Mar 28, 2024  
Fitchburg State University 2020-2021 Graduate Catalog 
    
Fitchburg State University 2020-2021 Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

English M.A.


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Master of Arts in English


Graduate Program Chair

Chola Chisunka, PhD

Graduate Committee

Lisa Gim, PhD
Michael Hoberman, PhD

Aruna Krishnamurthy, PhD
Irene Martyniuk, PhD
Frank Mabee, PhD
Benjamin Railton, PhD
Kisha Tracy, PhD
Elisabet Takehana, PhD
Heather Urbanski, PhD
Wendy Keyser, EdD
Katharine Covino-Poutasse, EdD 
DeMisty Bellinger-Delfeld, PhD
Steven Edwards, PhD

The Master of Arts in English (MA) The English MA offers students an introduction to graduate study in literature, culture, and teaching, connecting students to a diverse and impressive community of teachers, scholars, and writers. The program features courses in Literature and Teaching. This is a 30-credit program, including either 24 credits of coursework and 6 credits of thesis work, or 30 credits of coursework and an exit exam. Courses will be offered in different modes of delivery, including, residential, hybrid and online.

Program Objectives

The Master of Arts in English (MA) Program is designed to train students to understand and employ a variety of strategies in literature, research, writing, and teaching. The master of arts program aims to:

  • Promote graduate-level scholarship in the study of literature
  • Encourage the development of a wide range of literary knowledge, including a global perspective
  • Provide a wide range of courses, from Medieval Literature and Shakespeare’s Major Plays to 20th Century Women’s Fiction and Africa Through the Novel
  • Polish and expand writing style and techniques
  • Explore major literary theories and the history of English as a discipline


The Gender Studies concentration of the Masters of Arts in English program is designed to prepare teachers, researchers, writers, and museum curators in an interdisciplinary area within the field of gender studies. It aims to provide students with the academic foundation needed to pursue doctoral work in gender studies.

Admissions Standards and Criteria

To apply for enrollment in the Master of Arts in English, a student must submit documents as outlined in the Graduate Admissions section.

MA Program of Study


The MA program of study typically includes two courses in literary research and literary theory, seven or nine 9000-level courses across a range of American, British, & World Literature, Rhetoric and Writing, and a capstone experience (Master’s Thesis or Graduate English Exit Exam) are required for a total of 30 semester hours.

Capstone: Students choose one of two options.


Master’s Thesis Capstone. Students apply, and subject to the approval of the English Graduate Advisor and Committee, write a 6-credit master’s thesis.

Total for Degree 30 cr.


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