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Degree Requirements

Graduate English Degree Requirements 

The Braniff Graduate School of Liberal Arts offers both the Master of Arts in English and the Master of English.

Master of Arts in English: 30 credit hours

24 credit hours: coursework

Eight graded courses with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher are required.

The graded courses must include ENG 5315:  Introduction to Literary Study (taught each Fall term) and five graduate level seminars in English Literature.

Seminars and lecture courses culminate for the M.A. candidate in directed research and in the writing of a thesis.

6 credit hours: thesis

The thesis requirement comprises 6 credit hours and approximately 40 pages of original critical work.

Comprehensive exam

A positive evaluation must be earned for the comprehensive exam.  

Foreign language requirement 

Before beginning the M.A. thesis, the candidate must demonstrate a reading competency in Greek, Latin, French, German, Spanish, or Italian. The language requirement may be met by completing an upper level language course with a grade of B or better, or by passing an examination in translation. 

Master of English: 30 credit hours

The program leading to a master’s in English is designed for those interested in deepening their knowledge and competence in the analysis of and the writing about literature and for those who may not have earned a bachelor's degree in English literature.  

30 credit hours: coursework

Ten graded courses  with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher are required.

The graded courses must include ENG 5315:  Introduction to Literary Study (taught each Fall term) and five graduate level seminars in English Literature.

Comprehensive exam

A positive evaluation must be earned for the comprehensive exam.  

Summary of Program Requirements:  

  • Registration: a minimum of one year enrollment.
  • Advising: master's students must set two meetings per semester with assigned advisor.
  • Coursework: thirty credit hours; see specific coursework requirements below. 
  • Comprehensive examination: must earn a positive evaluation. 
  • Matriculation: Completion of above requirements within 6 years at the University of Dallas.

Note: Up to 9 units of graduate work at another institution may be transferred to satisfy unit requirements for the master's degree. 

Application

Application for admission to the Master of Arts in English or the Master of English includes:

  1. A completed online application form
  2. Two letters of recommendation 
  3. A 750-word statement of purpose
  4. An intellectual autobiography
  5. A sample of academic writing
  6. Official transcripts sent directly to the Braniff Graduate Office from each college or university attended by the applicant (even if no credit or degree was earned)
  7. General GRE test scores (from within the last three years)

Applications will be evaluated regardless of undergraduate major. Apply now.

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