English, Master of Arts
Our M.A. Program in English offers students opportunities to deepen their knowledge of literary studies and writing studies, as well as hone their writing, research, and analytical skills. We offer seminars in literature, composition and rhetoric, creative writing, gender studies, critical ethnic studies, and visual studies. Our seminars are small and discussion-oriented, and students will work closely with professors on their graduate research project or thesis.
The English M.A. is a 36-hour Program. Students must choose between a Graduate Research Project (3 hours) or a Thesis (6 hours) for their capstone project. To be eligible to begin Thesis or GRP work, students must have completed 24 hours of graduate coursework.
Upon completion of the program, students will be prepared to continue their graduate studies in English studies or related disciplines, such as education and law. They will also have acquired professional and intellectual skills that will be applicable in a variety of careers, including public relations, professional writing, editing, and nonprofit work.
Administrative Officers
Dr. James Finley, Graduate Coordinator (English), Classroom Hall 328
Admission Process
Prerequisites
Students must have 18 semester hours of undergraduate courses in English or a related discipline, including a minimum of 12 advanced (junior-senior level) semester hours. The Department has the right to examine students’ prerequisites and to accept equivalent hours or to require additional work if necessary.
Cover Letter
Applicants must submit a cover letter of 1-2 pages. This document should serve as a statement of purpose, articulating connections from their prior educational and professional experiences to their future goals and reasons for applying to the English MA at Texas A&M University-San Antonio.
Writing Sample
Applicants must submit a sample of their analytical writing of 6-10 pages. The sample should demonstrate your ability to think analytically, write clearly, and sustain an argument.
Letters of Recommendation
Applicants must submit two letters of recommendation. At least one of these letters should come from one of your former professors.
Curriculum Vitae
Applicants must submit a curriculum vitae that indicates their educational background, professional experiences, awards and honors, and other relevant information. The CV format is preferred to résumé format.
Application
Each applicant must submit their application and required documents by the appropriate semester deadline to GradCAS. The application is available online at https://gradcas.liaisoncas.org/apply/. For questions regarding the application process, contact the Office of Graduate Studies, graduate.studies@tamusa.edu.
Program Details
The English M.A. is a 36 hour Program. Students are required to take:
- Introduction to Graduate Studies,
- Theory and Practice of Teaching Writing,
- Theory and Methods
Students must also choose between a Graduate Research Project (3 hours) or a Thesis (6 hours) for their capstone project. To be eligible to begin Thesis or GRP work, students must have competed 24 hours of graduate coursework. Students may choose the remainder of their coursework based on their interests. Since the topics courses frequently rotate, students can repeat these topics courses up to three times each.
Curricula
THESIS TRACK
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| ENGL 5300 | Intro Grad Studies in English | 3 |
| ENGL 5302 | Thry & Pract of Teach Writing | 3 |
| ENGL 5315 | Theory and Methods | 3 |
| ENGL 5306 | Thesis | 6 |
| Select 7 of the following courses: | 21 | |
| Topics in Rhetoric and Comp | ||
| Topics in Linguistics | ||
| Topics in British Literature | ||
| Gender Studies | ||
| Major Authors | ||
| Studies in Multi-Ethnic Lit | ||
| Topics in American Literature | ||
| Teaching Literature | ||
| Spec Topic in Literature | ||
| Cultural Studies | ||
| Visual Studies | ||
| GR Portfolio-Prof Archv/Huma | ||
| Total Credits | 36 | |
Non-Thesis Track
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | 12 | |
| Intro Grad Studies in English | ||
| Thry & Pract of Teach Writing | ||
| Theory and Methods | ||
| Graduate Research Project | ||
| Select 8 of the following courses: | 24 | |
| Topics in Rhetoric and Comp | ||
| Topics in Linguistics | ||
| Topics in British Literature | ||
| Gender Studies | ||
| Major Authors | ||
| Studies in Multi-Ethnic Lit | ||
| Topics in American Literature | ||
| Teaching Literature | ||
| Spec Topic in Literature | ||
| Cultural Studies | ||
| Visual Studies | ||
| GR Portfolio-Prof Archv/Huma | ||
| Total Credits | 36 | |
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To be eligible to begin Thesis or GRP work, students must have competed 24 hours of graduate coursework.