Master of Arts in English

The M.A. program in English offers a rigorous, personalized, project-based postgraduate experience that will prepare students to achieve their professional and personal goals. Students will have the freedom to pursue their particular interests in literary studies in a way that prepares them for an array of future plans, including admission to a doctoral program in English, admission to graduate programs in a range of disciplines, including law, library sciences, education or business, or preparation for careers in the nonprofit and for-profit sectors. Under the guidance of a faculty mentor, M.A. students will design a program of study that may include traditional course work, internships and a culminating project. the Department of English launched a new M.A. format to meet the changing needs of students pursuing a degree. In place of a period-based M.A. exam as the culminating experience of the degree, students may write an M.A. thesis, complete a professional project, develop a pedagogy project or combine a sequence of courses to meet their personal and professional goals. The M.A. degree has two tracks: a thesis-based track (Plan A) and a non-thesis track (Plan B). Students will determine which track to pursue in their first semester.

Achieve your professional and personal goals with a rigorous, personalized, project-based graduate experience. Through seminar courses, students develop extensive knowledge of literature, literary critical methods and analytical writing. Students will have the freedom to pursue their particular interests in literary studies in a way that prepares them for an array of future plans, including admission to a doctoral program in English Under the guidance of a faculty mentor, M.A. students will design a program of study that may include traditional coursework, internships, and a culminating project. Students complete this program can go on to their doctoral studies or pursue careers in education, non-profit administration, library sciences, law, health care, communications, journalism and any other professions.

Copies of all colleges/university transcripts except Marquette.1
At least two letters of recommendation (three are preferred).
A statement of purpose. The best personal statement 1) summarizes your academic interests and achievements and your career goals, and 2) explains why you are interested in Marquette's MA program specifically. Emphasize strengths that may not otherwise be obvious from your application file.
1-2 writing samples, single-authored by the applicant, that in total add up to between 12-20 pages. These samples should showcase your analytical thinking, argumentation, and voice as a writer.
Two (ideally three) letters of recommendation from people who know your scholarly work well.
For international applicants only: TOEFL score or other acceptable proof of English proficiency.

An IELTS total score of 6.5 or higher will be required for admission.
TOEFL score of at least 213 on the computer-based version or 80 on the internet-based version (a minimum of 20 on each section).
The minimum acceptable undergraduate (or graduate, where applicable) GPA is 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.