A student who applies for candidacy to the M.A. English degree is expected to pass a comprehensive examination at the close of their studies based on works of literature, composition, and literary theory. The student is expected to prove to examiners that s/he can conduct independent study and advanced research in language and literature.

The examination will be conducted by a committee of three senior English professors from the Department of Languages and Communications. The exam requires students to demonstrate understanding of texts from major periods in the history of British, American, and world literatures, draw parallels and demonstrate differences among literatures, support claims with textual evidence, and use standard terminology and appropriate theoretical applications. It will also demonstrate the student’s ability to conduct scholarly research and to document sources appropriately using the MLA style. The exam will consist of two parts: 1) the submission of a fully revised  (highly polished) seminar paper of at least fifteen pages originally written for a course in the M.A. program; and 2) a one- to two-hour oral exam based on a reading list devised by the department and the student. The student should be prepared to discuss the revised seminar paper with the examination committee at the oral exam. Two of the three examiners must assign a passing grade. Otherwise, the examinee will be asked to retake the examination at a later date. Failure the second time will cause dismissal from the degree program.

The reading consists of fifteen works selected by faculty and three texts added by the student in an area chosen as a specialization or area of interest. Students receive the list when they enter the program. To prepare for the exam students should take courses in as many periods as they can, but should supplement course work with additional preparation on their own. Students should consult the M.A. Exam reading list, faculty, and useful reference works in language and literature to prepare for the exam. Students apply in the department for the comprehensive examination after earning 24 SCH toward the degree.


The MA Thesis Option allows students to prepare a major writing project in an area selected by the student in consultation with faculty. Students demonstrate the ability to conduct advanced academic research and scholarly writing, while receiving guidance from three senior members of the department. Students selecting the thesis option make a formal request for a thesis advisor and committee using the thesis advisor form available from the Graduate Director. Upon approval, the student enrolls in ENGL 5133 Seminar in Thesis Writing. After completion of the thesis, generally between 70-100 pages, the student undergoes an oral thesis defense. The candidate will present an overview of the project and answer any questions posed by the committee in a defense generally lasting one to two hours. Upon successful completion of the defense, the student makes any necessary changes to the thesis and submits the final and properly formatted version to the graduate office. Students selecting the thesis option do not take the comprehensive examination.