Programs in English

M.A. in English

 

M.A. and M.S. graduates of American universities credit their post-graduate study with:

• sharpening their ability to link theory and practice;

• refining their analytical and communication skills;

• broadening their perspective of their field.

Additionally, employers regard master's-degree holders as "far more competent and confident" than employees who hold only bachelor's degrees.

This extremely positive assessment of the master's degree emerged from a national study commissioned by the Council of Graduate Schools. The study's findings, reported in The Chronicle of Higher Education in 1991, are detailed in a book titled A Silent Success: Master's Education in the United States.

Eastern Illinois University's M.A. program in English provides students valuable opportunities:

• to improve their abilities to think critically and communicate effectively;

• to broaden their knowledge and deepen their understanding of literature and language;

• to prepare for further graduate or professional education;

• to enhance their credentials for careers in teaching, writing and editing, government, or business.

Graduate Curriculum

Please see the official description of the M.A. in English on the Graduate School's website.

Graduate Faculty

All members of Eastern's graduate faculty in English hold Ph.D. degrees from major U.S. universities. The wide variety of research interests and creative talents represented on the faculty makes it possible for graduate students to carry out supervised research and write theses in an impressive number of literary and critical fields.

As well as being active scholars and writers with numerous books and other publications to their credit, graduate faculty members are also committed teachers who work closely with students and are readily available for consultation and discussion.

Graduate Assistantships

Graduate assistantships available through the English Department are awarded on a competitive basis. As of 2008, stipends were $840 per month; tuition (though not fees) is waived for graduate assistants. In addition to financial aid, graduate assistantships provide valuable training and experience. Assistants are eligible to teach first-year writing courses, tutor in the University's Writing Center, assist with Writing Across the Curriculum, and serve as editorial or research assistants.

Graduate assistantship applications are due in the English department in early March for appointments effective the following academic year. (See the calendar of important dates.) By that date, the Department's graduate coordinator should also have received all supporting documentation: GRE scores, transcripts, two letters of recommendation, 7-10 pages of scholarly writing, or 7-10 pages of creative writing for creative writing applicants; and TOEFL scores (international applicants only).

Admission Requirements

Requirements for admission to degree candidacy include:

• a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited four-year college or university;

• a minimum gradepoint average (GPA) of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale;

• a documented score on the General Test of the Graduate Record Examination.

Application Procedures

Applications for admission should be sent directly to the Graduate School, accompanied by a check or money order to cover the application fee. Official transcripts and GRE test reports should also be sent to the Graduate School (copies may be sent to the Department to support assistantship application). The application form and catalog are available online:
EIU Graduate School Application
EIU Graduate Catalog

 

Further information on Graduate Studies in the English Department and on graduate assistantships is available from the Director of Graduate Studies, Dr. Jad Smith.