M.S. in Criminal Justice
The M.S. in Criminal Justice at UTC is structured to provide students with advanced kno...
M.A. in English: Literary Studies
Chattanooga, Tennessee
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.A. in English: Literary Studies at UTC emphasizes the development of advanced research and academic writing skills, fostering a sophisticated understanding of literary history, theory, and criticism. Students in this program will engage with diverse literary texts, hone their abilities to analyze complex ideas, and articulate nuanced interpretations. The program typically offers a choice between a thesis or a comprehensive examination, with the thesis option providing an opportunity for in-depth, independent scholarly research under faculty guidance. Graduates are prepared for further academic pursuits or for roles requiring strong critical thinking, research, and communication skills.
Curriculum: The curriculum provides a rigorous exploration of literature across various historical periods, genres, and cultural contexts. Core coursework often includes literary theory and criticism, introducing students to different interpretive frameworks and critical approaches. Students will typically take courses focusing on specific periods of British and American literature, such as medieval, Renaissance, 18th-century, Romantic, Victorian, Modernist, and contemporary literatures. Additionally, the curriculum often includes specialized topics like women's literature, gender and sexuality studies, children's and young adult literature, and African American literature, allowing students to pursue their specific interests within the broader field. The program aims to develop students' capacity for close reading, textual analysis, and the construction of well-supported arguments.
Research Focus: A central pillar of the Literary Studies concentration is its robust research focus. Students are expected to engage in significant independent research, particularly if they choose the thesis option. This involves identifying research questions, conducting comprehensive literature reviews, developing sophisticated critical arguments, and producing original scholarly work. Faculty expertise at UTC spans American and British literature, literary theory and criticism, women, gender, and sexuality studies, and children's and young adult literature, providing diverse areas for students to pursue their research interests. The program encourages students to present their research at regional and national conferences and to consider publishing in peer-reviewed journals.
Industry Engagement: While primarily an academic program, the M.A. in English: Literary Studies at UTC equips graduates with highly transferable skills valued across various industries. The program's emphasis on critical thinking, complex problem-solving, persuasive argumentation, and sophisticated written communication is directly applicable to professional environments. Although direct "industry engagement" in the traditional sense might be less explicit than in a professional writing program, students are encouraged to engage with professional organizations and participate in academic conferences, which are crucial for networking within the broader academic and research communities. Alumni often leverage their advanced analytical skills in fields like education, publishing, law, and communications.
Global Perspective: The Literary Studies curriculum naturally incorporates a global perspective by examining literature from diverse national, cultural, and linguistic backgrounds. Courses often include Anglophone world literature, postcolonial literature, and works that explore cross-cultural themes and interactions. By engaging with texts that originate beyond traditional British and American canons, students develop a broader understanding of literary traditions and the ways in which literature reflects and shapes global societies. This exposure to diverse voices and perspectives fosters an enriched critical lens, preparing graduates to navigate an increasingly interconnected world.
Location
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 26852
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $40
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 100.
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) offers a variety of scholarship opportunities specifically designed to support international students pursuing their education in the United States. These scholarships aim to recognize academic excellence, leadership qualities, and contributions to the campus community, helping to make higher education more affordable and accessible for students from around the world.
Merit-Based Scholarships: UTC provides merit-based scholarships that international students can apply for, typically based on their academic achievements, standardized test scores, and overall potential. These scholarships often cover partial to full tuition and are renewable based on maintaining satisfactory academic performance.
International Student Scholarships: Special scholarships are available exclusively for international students, helping offset tuition fees and living expenses. These awards may vary annually and are competitive, encouraging students to demonstrate strong academic records and involvement in extracurricular activities.
Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments at UTC offer scholarships targeted at students within specific fields of study. International students enrolled in areas such as Business, Engineering, Health Sciences, or Arts and Sciences can explore scholarship options through their respective colleges or departments.
Graduates of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga's (UTC) M.A. in English with a Literary Studies concentration develop a sophisticated skill set highly valued in diverse professional fields. Their mastery of critical analysis, research, argumentation, and precise communication opens doors to careers that demand intellectual rigor and exceptional verbal and written abilities.
University Professor/Lecturer: The M.A. in Literary Studies is a foundational step for those aspiring to teach English literature at the university level. While a Ph.D. is often required for tenure-track positions, an M.A. can qualify graduates for adjunct or lecturer roles, especially in composition and introductory literature courses.
Academic Researcher: Graduates can pursue careers in research, working for academic institutions, think tanks, or specialized literary organizations. This involves deep dives into literary texts, historical contexts, and critical theories to produce scholarly articles, books, or reports.
Editor (Academic, Book Publishing, Journal): The meticulous textual analysis and critical eye developed in literary studies are invaluable for editorial roles. Graduates can work as copy editors, developmental editors, or acquisitions editors for academic presses, literary journals, or trade book publishers, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and literary merit.
Archivist/Librarian: With their expertise in organizing, analyzing, and preserving textual information, graduates are well-suited for roles in archives or libraries. This includes curating collections, assisting researchers, and managing literary resources.
Content Strategist/Manager: In the digital age, businesses and organizations across sectors require individuals who can develop and manage compelling written content. Graduates can apply their understanding of narrative, audience, and persuasive communication to create effective content strategies for websites, marketing campaigns, and digital platforms.
Technical Writer: The ability to distill complex information into clear, concise, and user-friendly language is a hallmark of literary studies graduates. This makes them excellent candidates for technical writing roles, creating manuals, guides, reports, and documentation for technology, healthcare, and other industries.
Grant Writer: Non-profit organizations and educational institutions constantly seek skilled grant writers to secure funding. Graduates' strong research, analytical, and persuasive writing abilities are crucial for crafting compelling proposals that articulate needs and project goals effectively.
Communications Specialist/Public Relations Professional: Literary studies cultivate an acute awareness of audience and messaging. Graduates can leverage these skills in corporate communications, public relations, or media relations, crafting press releases, internal communications, and public statements to manage an organization's image and messaging.
Journalist/Feature Writer: While not a direct path, the research, interviewing, and narrative structuring skills honed in literary studies are highly transferable to journalism. Graduates can work as feature writers, critics, or cultural commentators, contributing to newspapers, magazines, or online publications.
Curriculum Developer/Educational Consultant: For those passionate about shaping educational experiences, an M.A. in Literary Studies can lead to roles in curriculum development for K-12 schools, higher education institutions, or educational publishers. They can design courses, select texts, and create learning materials that align with educational goals.
