Master of Arts in English
Program Description
The Master of Arts (M.A.) in English is a 36 credit hour program. The M.A. in English offers broadly based expertise in English studies, including creative writing, literary analysis, and rhetoric/composition. Full-time students may complete the program in two years. Adjusted courses of study are available to part-time students.
This advanced degree program offers a life-enriching continuation of intellectual study. It fosters the further development of skills valued by current employers, including writing and analytical skills, and provides specialized knowledge in areas such as textual analysis, computer-assisted writing, literacy studies, pedagogy, research, and editing.
The degree leads to teaching careers at both the high school and college levels, as well as to employment in the service and information industries, the news media, advertising, public relations, and in other corporations requiring writing specialists.
Admission Requirements
Students are admitted to the English graduate program by the Graduate Selection Committee. Applicants for the program must have a bachelor’s degree in English, or a closely related field, from an accredited institution and an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0. A candidate who does not meet the GPA requirement may apply for special student status.
Application Process
The following materials, with the exception of the transcripts and TOEFL scores, should be uploaded to IU South Bend’s electronic application at iusb.edu/graduatestudies
- A statement of purpose (two- to three-page essay, double spaced) identifying the candidate’s goals and interests in pursuing graduate work in English and describing the educational and work experiences that contributed to that sense of purpose
- Three letters of recommendation
- Official transcript from each postsecondary school attended. Send transcript(s) to: Department of English | 1700 Mishawaka Avenue | South Bend, IN 46634
- IU South Bend application fee
- A recent writing sample that demonstrates the candidate’s analytical skills, research abilities, and command of clear and fluent prose
- (If applying for special-student status) A request for conditional admission identifying the areas in which the applicant does not meet admission standards and, if appropriate, describing the special conditions, educational or work experiences that contribute to the candidate’s preparedness for graduate work
- Acceptable TOEFL scores for non-English speaking applicants (recommended score for the traditional version is 600, recommended score for the computer version is 250); a telephone interview may also be required.
Application Deadline
Applications are reviewed as received.