M.A. in English

Entry Requirements for Postgraduate Programs

Academic Requirements:

1. Undergraduate Degree: To be eligible for postgraduate (master's) programs at SIUE, international students should have completed an undergraduate degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution. This degree should be in a relevant field related to the chosen postgraduate program.

2. Academic Performance: Prospective postgraduate students should have a minimum academic score of 60% or its equivalent in their undergraduate studies. SIUE considers this as a baseline for eligibility.

English Language Proficiency:

1. IELTS: An overall score of 6.5 or higher is required, with no individual band score less than 6.0. 

2. TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language - Internet-Based Test): A minimum overall score of 79 is usually required. 

3. DET (Duolingo English Test): A score of 120 or higher on the DET is often accepted as proof of English language proficiency.

4. PTE (Pearson Test of English): Some programs may accept a minimum PTE score of 53 or higher.

Scholarships for International Students at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE):

1. Merit-Based Scholarships: SIUE offers a range of merit-based scholarships for international students, including undergraduate and graduate programs. These scholarships are awarded based on academic achievements, standardized test scores, and other criteria. Some of these scholarships may cover a significant portion of tuition costs.

2. Global Ambassador Scholarship: SIUE's Center for International Programs awards the Global Ambassador Scholarship to a select number of undergraduate international students who have demonstrated leadership skills and a commitment to promoting cultural exchange on campus.

3. Graduate Assistantships: Graduate students at SIUE have the opportunity to apply for graduate assistantships, which provide a stipend and tuition waivers. These assistantships may involve research, teaching, or administrative duties and are available in various academic departments.

4. External Scholarships: International students can explore external scholarship opportunities offered by organizations, foundations, and government agencies. The university's International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) office may provide guidance on finding and applying for such scholarships.

5. International Tuition Waivers: SIUE offers tuition waivers to international students who meet certain criteria. These waivers can significantly reduce the cost of tuition for eligible students.

6. Graduate School Scholarships: Graduate students can inquire about scholarships and funding opportunities specific to their academic departments or programs. Many departments offer financial support to exceptional graduate students.

7. Research and Teaching Assistantships: Graduate students pursuing research-based or teaching-focused programs may have the opportunity to work as research or teaching assistants. These positions often come with a stipend and tuition remission.

8. Fulbright Program: SIUE participates in the Fulbright Program, which offers scholarships for international students, scholars, and professionals to study, teach, or conduct research in the United States. Students from eligible countries can apply for Fulbright scholarships.

9. Cultural Exchange Programs: SIUE may collaborate with cultural exchange programs that provide scholarships for international students. These programs aim to foster international understanding and cultural exchange.

10. Private Scholarships: International students can explore private scholarships offered by foundations, corporations, and nonprofit organizations. These scholarships may have specific eligibility criteria and application deadlines.

Pursuing a Master of Arts (M.A.) in English at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) opens up a multitude of career pathways for graduates. This program is designed to provide students with advanced literary and critical skills, making them well-equipped for a range of professions that require strong communication, analytical, and research abilities.

1. Academic Roles: Graduates with an M.A. in English often pursue careers in academia. They can become university professors, lecturers, or academic advisors. With further education and a Ph.D., they can advance to higher academic positions, contributing to research and education in English literature, language, or related fields.

2. Professional Writing and Editing: The program equips students with excellent writing and editing skills, making them suitable for roles as content writers, technical writers, editors, or copywriters in various industries. They can work for publishing houses, media organizations, advertising agencies, or corporations.

3. Public Relations and Communication: Graduates may find opportunities in public relations firms, marketing agencies, or corporate communication departments. They can work as communication specialists, media relations managers, social media coordinators, or public affairs coordinators, leveraging their understanding of effective communication.

4. Journalism: With their writing and critical thinking abilities, M.A. in English graduates can pursue journalism roles such as reporters, editors, or correspondents for newspapers, magazines, online publications, or broadcast media.

5. Library and Information Science: Some graduates opt for roles in libraries, becoming librarians, library media specialists, or information analysts. They organize and manage information resources, assist patrons, and curate literary collections.

6. Non-Profit and Advocacy Organizations: Many non-profit organizations require individuals with strong communication skills to handle public relations, fundraising, grant writing, and advocacy. M.A. in English graduates can contribute to such organizations as communication coordinators, development officers, or public affairs specialists.

7. Creative Writing and Publishing: Those inclined towards creative writing can explore opportunities in fiction or non-fiction writing, poetry, scriptwriting, or self-publishing. They may work as authors, literary agents, or publishers, promoting their own work or the work of others.

8. Freelance and Consulting: A significant number of M.A. in English graduates choose to work as freelancers or consultants, offering services in writing, editing, proofreading, or content strategy. They can operate independently or through freelancing platforms.

9. Government and Public Service: Graduates may pursue roles in government agencies, NGOs, or community service organizations. They can engage in policy analysis, communications, public affairs, or cultural affairs, leveraging their ability to convey complex ideas effectively.