Embark on your academic journey with the Master of Arts (M.A.) in English at Southern Illinois University, a postgraduate program designed for those passionate about advanced literary study and scholarly research. This degree offers three distinct concentrations—Literature, Rhetoric and Composition, and English Studies—allowing you to tailor your studies to your specific interests within the broad field of English. You will delve into diverse literary periods, explore complex rhetorical theories, and develop critical analytical skills, preparing you for further doctoral studies or a variety of professional roles in the humanities.
This full-time, on-campus M.A. program is typically completed over two years, requiring satisfactory completion of 30-36 credit hours, depending on your chosen concentration. You will engage with core literature courses, delve into specific areas of concentration, and potentially satisfy a foreign language requirement. The program culminates in a significant research paper or thesis, providing you with the opportunity to conduct in-depth scholarly work. Graduates are well-prepared for careers in teaching, publishing, digital humanities, and other fields that value sophisticated communication and analytical expertise.