Location:

Montevallo, United States

Program Type:

Full Degree

Degree Level:

Master

Specialty:

English

Program Overview

Program Description:

The Masters of Arts in English at the University of Montevallo is a 2-year, thesis-based program that stresses individual interest and research activities. In the first year, students work across the breadth of English literature and language studies, gaining comfort and expertise in a variety of branches of the field as well as expanding their facility with research methods and writing skills on a professional level. In the second year, these abilities come together in an individual thesis project that focuses on the critical and theoretical interests of that particular student. The thesis is completed with the help and supervision of a thesis committee, who work closely with each of our students throughout the entirety of the research process. Because of the flexibility of the program, students have the opportunity to tailor their degree to their particular needs: literary analysis, rhetoric and composition studies, or creative writing, depending on their interest. Our program also stresses the kinds of professionalization activities that are necessary for competitive placement once the degree is completed. We encourage and support student presentations at national professional conferences as well as publication in academic and creative forums. This blend of individual attention and experience in the wider academic arena allows our students to make the transition from being readers to being confident and engaged scholars and teachers. The M.A. program in English offers students an opportunity to expand their understanding of the breadth of English language and literature while working with faculty to develop original research and expertise in an academic field of choice. The program stresses close advising and mentoring with department faculty, professional development, and research skills that culminate in a Master's Thesis to be completed under the guidance of a faculty research advisor. Apart from a wide variety of course work, students will choose to direct their research interest in the fields of literacy studies, creative work, or rhetoric and composition, allowing them to tailor the program to their particular needs and professional goals. Our curriculum is flexible, challenging, and diverse. Graduate students have the opportunity to expand their literary knowledge in exciting, developing areas and to pursue their intellectual passions. Our graduate students work closely with faculty, with each other, and with undergraduates to learn interactively and collaboratively in preparation for scholarly and pedagogical pursuits. Our program is specifically designed to assist students for a variety of professional opportunities: entry into Ph.D. programs, teaching positions in higher education, or entry into non-academic positions that value exceptional critical thinking and writing skills. Our students frequently present at national conferences, and have opportunities on and off campus on and off campus to develop their professional experience. In addition to the resources at Montevallo's Carmichael Library, students have access to material of other Birmingham area university libraries. Our program places research and professional mentoring at the center of our focus, and student work with published scholars in their field as teachers and advisors throughout their coursework and thesis research. Many of our graduate courses are offered in the evening to accommodate working students. Graduate students interested in teaching have opportunities to gain experience and expertise through tutoring and teaching undergraduates in a variety of settings.

Additional Program Information

Accreditation:

Fully CACREP accredited program

Requirements:

a score of 450 or higher on the verbal section and a 3.5 or higher on the analytical writing section of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) an overall GPA of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale, or a 2.75 on a 4.0 scale in the last 60 hours of course work an undergraduate degree in English or a related field an academic writing sample of 10-15 pages a statement of purpose two letters of academic recommendation. In place of the GRE examination, a score of 388 or higher is accepted from the Miller Analogies Test (MAT). Conditional admission may be granted to an applicant Who does not have a satisfactory test score Who has not taken the prescribed examination(s) Who has not complied with other specific departmental requirements