The Masters of Arts in English Studies provides broad training in English. This is a generalist degree supported by a department of highly trained specialists in the areas of literature, film, writing and linguistics. The degree is suited for secondary teachers and students who plan to teach at the post-secondary level. This degree may also serve as a basis for careers in the literary marketplace.
Entrance requirements include a minimum of 30 semester hours earned in language, literature, or related courses. Twenty credits should have been earned in upper-division courses. It is highly recommended that students have at least one course in a literary figure and one in upper-division linguistics.
The GRE is not required as part of the admissions material for this program.
Candidates whose native language is not English must have a TOEFL score of 600 or above.
Program Application Materials:
Program Application Materials should be sent to the Graduate School. For more information and application form, visit the College of Graduate Studies web site.
Assistantship Application Materials:
If you are interested in applying for either a teaching or research assistantship in the Department of English, please submit the following materials; indicate in your application letter if you wish to be considered for more than one assistantship:
Please submit the Assistantship Application materials directly to Prof. Stephen Stoynoff, Graduate Programs Director. See his address below.
Consult the following web page for specific assistantship position announcements and deadlines: http://english.mnsu.edu/gradassistantship.htm.
Professor Mary Sue Johnston
Department of English
Minnesota State University, Mankato
230 Armstrong Hall
Mankato, MN 56001
Telephone: (507) 389-1065
E-mail: mary.johnston@mnsu.edu
If you do not find answers to your questions on this web page, or if you need more information about this English Department graduate program at the Minnesota State University, Mankato, please contact Professor Stephen Stoynoff who is the Department of English Graduate Programs Director.
Professor Stephen Stoynoff
Director of English Graduate Studies
English Department
Minnesota State University, Mankato
230 Armstrong Hall
Mankato, MN 56001
Telephone: (507) 389-5502
E-mail: stephen.stoynoff@mnsu.edu
(30 credits with Thesis, 34 credits with APP or Portfolio)
| Course # | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Theory | Composition Theory (3), Film Theory and Criticism (4), Literary Theory and Criticism (3), OR Rhetorical Theory (3) |
3-4
|
| ENG 651 | Bibliography and Research |
3
|
| ENG 698 | Internship |
3-4
|
| Course # | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ENG 603 | Selected Authors |
3
|
| ENG 605 | Shakespeare |
3
|
| ENG 608 | British Literature to 1800 |
3
|
| ENG 609 | British Literature after 1800 |
3
|
| ENG 610 | American Literature to 1865 |
3
|
| ENG 611 | American Literature after 1865 |
3
|
| ENG 612 | Gender in Literature |
3
|
| ENG 618 | Multicultural Literature |
3
|
| ENG 635 | World Literature |
3
|
| ENG 661 | Topics in Children's and Young Adult Literature |
3
|
Choose 9-18 credits from any 500 or 600-level English courses in consultation with your advisor.
Choose one of the following in consultation with your advisor:
| Course # | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ENG 699 | Thesis, with oral defense |
3-4
|
| ENG 694 | Alternate Plan Paper |
1-2
|
| ENG 688 | Portfolio |
1-2
|
** Students who entered the program prior to Fall 2007 can choose to follow either the program in place when they entered or any subsequent English Studies program. Students should see their advisor for further information.
Students in the English Studies Option can choose from among three capstone experiences: Thesis, Alternate Plan Paper or Portfolio. A Thesis is an individual study of works of literature, film or pedagogy that demonstrates familiarity with the tools of research or scholarship. An Alternative Plan Paper is an individual project, usually shorter in length than a thesis that demonstrates familiarity with the tools of research or scholarship in literature and/or related fields of study in English. A Portfolio is a collection of student material. A Portfolio can consist of revised seminar papers or teaching materials. Students work closely with their advisor on the topic and scope of their capstone experience.
Graduate students in the English Studies Option are required to take an internship for which they receive 3-4 graduate credits. A student's career goals determine the shape of the internship. For example, students can choose to fulfill this requirement by participating in the preparation and teaching of an undergraduate English course with a supervising professor. Students also can fulfill this requirement by working in an editing and publishing internship with a local press. Students will choose the nature and scope of their internship in consultation with their advisor.
The Department of English employs about 30 teaching and research assistants at stipends of approximately $9000 over two semesters. Assistants receive full tuition remission for up to 18 credits over the academic year (two semesters). All graduate assistants are required to enroll for a minimum of six credits per semester. Assistants are provided office space and have faculty library privileges.
Teaching Assistants in the English Department typically teach freshman composition. The TA Director provides a supportive atmosphere where assistants learn composition theory and pedagogy. In addition, assistants are trained in the latest methods of computer-assisted writing instruction. For more information, visit the English Graduate Assistantships web page.
Other assistantships are available from Student Affairs, Learning Center, Memorial Library, and Residential Life offices of the University. For a list of available graduate assistantships, visit the Human Resources Job Posting web page on the College of Graduate Studies web site.
For information about other types of financial assistance, students should write to:
Office of Financial Aid
Minnesota State University, Mankato
109 Wigley Administration Center
Mankato, MN 56001
Telephone: (507) 389-1185
Web site: http://www.mnsu.edu/campushub/programs/
