内华达里诺大学

The Master of Arts in English program aims to give students a deeper understanding of how literature, theory, language and culture can be made relevant in the modern world -- and a basis for moving their career forward, whether in academia or elsewhere.

Why get a master's in English?

Whether you wish to begin a new career, start on the path to a professorship or simply enhance your current professional skill set, a Master of Arts in English can serve as an important step in your journey. Master's-level English study helps students build subject-matter expertise and introduces them to the demands of graduate-level research and writing.

In addition to those who have advanced to the University's Ph.D. in English, graduates of this program have entered successful careers in writing, publishing, community college teaching, business and nonprofits. Others have been accepted to Ph.D. programs at other top-rated universities.

What's special about this Master's in English?

No matter which emphases you choose, you can expect to find qualified and caring mentors within the Department of English faculty. These professors are experts in topics such as rhetoric, composition theory, British literature, American literature, sociolinguistics, cultural studies, digital media, gender studies and public engagement.

The Department of English offers four areas of emphasis within its M.A. program. Those emphases allow students to pursue research goals that align most closely with their personal interests.

Language and linguistics: This emphasis is designed primarily for students who have some background in linguistics but did not major in the field as undergraduates. The program is an excellent complement to B.A. or advanced degrees in anthropology, composition and rhetoric, English literature, foreign languages, philosophy, psychology or speech pathology.

Literature: This emphasis covers a range of courses about English, American and Anglophone literature. The faculty's research and teaching involve the following critical approaches: cultural studies and theory, narrative and genre studies, textual editing and archival studies, and the study of literature, environment and science.

Public engagement: The public engagement emphasis is designed to serve students whose career goals could include teaching, working with nonprofits and/or going on for a Ph.D. The interdisciplinary program includes a wide range of courses in literature, writing and rhetoric that fall under the theme of power, place and publics. Beyond the required seminar in public intellectualism, students work with their advisors to tailor coursework according to individual academic and career goals.

Rhetoric and writing studies: This emphasis is designed for students who wish to strengthen their skills as writers while deepening their understanding of literature and language. M.A. writing students may opt for intensive study in composition research and pedagogy or in writing workshops, with cognate work in linguistics, literature or literacy studies.