Master of Arts (MA) English

University of Missouri - St. Louis

The Master of Arts in English at the University of Missouri–St. Louis provides many opportunities for students to excel because it fosters general skills that transfer to many careers that value expert interpretive and communicative abilities. It expands students’ knowledge base of literature, as well as language theory, linguistics, rhetorical communication and the analyses of text. It also furthers the education and professional skills of high school and middle school teachers and prepares students for PhD programs in English studies, American studies and Writing studies (including Disability and Museum Studies).The MA in English also prepares students for employment as teachers of writing in collegiate settings and provides the skills necessary for advanced work in journalism, editing, advertising, public relations and other fields.A master’s degree in English doesn't simply involve the in-depth study of classic literature. In fact, developing critical and independent thinking, problem solving and communication skills, as well as participating with other learners and scholars, are at the heart of these studies. These skills prepare students for a host of possible careers, some perhaps unexpected.Students in this 30-credit-hour degree program may pursue one of two areas of concentration, and may also elect a thesis option which requires a total of six hours of thesis credit:Literature Emphasis: This track offers coursework that provides broad coverage of British and American authors. The literature thesis option may be a critical study of literary works or a theoretical exploration of issues related to literature.Writing Studies Emphasis: This track offers coursework that primarily focuses on rhetorical and composition theory and practice, including Disability Studies. The thesis option varies widely according to the range of subjects and methods of investigation within this track’s transdisciplinary disciplines. Each student’s interest and faculty expertise guide the selection of subjects and investigative inquiry.

College of Arts and Sciences