Overview of Program Curriculum

Informational Item

The University of St. Thomas is registered as a private institution with the Minnesota Office of Higher Education pursuant to sections 136A.61 to 136A.71. Registration is not an endorsement of the institution. Credits earned at the institution may not transfer to all other institutions.

The Master of Arts in English program consists of ten three-credit courses, five of which are required and another five that are considered elective.

Two required courses:

• GENG 513: Issues in Criticism (3 credits)
• GENG 699: Master's Essay (3 credits)

Three area distribution requirements:

• One course in pre-1800 British literature (3 credits)
• One course in pre-1900 American literature (3 credits)
• One course in multicultural literature (3 credits)

Course level requirements:

• Two 600-level seminar courses (3 credits each); GENG 698 Independent Study and GENG 699 Master's Essay do not count towards this requirement

GENG 513 Issues in Criticism should be taken as early as possible, since students must complete this course as one of their first three courses in the program. Special permission of the Graduate Program Director to take any additional courses beyond that three-course limit without GENG 513 is required.

It is also strongly recommended that students take the three area distribution requirements early in the program, to allow for more flexibility later on.  If a student has had a particular instructor and would like to work on something specific in that instructor's area of expertise, it might be worth exploring the independent study option. A maximum of two courses--either through the graduate Art History or Catholic Studies departments--not offered directly through the Master of Arts in English program may also be counted toward the degree, with the approval of the Graduate Program Director.

All graduate English classes are offered once a week (Monday through Thursday) from 6-9pm, with an occasional class offered twice a week in the late afternoon. The program does not offer any online courses.

Master's Essay (GENG 699, 3 credits)

The capstone of the Master of Arts in English degree is the master's essay course. Rather than a thesis or dissertation, the essay provides an opportunity for lengthy reflection about selected works or authors. The purpose is to give students a final opportunity to develop an area of expertise while they refine their writing, revising, and editing skills. The essay, presented to a review committee of a faculty advisor and two additional faculty readers, should demonstrate a high level of cogency and stylistic grace.  Additional information about the master's essay can be found on the Master's Essay sub-page found under the For Current Students link. It is strongly recommended that students complete all of their coursework before registering for the master's essay.