M.A. in English: Composition and Literature

Entry Requirements for Postgraduate programs

Application Fees : US$ 50

Academic Requirements:

1. Undergraduate Degree: You must hold a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution. Your degree should be relevant to your intended field of study at the postgraduate level.

2. Academic Performance: A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is preferred. This translates to approximately 60% or a 'C' grade.  

3.  English Language Proficiency:

   • IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 is required with no individual band (section) score less than 6.
   • TOEFL iBT: An overall score of 79 or higher is required.
   • DET: A minimum score for DET around 100 is required.
      
4. WES Evaluation required.

Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) offers various scholarships and financial aid options to international students to help them pursue their education in the United States. Scholarships are awarded based on academic merit, leadership, and other criteria. 

1. Trustee's Scholarship for International Students: This is a highly competitive scholarship awarded to a limited number of incoming international undergraduate students. The scholarship covers a portion of tuition and fees. Selection is based on academic performance, leadership qualities, and extracurricular involvement.

2. Global Scholarship for International Students: This scholarship is available to both undergraduate and graduate international students. It is based on academic merit and can significantly reduce the cost of tuition.

3. IUP International Student Emergency Fund: This fund is designed to assist international students who face unexpected financial crises during their studies. It provides temporary financial support to help students overcome emergency situations.

4. Graduate Assistantships: IUP offers graduate assistantship opportunities to international graduate students. These positions often include a stipend, tuition remission, and valuable work experience in various academic departments.

5. Foundation for IUP Scholarships: The Foundation for IUP administers a variety of scholarships available to both domestic and international students. These scholarships may be based on academic achievement, financial need, or specific areas of study.

6. Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments and colleges within IUP offer scholarships to students majoring in their respective fields. These scholarships can be highly specialized and may require applicants to meet specific criteria.

7. Athletic Scholarships: IUP offers athletic scholarships to talented student-athletes. International students with exceptional athletic abilities may be eligible for these scholarships.

8. External Scholarships: IUP encourages international students to explore external scholarship opportunities, such as those offered by governments, foundations, and organizations in their home countries. The International Education Office can provide guidance on finding these opportunities.

9. International Student Work Opportunities: International students on F-1 visas are eligible to work on campus for up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during school breaks. This provides an opportunity to earn income to support their studies.

It's important to note that scholarship availability, eligibility criteria, and application deadlines may vary.

Earning a Master of Arts (M.A.) in English: Composition and Literature from Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) opens doors to a wide array of rewarding career opportunities. This program is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of literary studies and writing skills, making graduates highly sought after in the job market.  

1. College Professor: Many M.A. graduates choose to teach at the college level. With advanced knowledge in literature and composition, they can inspire the next generation of writers and scholars. A Ph.D. is often required for full-time, tenure-track positions, but M.A. holders can start as adjunct professors or instructors.

2. Editor or Proofreader: Graduates can pursue careers in editing and publishing, working for publishing houses, magazines, newspapers, or online publications. Their expertise in composition and literature makes them valuable for ensuring written content is error-free and engaging.

3. Technical Writer: Technical writers create user guides, manuals, and other instructional documents for a variety of industries. They translate complex technical information into clear, concise language, making it accessible to non-experts. An M.A. in English provides a strong foundation for this role.

4. Content Writer: In the digital age, there's a high demand for skilled content writers who can produce engaging articles, blog posts, and web content. M.A. graduates are well-equipped to produce high-quality written content across various industries, from marketing to journalism.

5. Public Relations Specialist: Public relations specialists are responsible for crafting persuasive messages and stories to promote individuals, organizations, or brands. The critical thinking and communication skills developed during the M.A. program are highly relevant to this role.

6. Grant Writer: Non-profit organizations and institutions often require grant writers to secure funding for their projects. M.A. graduates can excel in this role by crafting compelling grant proposals and demonstrating a deep understanding of the written word.

7. Social Media Manager: Social media managers are responsible for creating and curating content for social media platforms. They need strong writing skills to engage and interact with online audiences effectively.

8. Copywriter: Copywriters specialize in creating persuasive advertising and marketing copy for businesses and agencies. Their ability to craft compelling narratives is vital for the success of advertising campaigns.

9. Researcher: Graduates with a passion for literature can become researchers, exploring various aspects of the field, from analyzing literary works to studying historical literary trends. They can work in academia, think tanks, or research institutions.

10. Freelance Writer: Many M.A. graduates choose the flexibility of freelance writing, allowing them to explore a variety of writing opportunities, from journalism to creative writing, and everything in between.

11. Curator or Archivist: In cultural institutions such as museums, libraries, and archives, curators and archivists are responsible for preserving and showcasing historical documents and artifacts. M.A. graduates often have a strong appreciation for literature and historical texts, making them suitable for these roles.

12. Communications Specialist: Communications specialists are responsible for crafting and delivering consistent messages to both internal and external stakeholders. Their skills in composition and literature can enhance the quality of communication within an organization.

13. Film and Theater Critic: For those passionate about film and the performing arts, pursuing a career as a critic allows them to analyze and critique various aspects of these art forms.