Master of Arts Degree
The M.A. degree serves students who want to study beyond the B.A. but who do not plan or are not yet ready to pursue a Ph.D. Our program offers historical coverage in British, American, and other Anglophone literary, film, and folklore traditions, a wide range of theoretical appoaches, a vital and accessible faculty, and a highly regarded composition program. Working toward the master's degree is an excellent way to develop critical prose writing skills; to build on knowledge of literature, theory, film, and folklore; and to take advantage of our teacher training program.
In addition to our regular Master of Arts degree, the department offers a Master of Arts in English with an Emphasis in Film Studies; these are two different MA tracks within the English department, but students in both tracks receive the M.A. in English.
M.A. Admission Requirements
- An undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.50 (B+) or, if the student has 12 or more credits of graduate work in English, a 3.50 or better graduate GPA.
- A minimum Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) score of 550 on the Verbal section of the General Test.
- For foreign applicants whose native language is not English, a minimum score of 600 on the paper-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or a minimum score of 250 on the computer-based TOEFL.
- We admit for fall term only; the application deadline is January 15.
The completed file is reviewed by the department's Graduate Admissions Committee. All admissions are conditional and contingent upon successful academic performance throughout the M.A. program.
Transfer credit: Students who enroll in the M.A. program after doing graduate work elsewhere may transfer up to three quarter courses in English and American literature or related areas. The number and appropriateness of courses for which credit is given will be determined by the Director of Graduate Studies in consultation with each transfer student. The English Department also accepts transfer work toward the MA language requirement for comparable work done within seven years. To be considered for transfer credit, a course must have received a grade of B or better and have been completed no more than seven years before the MA is completed at the University of Oregon.
M.A. Degree Requirements
- 12 approved graduate seminars (equivalent of two courses per quarter for two years). A master's thesis may substitute for one course. Each student, in consultation with the Director of Graduate Studies and an Individual Faculty Advisor, develops a plan of study based on the student's interests and goals.
- Reading knowledge of a foreign language.
- Minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.50.
- Residency requirement of nine approved graduate seminars taken in the University of Oregon Department of English.