Master of Arts in English
Kyoko Takanashi, Ph.D. | Director of Graduate Studies
Wiekamp Hall 3127 | (574) 520-4304 | website
Master of Arts in English
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 https://iugraduate.liaisoncas.com.
Standard Application
- 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, preferably from faculty members who can speak to the applicant’s academic qualifications
- Official transcript from each postsecondary school attended. Send transcript(s) to: Department of English | 1700 Mishawaka Avenue | Wiekamp Hall 3127 | 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
- Acceptable TOEFL scores or other English language exam scores for applicants whose first language is not English (the recommended score is 100 for the internet-based TOEFL exam or its equivalent). A telephone interview may also be required. Admission will not be granted without proof of English language proficiency.
Application for Dual-Credit High School Teachers
- A statement of purpose (two- to three-page essay, double spaced), focusing on the candidate’s teaching career, types of courses taught, and how graduate course work may improve the candidate’s teaching.
- A letter of recommendation from the principal or department head, indicating the candidate’s need for a graduate degree to teach dual-credit courses and commenting upon their qualifications as a teacher.
- Official transcript from each postsecondary school attended. Send transcript(s) to: Department of English | 1700 Mishawaka Avenue | Wiekamp Hall 3127 | South Bend, IN 46634
- IU South Bend application fee
Application Deadline
Applications are reviewed as received throughout the year. For Fall admissions, applications must be complete by July 15. For Spring admissions, applications must be complete by December 1.
To be eligible for possible funding, applications must be complete before June 1. Spring applicants will automatically be included in considerations for possible funding for the following Fall semester.