English, Master of Arts

The Master of Arts in English is a 30-33 credit program that offers students the opportunity to explore a wide range of critical and creative approaches to language and literature. Students work closely with faculty at the forefront of a changing intellectual and cultural landscape in English, American, and comparative literature, creative and professional writing, Holocaust and Genocide studies, digital studies, and writing and rhetoric studies.

The Master of Arts in English provides students the flexibility to concentrate in either literature or writing depending on their interests and professional goals. The concentration in literature focuses on literary texts, scholarly criticism, and research, and is recommended for those who are interested in pursuing doctoral studies. In the concentration in writing, students will work with established writers and experienced mentors who will help them with their craft. Both concentrations provide opportunities for the study of composition, rhetoric, and digital studies. For teachers with initial licensure, successful completion of this program meets one of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts requirements for professional licensure.

Admission Requirements

Specific additional admission requirements for M.A. English.

For those candidates interested in pursuing Option “L” (Literary Studies), a 6-12 page analytical writing sample must be submitted.
For those candidates interested in pursuing Option “W” (Writing), a 6-12 page creative writing sample in the intended genre must be submitted.
An undergraduate cumulative G.P.A. of at least 2.75 overall and 3.0 in the major field of study.
Applicants for these programs are exempt from having to take either the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Miller Analogies Test (MAT).

Program Requirements

Upon acceptance into the program, each student will complete a tentative Plan of Study in consultation with the program coordinator. Any request for consideration of transfer credits must be made at this time. Please note that no more than nine transfer credits will be accepted and no more than three courses taken at Salem State University before admission can be counted towards this program. Students should meet regularly with the graduate program coordinator to discuss progress and revise the Plan of Study as needed.

All candidates for the M.A. in English must demonstrate proficiency in a language other than English prior to completion of the program. Proficiency in a language other than English may be demonstrated by one of the following: a) proof of satisfactory completion of six hours of undergraduate credit beyond the elementary level of a language other than English; or b) a passing score in a language examination; or c) approval by the department graduate coordinator and the department graduate committee.

Course Requirements

Option L – Literary Studies (30-33 credits)

Eighteen (18) credit hours in ENG literature courses, including ENG 725 .
Twelve (12) additional credit hours in ENG courses including a capstone (ENG 994 or ENG 998 )

Fifteen (15) additional credit hours in ENG courses.

Upon approval of the program coordinator, students may use three credit hours from a related discipline such as history, theatre arts, or philosophy toward their 12-15 additional credit hours.

Students who intend to complete a portfolio or thesis must apply to do so the semester before they begin the portfolio or thesis. Students must have a minimum 3.75 GPA for the thesis option. The thesis will be read by both an advisor and a second reader. Students planning to continue on to a doctoral program are strongly encouraged to choose the thesis option. The portfolio will follow the guidelines for the Portfolio Capstone (ENG 994 ). The thesis will follow the guidelines for the Thesis Capstone (ENG 998 ), repeatable for up to 6 credits as needed).

Option W - Writing (30 credits)

Eighteen (18) credit hours in ENG writing courses, including a capstone and at least two workshop courses in the major genre;
Twelve (12) credit hours in graduate English courses including ENG 725 .
A capstone manuscript in the student’s major genre. The manuscript may be poetry, fiction, or a dramatic form, and will follow the guidelines for the Manuscript Capstone in Writing course (ENG 996 ), repeatable for up to 6 credits as needed).

Total Credits for the Degree: 30-33

Additional Information and Notes

Additional information on any of the capstone options is available from the program coordinator.