Mar 28, 2024  
2021-2022 Graduate Catalog 
    
2021-2022 Graduate Catalog This is not the most recent catalog version; be sure you are viewing the appropriate catalog year.

Literature [M.A.]


The M.A. in Literature provides masters-level competence in English and American literature. The degree is appropriate for teachers on the elementary, high school, or community college level and for students planning to pursue doctoral study in English or American literature. The degree provides valuable educational background for professions where critical thinking and clear, accurate expression, combined with a knowledge of literature, are desired.

Program Admission


Graduate School Application

After reviewing the admission requirements below, please select the appropriate application. The University is transitioning application platforms; pay close attention when selecting the application below.

The program you are applying to may not accept applicants every semester.

For additional information regarding the application process, please see Graduate Admissions or International Admissions.

Admission Requirements

Minimum Graduate School Requirements

A four-year baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or an equivalent degree from a non-U.S. institution. In addition, a minimum cumulative undergraduate grade point average of 2.7 on a 4.0 scale, or 3.0 in the last half of the undergraduate program, is required for full admission. Applicants who do not meet minimum admission requirements may be considered for conditional admission. See International Admissions for international applicant requirements.

Applicants must also meet the following program requirements:

  • A personal statement (we recommend that these statements be 1 to 2 pages in length)
  • An academic writing sample (preferably a piece of writing that addresses and analyzes literature)
  • Two letters of recommendation

Department Information


English Language & Literature | Joseph Csicsila, Ph.D., Department Head | 612 Pray-Harrold, 734.487.4220, jcsicsila@emich.edu

Eric Acton, Ph.D., Graduate Coordinator | 612S Pray-Harrold, 734.487.7952, eacton1@emich.edu

Advisor Information


Laura George, Ph.D., 612 Pray-Harrold, 734.487.4220, laura.george@emich.edu

Degree Requirements: 30 hours


The M.A. in Literature requires 30 hours of coursework. In addition, all students must complete either an MA Exam or MA Thesis as a capstone project to complete their degree.

  • Required Courses: 6 hours

  • 3 hrs
  • 3 hrs
  •  

    Restricted Electives: 24 hours

    Students must complete a minimum of 18 hours of Literature (LITR)  courses.

    In addition, students may take up to two courses numbered 500 and above offered by other programs in the department of English Language and Literature as cognate courses (course list ). Students may take up to two graduate courses offered by other departments as their cognate courses with the permission of their advisor.

  •  

    Capstone Requirement:

    In addition to required coursework, the student must either take the MA exam in Literature or submit a Thesis, in order to complete the degree. The Thesis option both counts as the culminating event of the degree and gives the student three hours of credit towards the elective portion of the coursework.