Master of Social Work - Traditional
The traditional Master of Social Work (MSW) program at the University at Buffalo is des...
M.A. in English
Buffalo, New York
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.A. in English at UB is a 30-credit hour program that can be completed in a minimum of two semesters (one academic year for full-time students), though many choose to extend it to two years. The program's core mission is to provide students with a deep understanding of literary history, critical theory, and writing, and to enhance their research and analytical capabilities. It is designed to serve various student goals: as a terminal master's degree for those seeking careers in education, publishing, or related fields, or as a strong foundation for doctoral studies in English or comparative literature. The program offers flexibility through a diverse range of courses taught by faculty with broad expertise.
Curriculum: The 30-credit curriculum for the M.A. in English is structured to provide both breadth in literary studies and opportunities for specialization. Students are generally required to take a certain number of credits in specific literary periods or genres, ensuring exposure to diverse literary traditions. Core courses often include graduate-level seminars on critical theory, research methods, and major authors or literary movements. Students may also have options to take courses in rhetoric and composition, creative writing, or interdisciplinary studies. The program culminates in a comprehensive examination or a master's essay/project (often a revised seminar paper), allowing students to demonstrate their research and analytical prowess in a chosen area of specialization.
Research Focus: The M.A. in English program at UB is highly research-intensive, leveraging the department's strong scholarly traditions and its world-class resources, notably The Poetry Collection. Faculty research interests span a vast array of areas, including various periods of English and American literature, critical theory, cultural studies, gender studies, postcolonial literature, digital humanities, and rhetoric and composition. Students are encouraged to engage with cutting-edge scholarship and develop their own original research projects under the guidance of faculty mentors. The program emphasizes advanced critical reading, sophisticated argumentation, and rigorous scholarly writing, preparing students to contribute to ongoing academic conversations and to produce high-quality research.
Industry Engagement: While primarily an academic degree, the M.A. in English at UB cultivates highly transferable skills that are valued across numerous industries. The program's rigorous training in critical thinking, analytical reasoning, research, and persuasive written and oral communication makes graduates competitive in various professional fields. Although formal "industry engagement" like mandatory internships may not be a standard component, the skills acquired are directly applicable to careers in publishing, journalism, marketing, content creation, technical writing, and education. The university's career services and alumni network can also facilitate connections to these industries.
Global Perspective: The M.A. in English program at UB inherently fosters a global perspective through its engagement with diverse literatures and critical theories from around the world. Courses often explore postcolonial literature, global Englishes, and literary movements that transcend national borders, promoting an understanding of the interconnectedness of cultures and societies. The department's faculty comprises scholars with expertise in a wide range of national and international literary traditions, and the university's diverse international student body further enriches classroom discussions with varied global viewpoints. This emphasis on literary and cultural diversity prepares graduates to navigate and contribute to an increasingly interconnected and multicultural world.
Location
Buffalo, New York
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 28210
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 90 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 61 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 120.
The University at Buffalo (UB) offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid opportunities specifically aimed at supporting international students who wish to pursue their studies in the United States. These scholarships are designed to reward academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement, helping to make education more affordable for talented students worldwide.
Merit-Based Scholarships: UB provides competitive merit scholarships to outstanding international undergraduate and graduate students. Awards such as the International Student Academic Excellence Scholarship recognize high-achieving students based on their academic records, standardized test scores, and extracurricular involvement.
Graduate Fellowships and Assistantships: Graduate international students can apply for teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and fellowships which offer tuition remission and stipends. These opportunities allow students to gain valuable teaching and research experience while offsetting the cost of their education.
Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments at UB offer scholarships tailored to students in specific programs or fields of study. These awards may consider academic merit, research interests, or financial need.
External Scholarships: UB encourages international students to explore external scholarship options from private organizations, governments, and international foundations that support study in the U.S. The university’s International Student Services office provides guidance on identifying and applying for such funding sources.
A Master of Arts (M.A.) in English from the State University of New York at Buffalo (UB) provides graduates with a sophisticated and versatile skillset highly valued across numerous professional fields. Rooted in a department celebrated for its intellectual leadership and the renowned Poetry Collection, this program offers advanced literary and critical training. Graduates emerge with highly developed critical thinking, analytical reasoning, research, and persuasive communication skills, making them adaptable to a wide array of roles. While often seen as a traditional academic path, an M.A. in English from UB opens doors to diverse career opportunities in the contemporary job market.
Content Strategist/Manager: In the digital age, businesses and organizations constantly need engaging and effective content. Graduates can develop and oversee content strategies for websites, blogs, social media, and marketing campaigns, leveraging their understanding of narrative, audience, and persuasive writing.
Editor/Copy Editor/Proofreader: With a mastery of language, grammar, and style, graduates are exceptionally well-suited for roles in publishing houses, newspapers, magazines, and digital media companies. They ensure clarity, accuracy, and consistency in written materials.
Technical Writer/UX Writer: Industries like technology, healthcare, and engineering require clear and concise documentation. Graduates can translate complex technical information into user-friendly manuals, guides, and online help content, or design the language for user interfaces (UX writing).
Communications Specialist/Manager: Strong communication skills are vital for any organization. Graduates can manage internal and external communications, draft press releases, develop corporate messaging, and handle public relations for businesses, non-profits, or government agencies.
Journalist/Writer: Whether in traditional media or digital platforms, graduates can pursue careers as journalists, reporters, feature writers, or freelance writers. Their research, analytical, and storytelling abilities are essential for investigating topics, crafting compelling narratives, and informing the public.
Grant Writer: Non-profit organizations, educational institutions, and research bodies rely on successful grant applications for funding. Graduates' ability to articulate compelling arguments, conduct thorough research, and write persuasively makes them ideal for securing crucial financial support.
Educator (Secondary or Post-Secondary): While often requiring additional certifications for K-12 public schools, an M.A. in English is a strong foundation for teaching English language arts at the secondary level, or for adjunct/lecturer positions at colleges and universities, particularly in composition and introductory literature courses.
Digital Marketing Specialist: The analytical and communication skills developed in an M.A. English program are highly transferable to digital marketing. Graduates can specialize in SEO content writing, social media management, email marketing, and crafting compelling ad copy to drive online engagement.
Librarian/Archivist (with additional credentials): For those interested in information management and preservation, an M.A. in English provides a strong literary and research background. With further coursework (e.g., an M.L.I.S.), graduates can work as librarians or archivists, organizing and preserving collections, and assisting researchers.
Literary Agent: Individuals passionate about literature and with a keen eye for talent can become literary agents, representing authors to publishers, negotiating contracts, and guiding writers through the publishing process. This role demands excellent communication, negotiation, and analytical skills.
