www.ccsu.edu/englishMA
M.A. in English
TWO 30-CREDIT PROGRAM TRACKS
“Within one semester of CCSU’s English program, I knew I was in the right place. I have been able to help with research, tutoring, copy editing, and submitting work for publication. The faculty is diverse, inviting, and truly committed to the needs and dreams of their students. At the risk of sounding cliché, I must say that this program has been everything I hoped for and so much more!” — Moriah R. Maresh, English M.A. 2021
CCSU’s English M.A. program is designed for students looking to take their passion for literature to the next level. Whether you are a teacher, researcher, or a combination of the two, at CCSU you will discover and develop fresh perspectives on important works across the major literary canons.
Studies M.A. and the new online-hybrid M.A. Each track offers a unique educational experience, but students on either track can count on working with faculty who are vibrant researchers; joining a supportive and active English Graduate Student Association; and meeting department staff that is ready to help you succeed.
We offer two 30-credit program tracks for graduate-level students: a traditional Literary
ONLINE-HYBRID M.A.
LITERATURE M.A.
CCSU’s online-hybrid M.A. track is designed to appeal to current teachers; those who plan to seek a teaching certification; or anyone seeking engagement with literary works that are regarded as “canonical” or otherwise influential in British and American culture. Through discussion, secondary criticism, oral presentations, and written essays, the courses deepen students’ knowledge of texts taught frequently in secondary schools.
The Literary Studies track begins with an introduction to the theory and practice of literary criticism and research. It continues with coursework that allows students to work with faculty in small seminars designed to investigate the discipline of literary studies and the full scope of British and American literature. In this way, the M.A. program prepares students for advanced study in a doctoral program and provides the skills necessary for other careers involving reading, writing, and the analysis of texts.
This track allows students to: • Complete a master’s program from summer to summer • Take online graduate surveys each summer • Augment skills in close reading and critical argument • Complete a capstone project customized for teachers • Explore electives focused on a particular genre, historical period, or method www.ccsu.edu/englishMA/online-hybrid.html
www.ccsu.edu/englishMA
APPLICATION MATERIALS Prospective students must submit application materials to both the School of Graduate Studies and the English Department. You will need: Transcripts: Submit an official transcript from your undergraduate institution and any other school you wish to be considered. Application letter: Tell us about yourself. Please include a letter of application that illustrates who you are and why you want to pursue a graduate degree in English literature. Writing sample: Please include a writing sample of 10 to 15 pages that showcases your analytical or critical writing about literature. Work written for previous courses is acceptable; “creative” pieces, such as poetry, fiction, or memoir, will not be considered. View additional admission requirements at
www.ccsu.edu/englishMA/admissions.html.
CURRICULUM Literarature M.A. and Online-Hybrid M.A. students at CCSU must complete 30 credits of coursework, which includes 12 to 18 credits of required courses and a final capstone project (see below). As students begin their second year, they have the unique opportunity to choose one of three ways to complete their studies.
PLAN A Thesis: 18 credits of required courses; 9 credits of electives; 3 credits dedicated to thesis work. Theses are typically 50 to 100 pages.
PLAN B Comprehensive Exam: Students will take two-day written exam based on a list of 10 canonical literary texts after completing 18 credits of required courses and 12 credits of electives.
PLAN C
Special Project: 12 credits of required courses; 15 credits of electives; 3 credits dedicated to research and production of a 25-page critical case study of a single literary text (includes oral presentation).
Admission Applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree in English or American literature or a closely related field from an accredited college or university, or 30 hours of appropriate undergraduate course work in the discipline. Additional undergraduate credits will be
required of students who lack the required preparation in literature. Applicants also must have a G.P.A. of at least 3.00 on a four-point scale in overall undergraduate and (if applicable) graduate course work and in English courses.
“Having already earned my B.A. in English Literature at CCSU and having resolved to pursue a career in education, the M.A. program there was the clear choice. From a pragmatic perspective, the flexibility offered by their strong selection of evening and online classes across a refreshingly wide range of topics allowed me to complete the M.A. within two years while continuing to work and simultaneously earning my teacher certification through a separate state program. More importantly, however, it allowed me to continue under the tutelage of the exceptionally well-versed, demanding, yet truly caring professors who had become not only my mentors, but my friends as well.” — George Himes, English M.A. 2018
CONTACT For more information about the Master of Arts in Literature at CCSU, contact Dr. Aimee Pozorski, director of English Graduate Studies, at pozorskia@ccsu.edu.
“It is hard to articulate how much the English program has done for me. I have engaged in authentic research, participated in many informative, educational activities, and have published my own work. Not only were the classes easy to schedule around my full-time job, but the professors are extremely caring and accommodating.” — MJ Martinez, English M.A. 2018
Central Connecticut State University 1615 Stanley Street PO Box 4010 New Britain, CT 06050
www.ccsu.edu/GRAD
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