English and American Literature, MA

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*Not accepting applications at this time.*

Associate Professor Shari Zimmerman, Graduate Program Director, 516-463-5464

This program, scheduled in late afternoons and evenings Monday through Thursday, requires the completion of 33 credits as outlined below. It is possible, on a limited basis, to elect a tutorial in a subject not available in regular offerings. Candidates will be expected to complete their studies within five years.

Admission Requirements

Successful completion of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with an overall GPA of at least 3.0.
Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher in at least 18 semester hours of literary studies course work.
A personal statement of approximately 500 words, detailing the applicant’s interest in pursuing graduate study in English.
An academic writing sample, preferably in literary studies.
Two (2) academic letters of recommendation.

Prospective applicants who do not meet these academic standards should consult with the graduate director of the program.

While admission is on a rolling basis, early application is encouraged. Students may begin in fall, spring, or summer.

Program Requirements - Total Semester Hours: 33

I. Required Courses - Semester Hours: 3

ENGL 299 - Literary Research and Methods Semester Hours: 3
(See footnote*)

II. Distribution Requirements - Semester Hours: 6

6 s.h. (or two courses) in pre-1800 British or American Literature, chosen from the following:

ENGL 271A - Sources of the English Literary Tradition I: Studies in Chaucer, Spenser and Their Contemporaries. Semester Hours: 3
ENGL 271B - Sources of the English Literary Tradition II: Studies in Chaucer, Spenser and Their Contemporaries Semester Hours: 3
ENGL 272 - Sources of the English Literary Tradition III: 17th- and 18th- Century English Literature Semester Hours: 3
ENGL 291U - Shakespeare Semester Hours: 3
ENGL 291V - Milton Semester Hours: 3

Note

Under advisement of the graduate program director and when the topic pertains to pre-1800 British or American literature, students may register for 6 semester hours chosen from the following special studies courses:

ENGL 291 A-Z - Special Studies Semester Hours: 3

III. Electives - Semester Hours: 24

Among these eight electives (or 24 credits), students may take up to 3 semester hours of graduate creative writing course work, under advisement, and/or write a 3-credit master’s thesis (ENGL 301 ) under the direction of a faculty member of their choice.

Graduation Requirements

Completion of all program requirements.
A minimum grade point average of 3.0 in overall graduate course work.

Footnote*

*ENGL 299 should be completed during a student’s first year in the program.

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