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English: Literary & Cultural Studies

This concentration in the English MA is designed for those seeking to teach literature at two-year colleges, high school teachers preparing to offer dual credit or seeking continuing education, and those planning to apply to PhD programs in literature. Study in small classes with experienced specialists in a wide variety of literary specialties. Like all concentrations in the EIU English MA, this program may be completed online or on campus, full-time or part-time.

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English: Literary & Cultural Studies

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Degree Level
Master of Arts
Delivery
In Person / Fully Online / Accelerated
Time to Degree
4 Semesters
Credit Hours
33 Total, 33 in Major
Careers
Language, Postsecondary, Editors, Writers, Authors
English: Literary & Cultural Studies students at EIU

Why Study English: Literary & Cultural Studies at EIU?

  • Study in small classes (graduate seminars are generally capped at 16) with PhD faculty who care about your success
  • Choose your experience: Our program can be completed on campus or completely online, full-time or part-time, depending on your needs
  • Our program is thesis-optional to serve the needs of those who want to undertake a solo project as well as those who find additional coursework more useful
  • Graduate assistantships are available to full-time, on-campus students on a competitive basis (apply by March 1 for the following fall if applying for an assistantship)
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"I didn't expect to get real experience this early, but by my sophomore year I was already working on projects that felt like actual marketing work. It made me feel confident that I'm ready for what comes next."
Alex Wilcoxon
Marketing | Junior
Alex Wilcoxon, Marketing at EIU

Hands-On Experience

  • MA course projects introduce you to independent graduate-level research and analysis, but can often be customized for students with unique goals
  • A graduate-level internship class is available for interested students, with support from our departmental internship coordinator
  • Gain presentation experience at our annual student conference
Hands-On Experience, English: Literary & Cultural Studies students at EIU

What You'll Learn

The MA program in English offers you the opportunity to work closely with publishing scholars in the field of your choice. Small classes with vibrant, engaged faculty challenge and inspire you to pursue your interests and prepare for a career or further study. Our two-year program offers concentrations in literary and cultural studies, creative writing, and rhetoric and composition.

View in Catalog
$78,270
Median Salary 4 Years After Graduation

Career Outcomes

  • English Language & Literature…
  • Editors
  • Writers & Authors
  • Poets, Lyricists & Creative Writers

Career Insights

Job Outlook Average Outlook
Preparation Needed Considerable (4/5)
Personality Fit Artistic

Financing Your Degree Under the 2026 Rules

Federal graduate lending changed on July 1, 2026 - Grad PLUS loans ended for new borrowers and new federal borrowing caps now apply to graduate students. Here's why the math still works at EIU:

Estimated total for this degree: ~$15,147 (tuition and fees)

  • ✓ That's only about 15% of the new $100,000 lifetime graduate borrowing limit - leaving room for whatever comes next in your career.
  • ✓ A typical full-time year here runs about $8,262 - well under the new $20,500 annual federal loan limit, so federal loans alone can cover tuition and fees.
  • ✓ Working? If your employer offers it, they can provide up to $5,250 per year tax-free toward your education - at EIU's rates, that can cover a good share of a part-time master's.

Estimates use 2026-2027 Illinois-resident tuition and fees and typical full-time enrollment. Your actual costs and aid depend on your program, enrollment, FAFSA, and prior borrowing.

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15% of lifetime limit

$15,147 total, just 15% of your $100,000 federal graduate borrowing limit

Connect With Us

Dr. Marjorie Worthington
Professor of English
mgworthington@eiu.edu
3321 Coleman Hall
217-581-2428
Dr. Marjorie Worthington Message Dr. Worthington

Message Dr. Worthington

or email mgworthington@eiu.edu directly
Angela Vietto
Professor of English and Chair, Department of English
arvietto@eiu.edu
3341
217-581-2428
Angela Vietto Message Angela

Message Angela

or email arvietto@eiu.edu directly
Billy Panther
Head of Panther Pride
Old Main
217-581-2223
Billy the Panther Message Billy

Message Billy

or email billy@eiu.edu directly

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