843-953-5139
www.citadel.edu/root/english

Dr. Licia Hendriks, Director
hendriksl1@citadel.edu

Mission Statement

The Master of Arts Program in English provides students with a rigorous education in literature and literary analysis, research, and writing, which provides a strong preparation for careers in teaching at the secondary and two-year college levels, in publishing, in technical writing, in non-profit organizations, and in related fields. Some students graduating with the M.A. continue their education at the doctoral level. The program serves students from across the country and the world, but particularly focuses on its regional constituency. It is committed to the goal of a diverse faculty and student body.

Description

The Citadel and the College of Charleston offer a joint Master of Arts degree in English. The 30-hour program, with a thesis option, provides advanced coursework in British literature, American literature, English language, and composition and rhetoric. The program is designed to attract qualified holders of the baccalaureate degree, whether recent college graduates, English teachers, or others interested in pursuing graduate studies in English. A Joint Program Committee, comprised of faculty members from each institution, oversees admissions, course scheduling, degree certification, and other matters related to the management of the program. Diplomas and other official documents indicate that the program is a joint endeavor and include the names of both institutions.

Admission Requirements

1. Completion of the online graduate application along with the non-refundable application fee.
2. Official transcripts from the undergraduate institution conferring the applicant’s bachelor degree and transcripts from all postgraduate institutions attended.
3. A cumulative undergraduate grade point average of at least 2.5 and a 3.0 in the major.
4. Submission of at least two signed letters of recommendation, preferably from former professors. Each reference should be as specific as possible in addressing the applicant’s academic ability, motivation, and ability to complete a graduate degree.
5. Submission of a two-page statement about educational goals and interest in a graduate program in English.
6. Submission of a writing sample that demonstrates an ability to perform literary analysis and conduct research. Typically, this requirement can be met by submitting a research paper prepared for an advanced undergraduate English course.

An applicant who does not meet the minimum GPA and/ or test score expectations or who does not have sufficient undergraduate background in English may be allowed to pursue coursework as a provisional student. Upon completing nine semester hours with a minimum GPA of 3.25, the student will be eligible to continue in the program.

Application Deadlines

The Joint Program Committee will consider completed applications for the regular degree program on the following dates: 

Applications will be considered year round for non-degree students.