Requirements for the Master of Arts Degree in English
(Total graduate units = 30)
Average course load = 2-3 courses per semester, Average time = 2-3 years
The Master of Arts Degree in English provides all of its students with a solid core in linguistics, critical theory, and literary/cultural analysis. All students are also required to complete a common culminating experience in their final semester. To supplement this core, students in each option must take a common methods course and then they are allowed to take three specialized courses in the areas of creative writing, literature, or rhetoric/composition.
Core courses (required in all three options):
1. English 604, Seminar in Language and Linguistics
2. English 638, Seminar in Critical Approaches
3. Graduate Level Literature Courses (Choose two): English 525, 617, 620, 622 (Lit), 623 (Lit), 624 (Lit), 630, or 654 (Lit)
4. Exam/Project (Choose one): English 697C (Lit and R/C only) or 698D
5. Elective Course (Choose one if taking 698D; Choose two if taking 697C): English 512, 525, 600A, 600B/BF, 608, 609, 617, 620, 622, 623, 624, 630, or 654
Option-specific requirements:
CREATIVE WRITING Sample Contract (PDF)
1. Methods Course (English 652)
2. Three Required Creative Writing Courses
Note: Three workshops must be in a primary genre
Note: English 512, 608, and 609 can be repeated once
LITERATURE Sample Contract (PDF)
1. Methods Course (English 601)
2. Three Required Courses in Literature
RHETORIC AND COMPOSITION THEORY Sample Contract (PDF)
1. Methods Course (English 651)
2. Three Required Courses in Rhetoric/Composition
Notes:
Students may take up to three 525s, 620s, and 630s, and up to two 622s, 623s and 654s as long as the individual class topics are not repeated.
Creative Writing students are allowed to take two 512s, 608s and 609s.
Creative Writing students must take 3 workshops in their primary genre.
Rhetoric Composition students are allowed to take two 654's as long as the individual class topics are not repeated.
Students may take up two 400-level courses with the approval of the Graduate Advisor via the “400-Level Consent Form,” which must be turned in before the end of the first week of the semester. 400 level courses may not be used for required graduate level (500-600) literature courses.
In order to be considered for the Creative Writing (CW) or the Rhetoric and Composition (RC) option, students must submit a writing sample. Consult the English Department MA Program Calendar of Important Dates for submission deadlines. For more information on writing samples, please contact the Creative Writing Advisor for CW and the Director of Composition Program for RC.Please note that admittance to either option is neither automatic nor guaranteed.
Classified graduate students who have completed 12-15 units of graduate study should make an appointment with the Graduate Advisor in order to draw up a contract/formal program.
Before students can enroll in their culminating experience (697C or 698D), they must be classified, have a formal contract on file, have submitted both the “intent” form and receipt for graduation application, and attended the mandatory Capstone Graduate Project 698D Information Session.
Students must apply for graduation one year in advance of expected graduation date.
No grade below C can be used for a student’s formal program and must be repeated. Repeats must be approved by the Graduate Advisor and Graduate Studies before semester starts.
(**Policy on GPA Requirements for Graduate Programs- Approved on June 1, 2006; Students pursuing a Graduate Degree must maintain a minimum 3.0 (B) average in the formal program. No grade below a "C" can be counted in the formal program. Any grade of "C-" or below in the formal program must be repeated after an approved course repeat form has been filed. If the student does not receive a "C" or better on the 2nd attempt, the student will be disqualified from the program. A maximum of 6 units in the formal program may be repeated at the graduate level. The repeat grade will appear on the transcript. Departments may have higher standards that take precedence over the university policy).
Consult the English Department MA Program Calendar of Important Dates.
Notes about your application
- Fill out the pre-application form so we may be on the lookout for your application from Cal State Apply.
- Please send official sealed transcripts to: CSUN, Department of English 18111 Nordhoff Street, Northridge, CA 91330-8248 Attention: Frank De La Santo Note: Do not send junior college transcripts, only 4-year institutions to English Dept. (Do not send CSUN transcripts).
- Please send another set to Admissions and Records. It takes approximately 8-12 weeks for applications to be sent to the English Dept. once all transcripts are in to Admissions. Note: Send transcripts of all institutions attended to A & R
- Plan Ahead.
- For more information please contact: Graduate Administrative Coordinator frank.delasanto@csun.edu 818-677-3433.