English M.A.
The Master of Arts degree in English at UT Tyler provides exciting opportunities for study in the fields of literature, writing, and rhetoric. Its mission is to graduate students who have mastered advanced skills in critical thinking, textual interpretation, rigorous researching, and analytical writing. The program offers students a deepened understanding of literature’s cultural intellectual legacy, the ability to write well and with discernment, and the skills needed to effectively acquire knowledge and to communicate ideas in preparation for employment or doctoral study.
Master of Arts in English--Total Semester Hours=36
Admission Requirements
- A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university
- A satisfactory GRE score on the General Test of the Graduate Record Exam. Emphasis will be placed on scores for the Verbal Reasoning and Analytical Writing sections of the test. A GRE score must be submitted by the end of the first long semester of enrollment. A GRE waiver may be granted for a recent master’s degree in a field related to English.
- A minimum grade point average of 3.25 on a 4.0 point scale for at least forty-eight hours of upper-division coursework.
- A minimum grade point average of 3.50 on a 4.0 point scale for at least twenty-one hours of undergraduate English courses, including a minimum of twelve hours of upper-division coursework.
- A Statement of Purpose of maximum 500 words stating the applicant’s reasons for pursuing an English M.A. This essay should be signed, single-spaced, and word-processed.
- A demonstrated proficiency in one foreign language at the intermediate level or equivalent to 12 hours of coursework in one foreign language.
- Consideration is also given to one or more of the following factors: the applicant's demonstrated commitment to his or her chosen field of study, socioeconomic background, multilingual proficiency, geographic region of residence, status as a first generation college graduate, and level of responsibility in other matters including extracurricular activities, employment, community service, and family responsibilities.
- Conditional admission may be granted if an admission requirement is not met in an otherwise strong application. This may include failure to meet a minimum GPA or the foreign language requirement. To be considered for conditional admission a GRE score or a GRE waiver is required.
Degree Requirements
A total of thirty-six semester hours of English graduate-level coursework is required. No more than six semester hours in graduate independent study courses and six semester hours in travel/study courses may be applied. Twelve semester hours of a single foreign language or an equivalent competency must be completed prior to program admission or while in the English M.A. program. Neither a student’s native language nor English as a second language may be used to meet the foreign language requirement. No more than nine hours of graduate credit in which a “B” or better has been earned may be transferred from another institution. Transfer work is subject to approval by the graduate s advisor.
Option l: Master of Arts in English with Thesis (36 hours)
Required Courses (9 hrs.)
Notes: ENG 5300 should be taken during the semester of entry.
If enrolling in only one thesis semester, select ENGL 5396.
Writing, Rhetoric, and Theory (6 hrs.):
Select from the following (12 hrs.):
Early, Early Modern Literature (6 hrs.)
Later Literature (6 hrs.)
Electives (9 hrs.)
An elective is any graduate-level English course offered by the English M.A. program.
Option II: Master of Arts in English without Thesis (36 hours)
Required Courses (6 hrs.)
Notes: ENG 5300 should be taken during the semester of entry.
Writing, Rhetoric, and Theory (6 hrs.):
Early, Early Modern Literature (6 hrs.)
Later Literature (6 hrs.)
Electives (12 hrs.)
An elective is any graduate-level English course offered by the English M.A. program.
Graduation Requirements
- A cumulative grade point average of 3.0 for all graduate-level coursework attempted.
- Successful completion of ENGL 5397 with exit examination for the non-thesis option or successful completion of ENGL 5397 with exit examination and ENGL 5396 for the thesis option.
- Demonstrated reading knowledge of a foreign language at the intermediate level.
- For graduation from UT Tyler, all degree requirements must be completed within a six-year period.
Other Course Offerings
Although UT Tyler does not offer graduate degrees in Philosophy or Spanish, courses in these areas are offered as electives within the Department of Literature and Languages for students seeking graduate degrees in other disciplines.