Our MA in English and Literary Arts immerses you in the critical study of literature while allowing you to tailor the degree to your talents and interests. Through close reading of texts across centuries and cultures, you'll analyze narratives and understand perspectives from a diverse spectrum of experiences. Our curriculum offers a broad choice, including courses in British, American, and global Anglophone literatures, along with interdisciplinary fields such as critical theory, race and ethnic studies, gender studies, and cultural studies.
As a student, you will learn to examine and analyze how language shapes the world around us, creates and facilitates ethical positions, and manages the continuous process of identity formation and reformation. Working with a faculty advisor, you will design a curriculum that aligns with your intellectual interests and professional goals.
Start Dates: Fall
Curriculum: 45 Credit Hours
Program Length: 2 Years full-time enrollment
2 Year residential program
13 Credit hours for your choice of graduate tutorials, independent research, or cognate courses
8 Course minimum within the Department of English
Master of Arts in English and Literary Arts
How our curriculum prepares you for your career
Flexible curriculum shaped around your interests
Design a course plan that supports your intellectual interests and professional goals.
Build strong, career-ready analytical skills
Develop critical thinking, writing, and research abilities valued in fields that rely on clear communication and creative problem-solving.
Gain experience outside of the department
Work closely with an MA Faculty Advisor to connect to internship and employment opportunities that support your career goals.
Explore specialized topics in small group tutorials
Work in a group of three students and a faculty member to dive deeply into a particular writer, theoretical approach, pedagogical method, or career-focused theme.
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Advance your career with a Master of Arts in English and Literary Arts
Required Courses — 32 Credit Hours
A minimum of 32 classroom hours (eight courses) within the Department of English is required.
Elective Courses — 13 Credit Hours
Up to 13 credits may be taken in graduate tutorials, independent research, and/or cognate courses outside the department.
Careers for MA in English and Literary Arts Students
The advanced training in literary analysis, research, and writing that students receive during their time in the graduate program prepares them not only for a future PhD but also for careers outside of academia. Our MA graduates have become teachers, psychologists, marketing directors, diversity and inclusion administrators, and professional podcasters, among other roles. They work in education, mental health, government, and non-profit sectors, as well as for large and small companies. Graduates find success in writing-focused careers, such as copywriting, publishing, journalism, business communication, or technical writing.
Read more about the program at the Department of English Digication.
Get Started on Your MA in English and Literary Arts
Build your career with a graduate degree in English and Literary Arts from the University of Denver’s College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Studies
