Master of Arts in English

If you are interested in pursuing Ph.D. study, in getting further credentials for a teaching career or simply love literature, the English track of the M.A. provides grounding in the methods and theories of literary study and opportunities to read and write across multiple centuries and cultures.

Requirements

• Engl 500: Aims and Methods
• Engl 566: Literary Theory
• Two courses in earlier literary periods (British literature prior to 1800, American literature prior to 1900, World Literature prior to 1800).
• Two courses in later literary periods (British literature after 1800, American literature after 1900, World Literature prior to 1800).
• Capstone project that can include an M.A. thesis, an expanded paper or two additional courses.

(Note that literature courses must cover at least two different cultures—e.g., American, British, world lit.)

• A paper that is a substantial development and revision of a seminar paper, or another research-based project to be determined by the student in consultation with a faculty member and approved by the Graduate Committee. 
• Two additional courses of the student's choosing at the graduate level.
• With the approval of an advisor, a first reader and the Graduate Studies Committee, a student may write a thesis (6 credits). 

Our Literature & Writing track combines a traditional education in English literature with practical and creative writing skills across different media and disciplines. Learn how your critical thinking and writing abilities can translate to a variety of contexts, from magazine writing to digital media, grant writing and beyond. With our flexible, interdisciplinary program, you can develop your writing skills in directions that interest and fulfill you!

Requirements:

• Engl 500: Aims and Methods
• Engl 566: Literary Theory OR Engl 568: Theories of Composition
• One literature course in an earlier period (British literature prior to 1800, American literature prior to 1900 or other designated courses)
• One literature course from a later period (British literature after 1800, American literature after 1900 or other designated courses.
• One additional literature course.
• Two courses on writing, composition theory or teaching writing in the English department.
• Any two writing, writing theory, or teaching of writing courses in the department OR courses in writing from across campus (including grant writing, media writing and environmental writing)
• Capstone: an internship, portfolio independent study or two additional courses

(Note that literature courses must cover at least two different cultures—e.g., American, British, world lit.)

• Any writing, writing theory or teaching of writing courses in the department
• Any writing, writing theory or teaching of writing courses in the department OR courses in environmental writing, grant writing, media writing, etc. from across campus.

Requirement may be met by one of the following:

• An internship
• A writing portfolio independent study
• 2 additional courses (in or outside the department) 

The early admissions process allows English M.A. students who show exceptional promise in their first year to seek early admission to the Ph.D. program. You will learn in your third semester if you are accepted early and will become a Duquesne Ph.D. candidate the first fall following the successful completion of your MA.

Early admission to the Ph.D. program allows you to plan your final year of the M.A. in a way that better positions you for starting Ph.D. work and eliminates the stress of applying to multiple Ph.D. programs in the fall of the second year.