Graduate Program
MASTER OF ARTS
Concentration in Composition: Theory, Practice, Pedagogy
The M.A. in English with a concentration in composition allows
graduate students to focus on the theory and practice of teaching
composition, while also receiving graduate-level training in
literature and literary criticism.
Composition faculty in English are A. Patricia Burnes and Harvey
Kail. Candidates for this degree also may take related courses
from faculty in the Department of Communication or the College
of Education.
Concentration Requirements
- Normally 30 credit hours of graduate courses (up to 39 in
some cases)
- ENG 693 Teaching College Composition
- ENG 579 Theories of Composition
- ENG 606/COM 606 Rhetorical Theory
- At least four graduate courses
in literature (12 credit hours)
- Other courses in composition
theory or pedagogy, including courses in linguistics,
as pre-approved by advisory committee in program of study
- Six credit hours of
ENG 699 Thesis if writing a thesis
- May take up to six credit
hours at the undergraduate 400 level, if pre-approved
by advisory committee in program of study
Admission Requirements
Applicants normally are expected to have at least a 3.0 grade-point
average in English from an accredited institution and a verbal
score of 600 or more on the Graduate Record Examination. The
GRE Subject Test in Literature in English is recommended but
not required. Candidates who did not major in English as undergraduates
are considered for admission, but may be required to complete
up to 39 hours for the degree, depending on the level of their
preparation or GRE Subject Test score. Applicants should submit
a 10-20 page writing sample of literary analysis. Those wishing
to be considered for Teaching Assistantships should also include
a statement about their philosophy of teaching and their teaching
experience, if any. Intermediate proficiency in a second language
is a requirement for admission that may, at the discretion of
the admissions committee, be completed within the first year
of study.
Degree Requirements
The M.A. in English with a Concentration in Composition is normally
a 30-hour degree. The thesis option involves 24 hours of literature
courses and 6 of thesis; those pursuing the non-thesis option
take 30 credit hours of literature courses. Graduate Teaching
Assistants in the department take ENG 693, Teaching College Composition,
during their first semester of teaching. A six-hour comprehensive
written examination, graded "Pass" or "Fail" is
required of all M.A. candidates. Based on the Department's M.A.
Reading List, the written examination is offered twice each year,
in spring and fall. Thesis candidates also do a one-hour defense
of their thesis.
For financial aid information, please click here.
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