M.A. in English
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.
Highly affordable, we offer much flexibility, a commitment to meeting your professional and personal goals, and a strong record of success among our graduates as academics and teachers (we have a 100% placement rates with full funded in ranked doctoral programs for the past five years) and professionals (a literary agent, a VP of Academic Success at an area college with only the MA in English, professional writers and researchers, a screenwriter, association executives, graduates who have obtained writing center and academic advising roles, and a long list of other successes in the private sector). Our faculty work closely with graduate students, and we embrace teaching and mentoring. Numerous faculty members are known nationally and internationally known for their scholarship.
The English Department also participates in an M.A. TESL program and offers a Graduate Publishing Certificate Program. For questions about the publishing certificate, please contact Eleanor Shevlin, Certificate Coordinator.
For questions about the graduate program, please contact Justin Rademaekers, Graduate Coordinator.
Admissions
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.
Academic Programs
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 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.
Course Offerings
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:
- Graduate Catalog Course Descriptions
- Graduate Course Descriptions for Spring 2025
- For past graduate course descriptions, please see the EnglishGraduateStudents page on D2L (current graduate students only).
Student Funding
English graduate students have the opportunity to apply for two primary sources of funding:
- Graduate Assistantships
This funding provides a stipend and tuition remission as well as valuable academic and professional experience. GAs may work with faculty on research projects, assist with College Literature and the Poetry Center, or tutor at the Writing Center. - Travel Funding
This funding is available to students seeking to attend and/or present at professional conferences. Students can apply for this support via the English Department, the Graduate Student Association, and the Graduate Dean's Research Support Fund (note: you will need to log in to OrgSyn to access the application).
Graduate Community
English graduate students at WCU have several opportunities to expand their learning experience beyond the classroom and collaborate with others who share their interests:
- Graduate Student Association (GSA)
WCU's GSA represents the interests and welfare of all graduate students at the university. The GSA sponsors career workshops, organizes social events, and offers leadership and funding opportunities, including support for conference travel, as described above. - Upcoming Author Events
The English Department's Creative Writing program sponsors an exciting slate of author events that provide our graduate students with the chance to meet and interact with prominent figures in the field of creative writing.
Faculty
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.