three units of which must be taken from the following list:Note: ENG 562 counts as a GLI course, which thus fulfills three required GLI units.

     

  • Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also take. For prerequisite information click on the course or see your advisor.
     

Availability Accordion Closed

Campus Availability