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Graduate Catalog | 2023-2024 Previous Edition
English, M.A.
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 Return to: Graduate Academic Programs (A-Z)
The Master of Arts in English degree program is designed to accommodate a wide variety of students: those seeking personal enrichment through increased knowledge and understanding; those preparing to pursue a Ph.D. in English or other advanced professional degrees; and those seeking professional advancement in such fields as writing, publishing, or teaching on the primary, secondary, or college levels. There are eight concentrations available within the M.A. in English. Additionally, the Department of English offers a broad range of courses in literature, composition/rhetoric, and language, including second language studies and applied linguistics.
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Admission Requirements
In addition to the general requirements for admission to the Graduate School, the following are required for study in English:
- 30 credit hours of undergraduate coursework in English beyond the first-year level, or evidence of equivalent academic preparation for graduate study in English, as approved by the department.
- A writing sample of 6-10 pages, which must be an example of analytical, scholarly writing (rather than creative writing) in any area of English studies. Students may submit an excerpt from a longer work with a short prefatory paragraph offering a description or introduction to the selection. Students who have been out of school for an extended period and do not have a scholarly writing sample should contact the Director of Graduate Studies about an alternative way to meet this requirement.
Note: Standardized test scores (e.g., GRE, MAT) are not required.
Early Entry Program
Exceptional undergraduate students at UNC Charlotte may apply for the Early Entry Program and begin work toward the graduate degree before completion of the baccalaureate degree. See the Undergraduate Catalog for details and requirements. Also see the Degree Requirements and Academic Policies section of the Graduate Catalog for more information about Early Entry Programs.
Degree Requirements
The program requires a minimum of 36 credit hours. Students must select a concentration from the following options:
For all students except those in the English Education concentration, of the 36 hours of graduate credit, 30 must be in English courses; the remaining 6 credit hours may be taken in English or in another discipline. If the credit hours are to be taken outside of English, students must submit a written request to the Graduate Program Director, explaining how these credit hours will enrich their program. Additionally, at least 18 credit hours must be in English courses at the 6000 level, open only to graduate students.
For students in the English Education concentration, all 36 credit hours must be taken in English or the College of Education. Additionally, at least 18 credit hours must be in English or College of Education courses at the 6000 level, open only to graduate students.
Courses beyond 36 hours of graduate credit may be required to remove deficiencies or to satisfy requirements for graduate licensure, or may be recommended to develop areas of need, to pursue particular interests, or to gain specific experience.
No more than 6 credit hours of ENGL 6890 may be applied to the degree without written permission of the Department Chair.
Applied Linguistics Concentration
Linguistics is a broad field, and the applied linguistics concentration offers students the opportunity to apply linguistic concepts to a broad range of endeavors, including the teaching of writing, adult English language instruction, and various types of textual analyses.
Core Courses (6 credit hours)
Required Courses (9 credit hours)
Elective Linguistics Courses (6 credit hours)
Select two of the following:
Elective Literature Courses (6 credit hours)
Select two of the following:
Elective Writing/Rhetoric Courses (6 credit hours)
Select two of the following:
Project/Thesis (3-6 credit hours)
All students in the Applied Linguistics concentration must submit either a project or a thesis to satisfy requirements for the degree.
Project
Students electing to submit a project to satisfy this requirement enroll in a course leading to the production of a project. Students consult with the English Graduate Program Director for details on the requirements for this project.
Children’s Literature Concentration
This concentration is premised on the assumptions that children’s literature is an integral part of many literary traditions and that students studying children’s literature should develop an understanding of the connection between children’s literature and other forms of literature. The Children’s Literature Concentration requires a total of 36 credit hours.
Core Courses (6 credit hours)
Introductory Course (3 credit hours)
Elective Children’s Literature Courses (12 credit hours)
Select four of the following:
Elective Literature Courses (6 credit hours)
Select two of the following literature courses (that aren’t children’s literature):
Elective Writing/Rhetoric Course (3 credit hours)
Select one of the following:
Comprehensive Examination/Thesis (0-6 credit hours)
All students in the children’s literature concentration must satisfactorily complete either a written examination or a Master’s thesis.
Comprehensive Examination
Students electing this option must satisfactorily complete a written examination based on a reading list proposed by the student and approved by The English Graduate Committee. Information about this list is available in the Department of English office. The written examination may not be attempted sooner than the last semester of coursework, exclusive of thesis credits.
Master’s Thesis
The thesis may be either scholarly or creative. Students consult with the English Graduate Program Director, who will appoint a thesis committee comprising a director and two faculty readers. Students electing the thesis option receive six credit hours that replace the unrestricted elective course and another course as approved by the English Graduate Program Director.
ENGL 6996 - Thesis (3 or 6)
or
ENGL 6995 - Thesis Preparation (3)
and ENGL 6996 - Thesis (3 or 6)
Unrestricted Elective Courses (0-6 credit hours)
Students who elect the Comprehensive Examination option above select two additional elective courses. Students who elect the Thesis option above are not required to take any additional elective courses. Elective courses require approval of the English Graduate Program Director.
Composition/Rhetoric Concentration
The field of rhetoric and composition prepares students comprehensively in the theory, practice, and teaching of written public discourse. The program introduces research in the language arts, from the ancient rhetoric of Greece and Rome to modern theories of the composing process, while also emphasizing practical preparation in the teaching of writing and the administration of composition programs, writing centers, and writing across the curriculum programs. The Composition/Rhetoric concentration may focus on rhetorical theory, composition theory, or writing and pedagogy.
Core Courses (6 credit hours)
Elective Writing Theory Intensive Course (3 credit hours)
Select one of the following:
Elective Literature Courses (6 credit hours)
Select two of the following:
Elective Composition/Rhetoric Courses (12 credit hours)
Select four of the following:
Project/Thesis (3-6 credit hours)
All students in the Composition/Rhetoric concentration must submit either a project or a thesis to satisfy requirements for the degree.
Project
Students electing to submit a project to satisfy this requirement enroll in a course leading to the production of a project. Students consult with the English Graduate Program Director for details on the requirements for this project.
Unrestricted Elective Courses (3-6 credit hours)
Students who elect the Project option above select two additional elective courses. Students who elect the Thesis option above select one additional elective course. Elective courses require approval of the English Graduate Program Director.
Creative Writing Concentration
The aim of this concentration is to enable students to develop their abilities as creative writers through writing practice in more than one genre and through the creatively-engaged study of literature.
Core Courses (6 credit hours)
Elective Fiction Writing Course (3 credit hours)
Select one of the following:
Elective Poetry Writing Course (3 credit hours)
Select one of the following:
Elective Creative Writing Courses (6 credit hours)
Elective Literature Courses (9 credit hours)
Select three of the following, one of which must be in modern and/or contemporary literature:
Project/Thesis (3-6 credit hours)
All students in the Creative Writing concentration must submit either a project or a thesis to satisfy requirements for the degree.
Project
Students electing to submit a project to satisfy this requirement enroll in a course leading to the production of a project. Students consult with the English Graduate Program Director for details on the requirements for this project.
Unrestricted Elective Courses (3-6 credit hours)
Students who elect the Project option above select two additional elective courses. Students who elect the Thesis option above select one additional elective course. Elective courses require approval of the English Graduate Program Director.
Elective courses may be additional creative writing courses, if students wish to repeat any of the fiction or poetry courses listed above in order to receive additional instruction in their chosen genre.
English Education Concentration
The Master of Arts in English with a Concentration in English Education has been developed specifically for teachers of the English language arts in middle and secondary schools who desire advanced study in English content and pedagogy, and seek an opportunity to integrate advanced study with their teaching experiences. In addition, candidates acquire the skills, knowledge and abilities required to assume a leadership roles as department chairs, interdisciplinary team leaders, or staff development specialists. Candidates in the program serve as resources for one another and become active members in a community of professionals who are knowledgeable, effective, and committed practitioners. At the conclusion of the program, graduates will be teacher leaders who understand and establish respectful educational environments, demonstrate content and curriculum expertise, effectively support student learning through evidence-based research, and exhibit systematic, critical analysis of learning through purposeful and meaningful reflection.
Program Goals
Successful graduates possess a comprehensive pedagogical, conceptual, and reflective knowledge base that can be applied to their classrooms through effective instruction, responsiveness, and collaboration. Program graduates will be able to:
- Self-direct their personal and professional growth
- Respond effectively to adolescent differences, equity and diversity, and global learning communities
- Demonstrate advanced pedagogical content knowledge of the curriculum, as well as apply 21st knowledge, skills, and technical expertise
- Improve educational practice through critical self-reflection, self-assessment, and applied research
- Work collaboratively with colleagues, professionals, parents, guardians, families and individuals charged with the well-being of learners
- Assume a leadership role at the local, district, regional, state, or national level
Additional Admission Requirements
In addition to the general requirements for admission to the Graduate School, applicants must:
- Hold the “A” license in Secondary English or Middle Grades Language Arts from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (or its equivalent from another state)
- Have an undergraduate GPA of 2.75 overall and 3.0 in the Junior/Senior years and 30 credit hours of undergraduate coursework in English beyond the Freshman level, or evidence of equivalent academic preparation
Core Course (3 credit hours)
Select one of the following:
English Specialization Requirements (12 credit hours)
Select 12 credit hours of graduate-level ENGL courses selected in consultation with the Graduate Program Director. The program’s 12 credit hours of content specialization courses are not free electives, but a planned program of study identified upon the student’s enrollment in the program as part of the student’s overall professional and program plan. At least 18 credit hours of coursework in the program must be in Department of English or College of Education courses at the 6000 level.
Professional Requirements (12 credit hours)
Required Professional Requirement Courses
Elective Professional Requirement Course
For the final three credit hours, select a graduate-level ENGL, MDSK, or EDUC course in consultation with the Graduate Program Director. The program’s professional courses are not free electives, but a planned program of study identified upon the student’s enrollment in the program as part of the student’s overall professional and program plan.
Research Requirements (6 credit hours)
Required Research Course
Select one of the following:
Elective Research Course
Select 3 credit hours of a graduate-level ENGL, MDSK, or EDUC course in consultation with the Graduate Program Director.
Project/Thesis (3-6 credit hours)
All students in the English Education concentration must submit either a project or a thesis to satisfy requirements for the degree.
Project
Students electing to submit a project to satisfy this requirement enroll in a course leading to the production of a project. Students consult with the English Graduate Program Director for details on the requirements for this project.
Licensure
The M.A. in English with a Concentration in English Education qualifies graduates for the Master’s/Advanced Competencies “M” license in English Education.
Program Certifications/Accreditation
The program is accredited by both NCATE and NCDPI.
English for Specific Purposes Concentration
With this concentration, certified English for Specific Purposes (ESP) teachers are prepared to teach adult learners in community colleges, in in-company training courses, and in English language institutes at the university level, both in the U.S. and internationally.
Core Courses (6 credit hours)
Required Courses (9 credit hours)
Elective Courses (12 credit hours)
Select four of the following:
Project/Thesis (3-6 credit hours)
All students in the English for Specific Purposes concentration must submit either a project or a thesis to satisfy requirements for the degree.
Project
Students electing to submit a project to satisfy this requirement enroll in a course leading to the production of a project. Students consult with the English Graduate Program Director for details on the requirements for this project.
Unrestricted Elective Courses (3-6 credit hours)
Students who elect the Project option above select two additional elective courses. Students who elect the Thesis option above select one additional elective course. Elective courses require approval of the English Graduate Program Director.
Literature Concentration
The literature faculty are committed to teaching a variety of national and ethnic literatures in English, including British, American, and Anglophone literatures. The Literature concentration requires a total of 36 credit hours.
Core Courses (6 credit hours)
Elective Literature Courses (15 credit hours)
Select five of the following, of which three must be historically oriented, three must be in at least two national literatures (American, British, global), and one must be in literature written before 1800:
Elective Literary Theory Intensive Course (3 credit hours)
Select one literary theory intensive course.
Elective Writing/Rhetoric Course (3 credit hours)
Select one of the following:
Comprehensive Examination
All students in the literature concentration must satisfactorily complete a written examination based on a reading list proposed by the student and approved by the Graduate Committee. Information about this list is available in the department office. The written examination may not be attempted sooner than the last semester of coursework, exclusive of thesis credits.
Unrestricted Elective Courses (3-9 credit hours)
Students who elect the Thesis option above are required to take one additional elective course. Students who do not elect the Thesis option are required to take three additional elective courses. Elective courses require approval of the English Graduate Program Director.
Technical/Professional Writing Concentration
This concentration includes courses that: 1) provide students with an understanding of the theoretical and rhetorical foundation of the field, 2) introduce students to the methods and results of research in the field, 3) offer students an opportunity to practice theory and research through project work for clients, 4) address technology and science as socially constructed disciplines, and 5) help students build skills in written and oral communication, project management, and teamwork.
Core Courses (6 credit hours)
Required Courses (9 credit hours)
Elective Technical Communication Courses (9 credit hours)
Select three of the following:
Project/Thesis (3-6 credit hours)
All students in the Technical/Professional Writing concentration must submit either a project or a thesis to satisfy requirements for the degree.
Project
Students electing to submit a project to satisfy this requirement enroll in a course leading to the production of a project. Students consult with the English Graduate Program Director for details on the requirements for this project.
Unrestricted Elective Courses (6-9 credit hours)
Students who elect the Project option above select three additional elective courses. Students who elect the Thesis option above select two additional elective courses. Elective courses require approval of the English Graduate Program Director.
Degree Total = 36 Credit Hours
Grade Requirements
All courses counted toward the degree must be taken with grades of A or B received. A course in which a graduate student receives a grade of C is not allowable as part of the 36 required credit hours.
Advising
The English Graduate Program Director and other graduate faculty members acting as their designated assistants will advise graduate students.
Assistantships
A number of graduate assistantships are available each year. Applications must be submitted by March 1 for assistantships beginning the following academic year. Further information is available in the Department of English.
Internships
The Department of English offers a number of internships for graduate students (limited to 3 hours of credit), which provide program-related experience in local television and radio stations, nonprofit and government agencies, and local businesses and corporations. Further information is available in the department.
Licensure
For information on licensure in English, please see the requirements of the English Education concentration.
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Return to: Graduate Academic Programs (A-Z)
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