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Graduate Degrees & Certificates

Master of Arts

To earn this degree, you must complete at least 30 credits (courses are generally 3 credits each). You also must demonstrate reading proficiency in an approved foreign language, normally by passing with a grade of A or B a 300-level literature course offered by the Department of International Language and Culture Studies. (The IPFW Department of International Language and Culture Studies may provide an examination as an alternative for students who are prepared to read literature and criticism in an approved language.) You must maintain a GPA of at least 3.0 or better in courses taken to fulfill degree requirements; no course with a grade below B will count toward the degree.

Your program must include at least one course in professional scholarship, one course in critical theory, and one 700-level seminar. It must include at least three courses in each of two of five available concentrations: (1) British literature before 1700, (2) British literature after 1700, (3) American literature, (4) English language and linguistics, (5) writing, rhetoric, and composition.

You may, with your advisor’s approval, apply courses that satisfy core requirements to your concentration requirements. If you do, you must still complete enough approved elective courses to meet the required minimum of 30 credits.

You are expected to write a master’s thesis (3–6 credits).

Teaching Assistantships

Students in the M.A. program may qualify for appointment as teaching aides. Such appointments (with the title graduate aide) carry a stipend as well as partial remission of fees. Aides typicallyteach one or two sections of freshman or developmental composition.

  • ENG B501 - Professional Scholarship in Literature Cr. 3.
  • ENG B502 - Introduction to Literacy Studies and the Teaching of College English Cr. 3.
  • ENG B605 - Modern Approaches to Literature Cr. 3.
  • ENG B780 - Special Studies in British and American Literature Cr. 3.
  • ENG C602 - Contemporary Theories of Composition Cr. 3.
  • LING L575 - Introduction to Linguistic Theory Cr. 3.

    • One course in professional scholarship

    For example:

    One course in critical theory

    For example:

    One seminar

    For example:

    Concentration 1 (9 credits)

    Three courses in one of the following:

    (1) British literature before 1700,
    (2) British literature after 1700,
    (3) American literature,
    (4) English language and linguistics, or
    (5) writing, rhetoric, and composition

    Concentration 2 (9 credits)

    Three courses in one of the remaining concentrations

    Electives (3-5 credits)

    Enough courses applicable to the degree to bring the program to at least 30 credits

    Minimum (30 credits)