Arts & Sciences

Master of Arts In English

 

The School of Arts and Sciences offers a Master of Arts degree in English on the main campus in Olean.

 

The M.A. in English offers financial support and unique opportunities for mentored classroom teaching experience. Students enjoy:

  • small classes
  • close collaboration with and advising from faculty
  • an excellent record of success in seeking employment or gaining admission to doctoral programs.

 Admission Requirements

  1. Transcripts from all undergraduate colleges, showing bachelor's degree and a solid undergraduate record.

  2. Demonstrated competency in reading Latin, French, German or Spanish. This requirement is usually fulfilled during the first semester of graduate work.

  3. Sufficient undergraduate coursework in English, Comparative Literature, or related subject areas, with a success that indicates the ability to pursue graduate work. Most English M.A. students will enter with a B.A. in English or literature, but students with degrees in other disciplines are encouraged to apply.

  4. Two recommendations addressing the applicant's ability to successfully undertake graduate study.

  5. Official scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) general test or a copy of a 10 - 12 page paper submitted for an undergraduate English class.

  6. Additional information (e.g. interview, writing sample) as may be requested by the program director.

Degree Requirements

  1. Satisfactory completion of:
    1. 30 credit hours in English graduate level courses for the General Master's Track. For more go to General Master's Track Requirements. 
    2. 36 credit hours (includes 6 thesis hours) for the Academic Pre-professional Track. For more go to Academic Pre-professional Track Requirements.  
     
  2. All English graduate students must pass ENG 500: Bibliography and Methods of Research.

  3. A written comprehensive examination covering the required reading as listed on the English Graduate Reading List. This is graded on a Pass/Fail basis. For more information, go to the Comprehensive Examinations page.

  4. An oral comprehensive examination. Students writing a thesis will undertake the oral comprehensive exam as the thesis defense. Students pursuing the non-thesis option will take an oral comprehensive examination, which covers the texts listed on the English Graduate Reading List. In either scenario, the oral comprehensive exam is graded on Pass/Fail basis. For more information, go to the Comprehensive Examinations page.

  5. Learning/Teaching Fellows must write a thesis for completion of the degree program. Academic Pre-professional Track students who are not Fellows may petition to write a thesis as part of their degree program. Students who are not following the Academic Pre-Professional Track will be expected to follow the General Master's Track described below. For more information, go to Thesis Requirements.

Learning/Teaching Fellowship

As a learning/teaching fellow at St. Bonaventure University, you will assist senior faculty and teach under their guidance, giving you a competitive edge in the demanding academic marketplace. Learn more