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M.A. in English
Vermillion, South Dakota
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.A. in English at USD is a flexible program, typically completed in 18 to 24 months, with options for both thesis and non-thesis tracks. It provides two main emphases: "Studies in Literature" and "Studies in Writing and Rhetoric." The program is distinguished by its small, seminar-style classes, allowing for intensive one-on-one mentorship with faculty. It accommodates both full-time and part-time students, with some courses available online to provide flexibility for working professionals. The program aims to develop students' analytical skills, knowledge of literary history and theory, and advanced writing capabilities.
Curriculum: The curriculum is designed to provide a rigorous introduction to a wide range of literary periods, historical and aesthetic contexts, and critical theories and methodologies. Core courses typically include "Introduction to Graduate Studies" and "History of Literary Criticism." Students then select electives based on their chosen emphasis. The "Studies in Literature" emphasis delves into British and U.S. literatures, from early modern drama to contemporary American poetics, alongside diverse special topics. The "Studies in Writing and Rhetoric" emphasis might include coursework in composition theory, rhetoric, and creative writing workshops across multiple genres (fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction). For students pursuing initial teacher licensure, coursework in the teaching of composition is also a key component.
Research Focus: The M.A. in English at USD strongly emphasizes critical literary scholarship and creative writing. Students are encouraged to actively pursue their own research, engaging with complex texts and developing sophisticated arguments. Faculty members are engaged researchers, poets, and novelists who provide intensive mentorship to students on their writing and scholarly projects. Students have opportunities to present their work at local and national conferences, such as USD's annual IdeaFest and the biannual John R. Milton Writers' Conference. The department also sponsors literary periodicals like the South Dakota Review, providing avenues for students to gain professional experience in publishing and editorial work.
Industry Engagement: The USD M.A. in English program is structured to provide graduates with highly sought-after professional development skills. These skills include advanced writing, critical thinking, research, problem-solving, project management, and leadership, which are valuable across numerous industries. The program explicitly prepares students for professional opportunities in teaching (especially college-level composition), editing, and writing. Professionalization workshops guide students in navigating the job market, publishing, and conference presentations. Graduate teaching assistantships are often available, providing practical teaching experience and financial support. Involvement with departmental publications like the South Dakota Review and the Vermillion Literary Project also offers hands-on experience in the publishing and literary fields.
Global Perspective: The M.A. in English at USD fosters a global perspective through its engagement with diverse literatures, critical theories, and historical contexts. By studying texts from various cultures and periods, students develop a broader understanding of human experience, cultural complexities, and the global interconnectedness of literary traditions. The program encourages students to cultivate empathy and critical awareness of the world through the exploration of narrative and other literary forms. While the program is rooted in the English language, the intellectual tools and analytical frameworks gained are universally applicable, preparing graduates to engage with diverse perspectives in their future careers and contribute to a globalized intellectual landscape.
Location
Vermillion, South Dakota
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 12800
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $38
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.
- PTE: Overall score of 53 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 110.
The University of South Dakota (USD) offers a variety of scholarship opportunities specifically designed to support international students in achieving their academic goals. These scholarships help reduce the financial burden of studying abroad and make quality education at USD more accessible to talented students from around the world.
Merit-Based Scholarships: USD awards merit-based scholarships to international students based on their academic achievements, leadership potential, and extracurricular involvement. These scholarships recognize outstanding high school or previous college performance and are renewable for multiple years, provided students maintain satisfactory academic progress.
International Student Academic Scholarships: These scholarships are specifically tailored for international undergraduate students and can cover a significant portion of tuition fees. Eligibility is typically based on a combination of academic excellence and the completion of the admission process by specified deadlines. Many of these scholarships are automatically considered upon application, so no separate application is required.
Graduate Assistantships and Fellowships: For international graduate students, USD provides graduate assistantships and fellowships that offer financial support alongside valuable professional experience. These opportunities often include tuition waivers and a stipend in exchange for research, teaching, or administrative work within the university.
Departmental Scholarships: Certain USD academic departments and colleges offer specialized scholarships for international students pursuing specific fields of study, such as business, health sciences, or fine arts. These scholarships often reward exceptional talent and dedication within those disciplines.
A Master of Arts (M.A.) in English from the University of South Dakota (USD) offers graduates a sophisticated skillset in critical thinking, analytical reasoning, advanced writing, and effective communication. This degree goes beyond a passion for literature, cultivating versatile professionals who can excel in various industries demanding strong linguistic and interpretive abilities. The skills honed in an M.A. in English program are highly transferable and valuable in a rapidly evolving job market.
College Instructor / Professor (Community College or University): A common and direct career path for M.A. English graduates. They can teach English composition, literature, or rhetoric courses at community colleges, or serve as lecturers/adjunct faculty at four-year universities. For a tenure-track professorship, a Ph.D. is typically required, but the M.A. is an excellent stepping stone.
Editor / Copy Editor: Graduates possess highly refined language and grammar skills, making them ideal for roles in publishing houses, media companies, academic institutions, or corporations. They review and revise content for clarity, accuracy, style, and consistency across various mediums, from books and journals to websites and marketing materials.
Content Writer / Strategist: In the digital age, businesses and organizations across all sectors need compelling content. English M.A. graduates can create engaging written content for websites, blogs, social media, marketing campaigns, and internal communications, often also developing content strategies to meet specific business objectives.
Technical Writer: These professionals translate complex technical information into clear, concise, and user-friendly documentation, such as manuals, guides, online help, and reports. They are in high demand in technology, manufacturing, healthcare, and engineering industries.
Public Relations (PR) Specialist / Communications Manager: With strong persuasive writing and communication skills, graduates can manage an organization's public image and internal/external communications. They write press releases, speeches, company newsletters, and manage media relations for corporations, non-profits, or government entities.
Grant Writer: Highly valuable in the non-profit sector, grant writers research funding opportunities and craft persuasive proposals to secure grants from foundations, corporations, and government agencies, supporting various charitable and community-focused initiatives.
UX (User Experience) Writer: This emerging field focuses on creating clear, intuitive, and helpful text for digital interfaces (websites, apps). UX writers ensure that the language within a product guides users effectively and enhances their overall experience.
Journalist / Reporter (Print, Digital, Broadcast): While often requiring additional media-specific training, the research, interviewing, analytical, and narrative skills developed in an M.A. in English are excellent foundations for a career in journalism, covering news, features, or investigative reporting.
Curriculum Developer: Graduates with an interest in education can apply their understanding of pedagogy and content to design and develop educational curricula and instructional materials for K-12 schools, higher education institutions, or corporate training programs.
Librarian / Archivist (with further specialization): While an M.L.I.S. (Master of Library and Information Science) is generally required, an M.A. in English provides a strong academic background for those interested in organizing, preserving, and managing information resources in libraries, archives, or museums, and assisting users with research.
