Welcome to the Graduate School in English at WCU! Our M.A. in English program focuses on the study of language, literature, rhetoric and composition, pedagogy, creative writing, and critical theory. Our diverse selection of courses cultivates scholarly knowledge and enhances cultural literacy in an atmosphere that engages students intellectually and creatively. We prepare students to succeed in advanced graduate programs (such as the Ph.D. in English or the M.F.A. in Creative Writing), to teach English in secondary schools or two-year colleges, and to excel in a range of careers that value writing expertise and analytical thinking.
The English Department also participates in an M.A. TESL program, offers a Graduate Publishing Certificate Program, and advises post-baccalaureate students seeking Secondary Teaching Certification in English.
For questions about the graduate program, please contact Eleanor Shevlin, Graduate Coordinator, and for questions about the post-bac program, please contact Gabrielle Halko.
Students applying to the M.A. English program should familiarize themselves with all admission requirements, application materials, and procedures. Generally, students should hold a minimum GPA of 2.8 and should have majored in English or a related discipline as undergraduates. The GRE examinations are not required for admission to the graduate English program. Read More.
Our graduate programs provide flexible, year-round instruction that accommodates busy professionals. The M.A. in English offers three tracks: Literature; Creative Writing; and Writing, Teaching, & Criticism. Our post-baccalaureate program helps students to achieve English secondary teaching certification; our Graduate Publishing Certificate prepares students for diverse careers in publishing and new media; and the interdisciplinary M.A. TESL program equips participants to teach English to ESL students. Read More.
Our course offerings are extensive and flexible, with classes focused on pedagogical theory and practice; literary, cultural, and rhetorical theory; editing and publishing; creative writing; English, American, and comparative literatures; rhetoric and composition; and linguistics. Classes meet in the late afternoon and evenings, and enrollment averages 16-18 students per class. Students should select courses in consultation with the graduate advisor. For more information on our course offerings, please view the following resources:
English graduate students have the opportunity to apply for two primary sources of funding:
English graduate students at WCU have several opportunities to expand their learning experience beyond the classroom and collaborate with others who share their interests:
The English Department faculty is large and diverse. It includes nationally and internationally recognized scholars and critics who publish widely in the fields of literary and cultural studies, composition and rhetoric, creative writing, film theory and criticism, journalism, and linguistics. Our professors are also innovative and engaged teachers who bring their scholarly expertise and student-centered pedagogy directly into the classroom. Read More.