English graduate programs & schools 2021+

English Graduate Programs: An Overview

English Graduate Programs look at the major authors, periods, & genres in literature and analyze skillful ways to lớn apply literary criticism. Beyond essential linguistic & literary competency, English Graduate Programs could challenge students to think analytically, read closely, & write clearly. Instead of thinking about what an English degree could vì for you, ponder what you want from your Masters in English or PhD in English program.Do you enjoy research và foraging through a library khổng lồ look for manuscripts?Would you like to sharpen skills in argument – perhaps to lớn further study law or public administration)?Are you an educator who wants khổng lồ reach a certain population of students?Could you benefit from instruction in how khổng lồ write for electronic modalities & social media?Is it your intention khổng lồ further develop your writing và editing skills?Does the idea of an English grad school with a research-active faculty appeal to you?

The answers khổng lồ these questions are personal and informative sầu. Use them to tìm kiếm for a Masters or PhD in English that might support your goals and draw out your many talents.

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written by Rana Waxman

What Does a Major in English Do?

A graduate English major does more than study English at an advanced cấp độ. Grad programs for English majors often have sầu just a few required courses (unlike for undergrads). This way, they are often flexible và may draw content from multiple areas – Medievalism lớn Modernism, psychoanalysis & even popular culture. Course lists for graduate English degree programs often include the study of the English language và literature through a wide array of topics. For instance, participants may be expected khổng lồ study literary theories, literary texts and composition with a critical eye. Coursework could take several forms, from online và live lectures khổng lồ workshops. Students may be urged to take actively take part in professional conferences, publications, workshops, symposiums & productive dialogues. As a result, the study of English could be intense as well as dynamic and full of lively interaction. While no two graduate English programs cover the same courses, take a look at some sample topics below. Then, follow up individual schools to see which syllabus appeals lớn your goals.Typical ClassesMedieval PoetryContemporary American NovelsPost colonial StudiesVisual CultureLiterary Non fictionDigital Humanities

Beyond the English Language

Many graduate English programs emphakích thước original scholarly work. Students might (especially in a PhD program) conduct your own retìm kiếm and/or engage with faculty on collaborative sầu projects. This work could help students use analytic và problem solving skills to lớn evaluate and/or challenge ideas and arguments.DID YOU KNOW?A 9% rise in employment for Postsecondary English Teachers is projected from 2019 khổng lồ 2029 as per the BLS.Admission Information Applicants to lớn English graduate programs may need a Bachelors degree in English or a related discipline (e.g. history, religion, liberal studies, humanities). Also, a university may want lớn see that a candidate has a voracious appetite for books and strong interests in writing và inquiry. Along with a university phối of standards for GPA & GRE scores (where relevant), prospective students might need khổng lồ furnish an essay (goals), letters of recommendation, resume/CV, and an example of written work.

Types of Graduate English Programs

Students who want khổng lồ study English at the graduate cấp độ might pursue a Masters in English (MA), and/ or a PhD in English degree. Some graduate schools for English may roll these degrees together for students who want to lớn seamlessly earn both degrees. Many graduate English programs also offer certificates for teaching in K-12 schools & college composition programs. These programs may be aimed at current and/or aspiring educators và could therefore include coursework in classroom strategies và lesson kiến thiết. Education oriented English degree programs might entail some type of hands on teacher training experience.

Masters in English Programs

A Masters in English degree program could meld courses in literary studies, theory và cultural studies, and composition & rhetoric. Curriculums for English Masters Programs differ so as to appeal khổng lồ a variety of student groups và their distinct goals.

In their core courses, students might first explore topics such as literary retìm kiếm, American & British literature along with studies in criticism. Then, degree plans usually branch out so that each student could choose a series of electives and tailor their program khổng lồ their interests. There is usually some type of final thesis or independent retìm kiếm project which may get students to pick up retìm kiếm skills. Masters in English programs may also assess students’ portfolio of work from the duration of their studies.

5 Ways to lớn Focus an English Masters Program

In addition to a hub of core courses, students might stack a concentration. The themes for these emphases vary in each grad school, which makes it important to lớn read program course lists. Commonly, a MA in English could come with a choice of tracks such as the ones listed below. See individual schools for other options.Literature – Built for students who plan khổng lồ go on khổng lồ a doctoral program, or whose primary interest is in-depth literary study. Electives could include topics such as non-fiction, fiction or modern rhetoricWriting – Planned for current teachers who plan khổng lồ teach English at the secondary màn chơi, or who want to lớn pursue a career that involves sharp written skills. For instance, elective could cover topics such as scientific và technical writing or composition theory and practiceCreative Writing – Designed for individuals who want to lớn pursue a career as an author or creative writing teachers. Or, who want lớn study khổng lồ earn a MFA or PhD. Course topics could include fiction, non-fiction & poetryGeneral – Intended mainly for enrichment, students might mix courses in both literature & writingRhetoric & Pedagogy – Usually for students who want to lớn pursue a career as community college teachers or refine their ability lớn teach English lớn high school students. Coursework could include topics such as history và theory of rhetoric & criticism, & in the history and structure of the English language Dual Degree in English & Library Information Management – Students in this type of dual degree program might be able khổng lồ apply coursework from each degree to fulfill both a MA and MLS degree at the same time. MA in English & Education – Students who aspire to teach professional writing & communication might consider a MA in English/Education. Participants could learn how lớn broaden their own knowledge of writing, rhetoric và genre theories. In tandem, students could learn how lớn instruct these courses as well as assessment practices within teaching.

How Long Does It Take khổng lồ Complete a Masters Degree in English?

Although degree requirements vary, students might need to lớn complete from 8 to lớn 34 credits, which a full time student might complete in one to lớn two years.

What Could I Do with a Masters in English?

A graduate degree in English could prepare students for a myriad of career paths where solid communication & a sharp sense of analysis are valued. Teach. Some students might want lớn teach at the community college or secondary levels. Per the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), “Community colleges or career & technical schools may hire those with a master’s degree.” Study. According khổng lồ the BLS, graduates might go onlớn pursue a doctoral degree in English or literature, especially if they want khổng lồ teach at the university màn chơi. Or, study khổng lồ earn a professional degree in law or business, just to lớn name a few. Careers. Some English graduates might seek employment within publishing or public relations as per the BLS. Or pursue a career in writing (creative sầu and/or technical), editing, or journalism.

PhD in English Programs

A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in English is a research degree and the highest academic degree in this discipline. PhD students often learn to master the traditional discipline of literary study as well as discover the richness of contemporary streams. Beyond breadth of knowledge, one could look to lớn an English PhD program to cultivate expertise và garner insight from a mentor. Faculty may be versed (and/or published) and may guide students who too, seek lớn publish. Candidates may have the chance lớn select from a wide range of courses và often vị so in consultation with faculty advisors. For instance, in some programs, topics might span modern theory, historical periods in English & American literature to composition. PhD students may only be required khổng lồ take a few seminars, a course in composition theory và pedagogy, and one research colloquium. Otherwise the content & range of a candidate’s work may be built around graduate courses, tutorials, và directed research. Apart from the this, PhD students typically proceed through a streamlined series of exams which culminate in a dissertation prospectus exam và the writing of the dissertation. Through these projects students often become well versed in theoretical approaches, research, and bibliography. Here are a few potential areas that may be associated with Doctorate in English programs.

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PhD in Medieval Studies

Coursework could take a deep dive into the theatrical space of Shakespeare’s scholarship & Milton’s great works like Paradise Lost. Students might be immersed in Medieval English, Renaissance literature and critical theory.

PhD in Nineteen Century Studies

Courses might examine the Victorian Novel, English Poetry, Digital Textuality, Realism & Poetics. Students might look at the work of Elizabeth Barrett Browning in the light of today’s aesthetics and culture.

PhD in Modern Literature and Culture

Could offer students a plethora of readings in Modernism, Postmodern, and Contemporary literature. Courses could bring up issues of class identity, ethics, nationhood và religion.

PhD in Textual Studies and Digital Humanities

Students could examine digital texts & truyền thông media as well as ways khổng lồ apply computing khổng lồ humanities retìm kiếm. Courses might have students investigating original documents, whether manuscript, print, or electronic. Students might learn about processes of composition, revision, editing, printing, production, distribution, & reception.

How Many Years Does It Take lớn Get a PhD in English?

Coursework in a PhD English program might be completed by a full time student within three years (two years for students entering with the MA degree). The qualifying exams và dissertation could add two khổng lồ three more years of study.

What Could I Do with a PhD in English?

Graduates who aspire to lớn teach English lớn university students might consider a PhD in English. Per the BLS, Postsecondary teachers who work for 4 year colleges và universities typically need a doctoral degree in their field.

Graduate Certificate in English Programs

A Graduate Certificate in English is a non degree program that usually commits students lớn a few courses in a singular theme. For instance, teaching English as a Second Language (TESOL). Some universities may offer certificates concurrently with an English graduate program or a program from another Department. These tkết thúc to build a focused mix of skills and knowledge much lượt thích a concentration.

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Study English Online or On campus

Another thing to lớn think about is whether you want khổng lồ pursue a Graduate degree in English online or on campus. Since PhD programs tend to lớn take longer, some students may want to relocate for the experience & perhaps, the library of a destination university. If this speaks to lớn you, use the thực đơn to lớn find Graduate Schools in English in a specific đô thị (E.g. Boston), or state (E.g. California). For students who are already at-work or have to lớn juggle other aspects of a busy life, an online graduate English program may be more convenient. Most programs simulate in person discussion and feedbaông chồng, or focus more on independent study.

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