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English - M.A.

Literature and Writing Concentration

The Literature and Writing concentration prepares students for further graduate study in English and related fields, for professional training in such fields as library and information science and for careers in teaching. The program achieves this goal with distribution requirements, electives and a required focus in either literary traditions, critical theory or rhetoric and composition.

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Master's Degree in Literature and Writing

Kent State University's Master of Arts in Literature and Writing offers students a comprehensive exploration of literary studies and creative writing. The program provides a rich blend of advanced coursework in literary analysis, genre studies, and writing practice, allowing students to refine their craft and engage critically with diverse texts. With opportunities for both creative and scholarly work, the program emphasizes the development of sophisticated analytical skills and creative expression, equipping students to contribute meaningfully to the literary world.

Program Information for English - M.A.

Program Description

Full Description

The Master of Arts degree in English offers students broad learning in English studies while providing concentrated study in one area.

The English major comprises the following concentrations:

The Concentration for Teachers is for educators interested in advanced study of literature and writing. Coursework focuses on current scholarship and approaches to literature and writing. While not a program in literary and composition pedagogy, the concentration is designed to encourage the application of current literary and writing research to the work responsibilities of the practicing teacher.

The Literature and Writing concentration prepares students for further graduate study in English and related fields, for professional training in such fields as library and information science and for careers in teaching. The program achieves this goal with distribution requirements, electives and a required focus in either literary traditions, critical theory or rhetoric and composition.

Admissions for English - M.A.

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
  • Minimum 2.750 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale
  • Official transcript(s)
  • Writing sample (8-15 pages) relevant to the field of study (writing sample waived for Concentration for Teachers)
  • Goal statement
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:1
    • Minimum 94 TOEFL iBT score
    • Minimum 7.0 IELTS score
    • Minimum 65 PTE score
    • Minimum 120 DET score
1

International applicants who do not meet the above test scores may be considered for conditional admission.

Application Deadlines

  • Fall Semester
    • Funding deadline: January 15
      Applications must be submitted by this deadline to be considered for an assistantship or any other funded position.
  • Spring Semester
    • Rolling admissions
Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate the ability to think critically about the literary texts they read and interpret.
  2. Demonstrate how to write coherently and clearly about research topics and other topics.
  3. Demonstrate an understanding on how disciplines are interconnected.
  4. Apply appropriate research methods to objects of study.
  5. Demonstrate effective teaching skills and knowledge of appropriate teaching theories, if on appointment.
Coursework
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Program Requirements

Major Requirements

Major Requirements
ENG 61000INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH AND PEDAGOGY IN CRITICAL READING 3
ENG 61094INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH IN THE TEACHING OF COLLEGE WRITING 10-3
Concentrations
Choose from the following:30
Concentration for Teachers
Literature and Writing
Minimum Total Credit Hours:33
1

Students who will serve as graduate assistants are required to take ENG 61094. Students who are not graduate assistants do not have to take the course; however, they must complete an additional 3 credit hours of additional coursework to meet the minimum 33 credit hours to graduate.

Concentration for Teachers Concentration Requirements

Concentration Requirements
Choose from the following (three courses, each from a separate area):9
Literary Traditions
Rhetoric and Composition
Literary Criticism and Theory
Creative Writing
Electives 118-21
Minimum Total Credit Hours:30
1

Elective courses may include 9 credit hours taken outside the Department of English, 6 credit hours of graduate workshops, and 6 credit hours of master's project.

Literature and Writing Concentration Requirements

Concentration Requirements
Choose one focus from the following:30
Literary Traditions Focus
Literary Traditions courses (12)
Literary Criticism and Theory course (3)
Electives and/or Thesis (15)
Theory and Criticism Focus
Literary Criticism and Theory (12)
Literary Traditions courses (6)
Electives and/or Thesis (12)
Rhetoric and Composition Focus
ENG 65012
READING AND INTERPRETING RESEARCH ON WRITING
ENG 65044
RESEARCH DESIGN
Literary Traditions courses (6)
Literary Criticism and Theory course (3)
Elective (3)
Choose from the following (12):
ENG 65022
RHETORICAL THEORY:GREEK AND ROMAN
ENG 65023
RHETORICAL THEORY:18TH, 19TH AND 20TH CENTURIES
ENG 65027
ROLE OF COMPOSITION
ENG 65035
LINGUISTICS FOR RHETORICIANS
ENG 65051
LITERACY:FUNCTIONS, PRACTICES AND HISTORY
ENG 65052
WRITING ACTIVITY AS SOCIAL PRACTICE
ENG 65053
WRITING TECHNOLOGIES
Elective (3)
Minimum Total Credit Hours:30

Graduation Requirements

Minimum Major GPA Minimum Overall GPA
- 3.000
  • Students are required to complete 33 credit hours of graded coursework to earn the M.A. degree.
  • No more than one-half of a graduate student’s coursework may be taken in 50000-level courses.
  • Grades below C are not counted toward completion of requirements for the degree.
Program Delivery
  • Delivery:
    • In person
  • Location:
    • Kent Campus

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries for English - M.A.

Graduates of Kent State’s M.A. in Literature and Writing are well-equipped for careers in writing, literary analysis, and education. The program’s balanced focus on advanced literary study and creative writing techniques provides students with a comprehensive understanding of literary genres, critical theory, and writing craft. Graduates often pursue roles such as literary editors, writers, educators, and content developers, contributing to fields like publishing, academia, and creative industries.

English language and literature teachers, postsecondary

2.1%

slower than the average

81,300

number of jobs

$69,000

potential earnings

Proofreaders and copy markers

-2.7%

decline

10,300

number of jobs

$41,140

potential earnings

Secondary school teachers, except special and career/technical education

3.8%

about as fast as the average

1,050,800

number of jobs

$62,870

potential earnings

Notice: Career Information Source
* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.
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