Graduate Degree Programs
Take a Multi-Perspective Look at English Literature
Our English degree programs at the master's and doctoral levels offer the opportunity to survey and immerse yourself in English literature alongside experienced faculty mentors and a peer group that's encouraged to explore creativity.
You'll review the most important texts across the English language, written by authors from diverse cultural and geographical backgrounds, and learn to perform original analysis while you develop skills in writing and editing. You'll also have the chance to develop your imaginative side through writing workshops, craft-focused literature courses and literary publications, preparing you for post-grad life whether you intend to become the next great novelist or pursue another path that centers communication and cultural understanding.
(View the Department's Undergraduate Programs.)
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
English and Literary Arts - Creative Writing
About this Program
As one of the top creative writing doctoral programs in the country, we offer motivated poetry and fiction writers the chance to refine their creative work while building a portfolio of literary criticism and scholarly writing. Our workshops integrate contemporary literature with creative exploration. In addition to poetry and fiction, we offer workshops and literature courses in areas such as nonfiction, travel writing, oral literature and narratology.
Our PhD is a theoretical doctorate: an experience that builds creative thinking alongside critical reading and research. Writers go on to publish novels, poetry collections and critical literary works. They hold tenure track positions at notable universities, edit long-standing journals and are represented by major presses.
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
English and Literary Arts - Literary Studies
About this Program
Our flexible 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. Choose from a wide range of courses, including interdisciplinary subjects such as cultural and gender studies. You can also enroll in small group tutorials that allow you to study topics that interest you.
Many master's graduates choose to use their degree to apply to PhD programs. However, the critical thinking and writing skills utilized to obtain your degree can prepare you for a variety of careers where clear communication and creative problem-solving are valued. You may also find success in writing-focused careers, such as copywriting, publishing, journalism, business communication or technical writing.
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
English and Literary Arts - Literary Studies
About this Program
Our PhD in English and literary arts with a concentration in literary studies exposes you to a wide range of literature and literary theory as you prepare to teach and research at the university level. Our students draw connections across genres, relate theory to practice and work creatively on research projects.
In this program, you'll teach various courses in literature and writing and develop your skills as an educator. You'll also be able to customize your professional development by organizing your own reading series, attending conferences and collaborating with faculty to publish original research. The curiosity, work ethic and analytical skills you'll cultivate throughout your studies can help you establish successful a career in both academic roles and professional settings that value communication and creative problem solving.
