You might be using a Web browser that does not support standards for accessibility and user interaction. You should upgrade your browser for a better experience of this and other standards-based sites.
Master of Arts in English (MA)
Visit the Master of Arts in English Program. Go>>
Visit the Department of English. Go>>
Program Overview
The program in English is designed to prepare students for professional advancement and for further study in either literature or writing. The literature track emphasizes the study of literary texts with related study of writing. Conversely, the writing track emphasizes the study and practice of writing with related study of literature. Both tracks also require study of related theory, as well as an internship in the context of an undergraduate literature/writing course and a portfolio of written work. Students in both programs will not only become familiar with the aesthetic, formal, and theoretical underpinnings of their field of study, but they will also learn how to address their audiences by means of professional discourse.
Estimated Time to Complete the Program
Students carrying full-time course loads can reasonably complete the Master of Arts in English program in two years. Part-time students may take up to five years to complete the program.
Semester Hours Required
The Master of Arts in English Program has a minimum requirement of 30 semester hours.
Admission Requirements
In addition to the admission requirements of the Graduate School, applicants for the MA in English program shall include the following material with the application:
1) An essay of under 1500 words stating what the applicant expects to achieve from the study of English (literature or writing) at the master's level.
2) A writing sample (professional, critical, creative) that the applicant deems to be representative of the quality of his or her work. The sample may be an undergraduate paper, professional work, or work prepared for personal use. (The sample will not be returned. Please submit a copy.)
3) Two letters of recommendation from references whose discipline is English literature or writing or from employers who have experience in the field of literature or writing. For those applicants who no longer have contact with either, the recommendations should be from those who can comment on the applicant's ability to benefit from a graduate program in English.
* Please note: The GRE is not required for admission to the MA in English program.
Faculty Research Interests and Related Specialties
| Edith Baker | Composition Theory/Pedagogy |
| Christine Blouch | 18th Century British Women Writers 18th Century British Literature |
| Susan Brill de Ramirez | American Indian Literature Literary Criticism and Theory |
| George Chambers | Creative Writing and Composition |
| Timothy Conley | Early American Literature American Literature/Studies Literary Theory |
| Martha Craig | Shakespeare |
| Peter Dusenbery | Technical/Professional Writing |
| Jean Jost | Medieval Literature Chaucerian and Arthurian Literature |
| Seth Katz | Grammar 20th Century Poetics Computer-Supported Literature Linguistics Language Theory Poetics Stylistics |
| Caitriona Moloney | Irish Writers Contemporary British Literature |
| Thomas Palakeel | 18th Century Post-Colonial Literary Theory Creative Non-fiction |
| Robert Prescott | Writing 19th Century Romantic Literature Romantic Poetry |
| Kevin Stein | 20th Century Poetry and Criticism |
| Kevin Swafford | 19th Century British Literature Victorian Fiction |
| Laurie Vickroy | 18th/20th Century Novel Literature and Psychology Women Writers |
| Demetrice Worley | Composition Theory/Pedagogy African American Literature Creative Writing Visual Imagery and Writing |
| Marjorie Worthington | 20th Century American Literature |
Department Contact information
Graduate Program Coordinator
Dr. Robert Prescott, (309) 677-2468, prescott@bradley.edu
Department Chair
Dr. Peter Dusenbery, (309) 677-2465, pfd@bradley.edu
Department Secretary
Carolyn Rosser, (309) 677-2490, crosser@bradley.edu