Arizona State University (Tempe campus)
English, MA (Comparative Literature)
Study detals
: Master's degree : English, MA LAENGLMA : Full time : 24 MonthRequirements
- Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
- Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited institution.
- Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.
All applicants must submit:
- graduate admission application and application fee
- official transcripts
- statement of purpose
- resume or curriculum vitae
- letters of recommendation
- academic writing sample relevant to the field
- proof of English proficiency
Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency (TOEFL 80 (no band below 20) (IELTS 6.5 at least 6.0 in all skills)) regardless of their current residency. Students should see the Department of English website for specific details about English proficiency requirements. Your application will not be processed without valid proof of English proficiency. Please note that official scores must be sent to ASU in order for your application to be processed.
Applicants to the comparative literature track must prove fluency in a foreign language at a level sufficient for graduate study.
The two-page, single-spaced statement of purpose should detail the applicant's background, reasons for wanting to do graduate work in the track to which the applicant is applying and plans for the future.
Three letters of recommendation are required for applicants to the comparative literature, literature, and writing rhetorics and literacies tracks. Applicants to the English studies track are required to submit two academic or professional letters of recommendation; a third recommendation letter is optional.
An academic writing sample is required for applicants to the comparative literature, literature and writing rhetorics and literacies tracks. Applicants to the English studies track are not required to submit a writing sample, as the statement of purpose serves as the writing sample.
Speciality
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Additional information
Program description
Degree awarded: MA English
The MA program in English allows for a variety of studies within four distinct tracks:
Comparative literature --- Students interpret cultural productions in English and at least one other language, utilizing approaches including textual criticism, critical theory, and translation and cultural studies.
English studies --- Students in this online track learn how to interpret complex cultural, historical, literary and language-related materials, as well as articulate and mobilize this knowledge for general audiences through a series of courses from across disciplinary areas of study.
Literature --- Students develop skills in literary and cultural analysis, explore social and historical contexts, address theoretical issues and pursue interdisciplinary modes of inquiry.
Writing, rhetorics and literacies --- Students engage with various approaches to the history, theory and practices of rhetoric and pedagogies of writing and composition.
Accelerated program options
This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years. It is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:
- English (Creative Writing), BA
- English (Literature), BA
- English (Writing, Rhetorics and Literacies), BA
Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program.
Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program has the following program outcomes:
- Graduates from the MA program in English at ASU will be able to use concepts from a discipline in English studies to analyze (break into constituent parts) a relevant creative, literary, rhetorical or linguistic artifact or other cultural phenomenon according to standards of rigor in the field.
- Graduates from the MA program in English at ASU will be able to compose a compelling case, argument or creative work relevant to English studies that meets or exceeds standards of rigor in the field.
- Graduates of the MA program will be able to use theories, concepts and methods from a discipline in English studies to sustain an evidence-based line of reasoning that makes a grounded, situated and qualified contribution according to standards of rigor in the field.
Professionals with expertise in all areas of English studies are able to articulate and translate complex ideas for a general audience and are prepared for career opportunities in public humanities, business, digital media, teaching, museums, nonprofits and arts organizations. In addition, their advanced skills in writing, oral presentation and critical thinking are valuable assets for any career.
Career examples include:
- communications director
- copywriter
- editor or author
- human resources specialist
- instructor
- library or museum administrator
- market research analyst
- publisher
- social media manager
- technical writer
- web content writer or specialist