The Master of Arts (M.A.) in English at UNK offers students the opportunity to study literature; composition, rhetoric, and language; childhood and youth studies; and creative writing. Graduate courses are offered as seminars, workshops, and directed readings. Our M.A. serves active, in-service teachers who seek graduate credit or a graduate degree to deepen their knowledge and advance their careers; students who wish to pursue a Ph.D. in English; creative writers sharpening and refining their skills for publication or for an MFA program; and students planning careers in editing, publication, professional and technical writing, and business.

Degree Options available for Master of Arts in English

Option A: Thesis Option (36 Hours)
Option B: Examination Option (36 Hours)
This program features an optional thesis.

Prerequisites: Bachelor’s degree with at least 18 hours of English

Select one of the following focus areas:

Literature
Creative Writing
Childhood and Youth Studies
Composition, Rhetoric, and Language

The Master of Arts in English program focuses on the study of literature; composition, rhetoric, and language; childhood and youth studies; and creative writing. Seminar, workshop, and directed reading course offerings provide an engaging and interactive learning opportunity for students. The program is designed for active, in-service teachers seeking further professional or personal development, as well as those seeking preparation for a Ph.D. in English or an MFA program.

Admission Process

Departmental admission to the Graduate program is based on transcripts, a 1-2 page letter of interest, a 10 page writing sample, three letters of recommendation, and the appropriate application forms (including indication of desired degree option). The Graduate Committee of the Department of English will weigh (and in some circumstances waive) these documents in the best interest of the program and the applicant. A student interested in pursuing a degree program in English should:

1. Meet the requirements for admission1 set by the Office of Graduate Studies,
2. Submit an official undergraduate transcript to the Office of Graduate Studies showing at least 18 semester hours in upper division (300-400 level) courses in English Studies (literature, writing, linguistics, etc.).
3. Submit an application to the Office of Graduate Studies,
4. Submit a writing sample: the writing sample should be related to an aspect of English studies and 10 pages in length (for creative writing, 5 pages creative writing and 5 pages critical/analytical writing; for all other interest areas, 10 pages critical/analytical writing).
5. Submit three letters of recommendation,
6. Submit a 1-2 page letter of interest outlining motivation for post-graduate study at UNK, previous work in the discipline, particular English studies and/or literary interests, and educational goals.

Tuition fee-2 years$26,000

Total fee-2 years$52,000