M.A. in English
The Master of Arts (M.A.) in English at UNCW is a flexible and student-centered program...
M.A. in English
Wilmington, North Carolina
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The Master of Arts (M.A.) in English at UNCW is a flexible and student-centered program designed to cater to diverse career objectives and intellectual interests. With an enrollment of over 30 students, the program encourages close consultation with advisors to tailor individual course schedules. Students can opt for either a thesis or non-thesis track. The thesis option requires 30 semester hours of coursework plus 6 hours of thesis work, culminating in a thesis defense. The non-thesis option entails 37 hours of graduate coursework, including a required portfolio course. All degree requirements must be completed within five calendar years.
Curriculum: The M.A. in English curriculum provides a robust foundation in literary studies and related fields. All students are mandated to take English 501: Introduction to Research Methods in English. Additionally, students must choose between English 502: Introduction to Literary Theory or English 552: Rhetoric and Culture. Beyond these core requirements, the curriculum offers a broad spectrum of courses in areas such as literature, linguistics, rhetoric and composition, literary theory, cultural studies, and professional writing. Students have the flexibility to substitute one course (3 hours) from outside the English department with prior approval, fostering interdisciplinary engagement. The program also supports secondary school teachers aiming for graduate-level teacher certification (M.Ed.) or a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) through coordination with the Watson College of Education.
Research Focus: UNCW's "high research activity" designation extends to the humanities, with faculty and students actively engaged in scholarly pursuits. While coastal and marine sciences are prominent research areas at UNCW, the Department of English fosters research across various literary and linguistic disciplines. The emphasis on English 501 (Research Methods) and the thesis option underscore the program's commitment to developing strong research skills. Students are encouraged to engage in faculty-directed research and contribute to the broader intellectual landscape.
Industry Engagement: While the M.A. in English program directly prepares students for academic and writing-intensive careers, UNCW as a whole maintains various partnerships that foster practical experience and professional development. The university's Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, for example, provides a network and resources for individuals launching new ventures. Although not specific to the English department, UNCW's overall commitment to applied learning through internships, service learning, and capstone projects across its colleges ensures that students develop transferable skills relevant to diverse industries. Graduates of the M.A. in English program often find roles as editors, journalists, technical writers, and in various communication-related fields.
Global Perspective: UNCW actively cultivates a global perspective within its academic environment. The university offers over 1,000 education abroad programs in more than 50 countries, facilitating international experiences for students. The Office of International Students & Scholars plays a crucial role in recruiting, supporting, and engaging the international student and scholar community. The M.A. in English, while delivered in the U.S., benefits from the university's broader internationalization efforts, fostering a diverse learning environment and encouraging students to consider global contexts in their studies of literature and language.
Location
Wilmington, North Carolina
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 24198
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 79 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 110.
The University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) offers a variety of scholarship opportunities designed to support and attract talented international students. These scholarships aim to make education more affordable while recognizing academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement.
Merit-Based Scholarships: UNCW provides merit scholarships for international students based on academic achievements, standardized test scores, and other criteria. These awards can significantly reduce tuition costs and are often renewable for multiple years based on maintaining good academic standing.
International Student Scholarships: Specific scholarships are available exclusively for international students, such as the International Student Scholarship which rewards outstanding academic performance and leadership qualities. Eligibility and award amounts vary each year, encouraging prospective students to apply early.
Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments at UNCW offer scholarships targeted to students within their programs, including international students. These scholarships recognize excellence in fields such as business, marine science, and the arts, and often require separate applications or nominations.
External Scholarships and Financial Aid: UNCW encourages international students to explore additional funding options through external organizations, governments, and private foundations. The university’s financial aid office provides guidance on locating and applying for these scholarships.
A Master of Arts (M.A.) in English from the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) provides graduates with a highly versatile skill set, making them strong candidates for a wide array of career paths. The program emphasizes critical thinking, advanced research, compelling writing, and sophisticated communication, all of which are highly valued in today's dynamic job market. Beyond traditional academic roles, an English M.A. opens doors to professions requiring exceptional linguistic proficiency, analytical prowess, and the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and persuasively.
Technical Writer: Specializing in translating complex information into user-friendly documents, technical writers create instruction manuals, how-to guides, journal articles, and other supporting documents for various industries, including technology, healthcare, and finance. The UNCW English M.A. program offers coursework and even a concentration in science and medical writing to prepare students for these roles.
Editor/Content Editor: Graduates can work as editors in publishing houses, media organizations, or corporate settings. They review and revise written materials for clarity, coherence, accuracy, and adherence to style guides, ensuring high-quality content for books, magazines, websites, and more.
Journalist: With strong research, interviewing, and writing skills honed in the M.A. program, graduates can pursue careers as journalists for newspapers, magazines, online news platforms, or broadcast media, reporting on a wide range of topics.
Content Strategist/Writer: In the digital age, demand for skilled content creators is high. English M.A. graduates are well-suited to roles as content strategists or writers, developing engaging and informative content for websites, blogs, social media, and marketing campaigns to enhance brand visibility and audience engagement.
Public Relations Specialist/Communications Manager: These professionals manage an organization's public image and internal communications. They are responsible for crafting press releases, developing media campaigns, advising executives on public appearances, and ensuring consistent messaging across all platforms.
Copywriter: Working in advertising, marketing, or corporate communications, copywriters create persuasive and impactful content for advertisements, slogans, promotional materials, and website copy, with the goal of selling products, services, or ideas.
Community College Instructor/Lecturer: For those passionate about teaching, an M.A. in English can lead to positions as instructors or lecturers at community colleges, teaching English composition, literature, and rhetoric courses. Some graduates also leverage the degree as a stepping stone towards a Ph.D. for university professorships.
Grant Writer: Often working for non-profit organizations or charitable institutions, grant writers research funding opportunities and compose compelling proposals to secure financial support for various projects and initiatives.
User Experience (UX) Writer: This emerging field focuses on creating clear, concise, and user-friendly content for digital interfaces such as websites, apps, and software. UX writers ensure that the language within a product guides users effectively and enhances their overall experience.
Literary Agent/Publisher's Assistant: For those interested in the publishing industry, an English M.A. provides the literary knowledge and analytical skills needed to evaluate manuscripts, identify promising authors, and assist in the publication process. Literary agents act as liaisons between authors and publishing houses.
