General Information
Master of Arts Handbook
This online handbook covers everything from degree requirements to the capstone projects.
Blackboard MA Organization Page
Log-in to your Blackboard account to access the Blackboard MA in English Literature
page for additional resources, including comprehensive exam prep, PhD programs and
conference information, and career guides.
Course Descriptions
View course descriptions for the current semester (updated in April and November to
reflect new semester offerings).
Graduate School Deadlines
All graduating students must meet the Graduate School deadlines, including the application
for degree. Thesis students in particular should pay attention to all deadlines for
scheduling their oral defense.
Degree Requirements
Degree Plan Checklists (for students enrolled prior to the Fall 2019 catalog year)
Download a detailed checklist for your degree; applicable to students enrolled prior
to the Fall 2019 catalog year.
Degree Requirements (for students enrolled from the Fall 2019 catalog year on)
Download a detailed checklist for your degree; applicable to students enrolled from
the Fall 2019 catalog year on.
Information for Thesis Students
Syllabus Template for 890 (Master's Thesis)
Use this template in preparing a syllabus for thesis hours.
Thesis Timeline
Use this timeline to map out the steps to a timely completion of the thesis. The timeline
begins the semester prior to the semester in which you first enroll in thesis hours.
Writing a Research Prospectus (Engl 890)
Use this guide as a tool in preparing formal proposals for research projects; it is
applicable to the Master's Thesis (Engl 890).
Information for Portfolio Students
Portfolio Checklist
“Portfolio Checklist” is due prior to enrollment in Portfolio hours. This checklist
is a contractual agreement between student and the program regarding the final portfolio’s
structure; the checklist also identifies which graduate English faculty will assess
the portfolio’s contents. The student must confirm with the designated faculty mentors
their willingness to assess the portfolio.
Syllabus Template for 895 (Master's Portfolio)
Use this template in preparing a syllabus for Portfolio hours.
Sample Individualized Projects
This document includes a non-exhuastive list of potential individualized projects
to be included in the Portfolio. Students should build these projects based on work
they have completed in their coursework.
Portfolio Assessment Rubric
Faculty use this rubric to collect assessment data for administrative purposes. It
can be used by Portfolio students as a loose guideline for areas faculty readers may
emphasize in their graded assement of their work.
Other Documents
Directed Reading Prospectus
Find out more about incorporating Directed Reading (Engl 850) into your plan of study.
Syllabus Template with Signature Cover Sheet for 850 (Directed Reading)
Use this template in preparing a syllabus for directed readings. It includes the required
signature cover sheet as well.