English M.A. - Major Code 4255 (4253/4254)

(36 Semester Hours)

Purpose

The Master of Arts in English Program is designed to provide a quality graduate degree program that prepares the student for entry to the professional world or further graduate study at a comprehensive university. The M.A. in English program provides a generalist graduate degree that emphasizes the study of rhetoric, theory and practice in composition, research, critical skills and the literature of diverse cultures and historical periods, produces educated graduates with strong liberal arts experiences who can become valuable citizens in their communities; and serves as a resource center for the study of composition and diverse literatures in eastern Oklahoma.

Admission

Admission to the English Program requires:

1. An earned bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university;
2. An approved Application for Graduate Admission;
3. An official transcript of all previous course work. The transcripts must be sent directly from the schools to the Graduate College Office.
4. Test scores no more than five years old on the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) with a scaled score of at least 383 or above.
5. A grade point average of 2.5 in an undergraduate coursework or a scaled score in the upper three-fourths on the Miller Analogies Test.
6. A minimum of thirty undergraduate semester hours in English.
7. Applying students will be required to submit a writing sample (recent research-based, minimum 5 pages in length) and a statement of purpose (2 pages, identifying the student’s reasons for pursuing graduate study and interest in teaching)

No 1000 level (freshman level) or remedial course work may apply toward fulfillment of entry requirements for the Master of Arts in English degree.

Advisement

The plan of study (degree plan) is prepared by the advisor and the student. The Statement of Understanding is explained to the student when the degree plan is made and must be signed by the student and the advisor. It is sent with the signed copies of the degree plan to the Graduate College. After approval by the Dean of the Graduate College, copies are sent to the advisor and to the student. Any changes in the student’s plan of study require prior written approval of the advisor and Dean.

Plan of Study/Statement of Understanding

The plan of study (degree plan) is prepared by the advisor in conference with the student. The curriculum in the plan of study is tailored to meet each candidate’s specific needs. The Statement of Understanding is reviewed with and explained to the student when the degree plan is made and must be signed by the student and the advisor. It is sent with the signed copies of the degree plan to the Graduate College. After approval by the Dean of the Graduate College, copies are sent to the advisor and to the student. Any changes in the student’s plan of study require prior written approval of the advisor and Dean.

Admission to Candidacy

Students are eligible for admission to candidacy if they have:

1. Been admitted to the M.A. in English program which requires 30 hours of upper level undergraduate course work in English;
2. Scores for the MAT on file at the Graduate College before beginning the program.
3. Established writing proficiency in one of two ways:
   1. By submitting a transcript showing a “B” or better grade in English 4123 or 4363 or their equivalents; or
   2. By earning a “B” or better grade in English 4123 or English 4363 during the first enrollment in the graduate program (4000 level courses do not apply toward fulfillment of the M.A. in English degree);
4. Filed a plan of study approved by the advisor and the Dean of the Graduate College;
5. Filed a Statement of Understanding signed by the student and the advisor with the Dean of the Graduate College;
6. Completed a minimum of twelve hours of the courses prescribed by the plan of study;
7. Maintained a “B” average in all graduate course work attempted.

Requirements for Graduation

In order to receive the Master of Arts in English degree, the student must satisfy the following requirements;

1. Complete thirty-six (36) semester hours of credit as approved by the advisor and the Dean of the Graduate College;
2. Achieve a “B” average grade in all 5000 level graduate course work attempted with no grade below a “C” applicable to the degree;
3. Achieve a “B” average in all Northeastern State University graduate course work;
4. Complete a Master’s thesis; and
5. Meet all the requirements set forth in the Academic Information sections of the Graduate College Catalog.

Master’s Thesis

During the last semester prior to graduation, students must complete an acceptable Master’s thesis. Students should determine the topic in association with a first and second reader, both of whom should be on the graduate faculty. The readers and the Graduate Dean will be responsible for approval of the finished thesis. Preferably, students should take English 5033 the semester before enrolling in thesis. If a student does not complete the thesis in one semester, the student will receive a grade of “X” which indicates continuing research and should re-enroll in English 5993. Should a thesis fail to be accepted, the student may revise the thesis but must be enrolled in English 5993 during the revision period. Students may refer to the “Thesis Guidelines” on the Graduate College web page for information about thesis requirements.