M.A. in English

Program Overview

The Master of Arts (M.A.) in English at Mississippi College is a 30-hour graduate program designed for students seeking to enhance their professional credentials, prepare for further doctoral study, or advance their careers in fields such as secondary or community college teaching, editing, publishing, or non-profit administration. The program offers flexibility, allowing students to complete it fully online or through a blend of face-to-face and online courses, at an accelerated or slower pace. A unique feature is the option to earn a TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) certificate as part of the degree, making it particularly attractive for those interested in language instruction both domestically and internationally. No thesis is required for this program.

Curriculum: The M.A. in English curriculum at Mississippi College provides a strong foundation in English studies with significant elective opportunities. The program requires 30 graduate credit hours, including a foundational course, ENG 6569: Introduction to Graduate Writing and Research. Students must complete at least 15 hours of English graduate courses, chosen in consultation with their advisor. The remaining 12 hours can be fulfilled through one of two groups: Group 1 (TESOL Certificate courses), which includes MLG 5450 (The Multicultural Classroom), MLG 5451 (Second Language Acquisition), MLG 5452 (Applied Linguistics), and MLG 5453 (Methods and Field Studies); or Group 2 (Electives) from English, Modern Language/TESOL, Communication, and Education, with up to six hours from Communication and/or Education. This structure allows students to tailor their studies to their specific career goals. The program culminates in a written cumulative examination based on graduate coursework.

Research Focus: The M.A. in English program at Mississippi College emphasizes the development of advanced critical thinking, analytical skills, and research proficiency within the broader field of English studies. The foundational course, ENG 6569: Introduction to Graduate Writing and Research, is central to this focus, equipping students with the methodologies necessary for advanced literary and linguistic inquiry. While a traditional thesis is not required, students are encouraged to pursue their research interests with faculty guidance and access to resources like libraries and writing centers. The curriculum fosters an in-depth understanding of literary analysis, linguistics, and rhetoric, preparing graduates to critically analyze texts, conduct comprehensive literary research, and produce original scholarly work, whether for academic advancement or professional application.

Industry Engagement: Mississippi College's M.A. in English program is designed with practical career pathways in mind, demonstrating engagement with various industries where advanced English skills are valued. Graduates are specifically prepared for careers in secondary and community college teaching, editing and publishing, and non-profit administration. The Department of English and Philosophy highlights practical opportunities such as internships with local businesses, non-profits, and publishers (e.g., Ergon, Mississippi Magazine, Quail Hollow Press). On-campus, students can gain experience as social media managers, join the staff of student-produced literary arts magazines, or serve as tutors in the college writing center. These opportunities allow students to "make words work" in diverse professional settings, applying their strong communication, analytical, and writing skills to real-world challenges.

Global Perspective: Mississippi College is committed to fostering a global perspective, and the M.A. in English program contributes significantly to this by exploring diverse literary traditions and, notably, through its TESOL certificate option. The study of English literature inherently involves engagement with texts from various cultures and historical periods, broadening students' understanding of global human experiences and perspectives. The TESOL specialization (MLG 5450: The Multicultural Classroom, MLG 5451: Second Language Acquisition, MLG 5452: Applied Linguistics, MLG 5453: Methods and Field Studies) directly equips graduates to work with non-native English speakers, fostering cross-cultural communication and understanding. Furthermore, Mississippi College's diverse international student community and the Office of Global Education provide an inclusive environment that naturally promotes cultural enrichment and a global outlook, preparing English M.A. graduates for careers in an interconnected world.