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English, M.A.

The Master of Arts in English is for those who want to engage deeply with literature, language and critical theory, furthering their engagement with the rich tradition of literary studies while developing publishable literary scholarship, creative writing, professional writing or approaches to applied humanities.

About Our Program

Our intimate program offers seminars in various periods and disciplines, all led by expert faculty. Our customizable thesis options include tracks in literary criticism, creative writing, professional writing or applied humanities. We offer additional opportunities for pedagogical training and hands-on teaching experience.

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Graduate Instructor Fellowships

We regularly offer several fellowships for English M.A. students who are interested in working as graduate instructors in UM’s innovative English 100 program. English M.A. students can begin working as Graduate Instructors starting in their first semester. Fellowships include a stipend of $1500 per semester. Applications are available starting May 1 on the UM employment website.

Funding and Teaching Opportunities

We offer competitive scholarships and assistantships to help fund your degree and further your career. Graduate assistantships in teaching and tutoring provide opportunities for paid pedagogical experiences. Benefits include stipends, tuition waivers and hands-on mentorship as you assist with
undergraduate English classes or serve as an instructor-of-record.

Admissions Requirements

• Online application at montevallo.edu/apply

• Bachelor’s degree (minimum 2.5 GPA) from a regionally accredited college/university

• Cover letter of one to two pages outlining the applicant’s reasons for pursuing the M.A. in English

• Writing sample of 10-25 pages of the applicant’s best scholarly work*

• Two professional letters of reference from current or past professors (or others familiar with the applicant’s scholarly potential)

*Students interested in creative writing may choose to submit an additional creative writing sample of no more than 15 pages with their application.

WHAT CAN I DO WITH THIS DEGREE?

Upon completion, graduates are prepared for humanities-related professional fields, college-level teaching or further graduate work in elite Ph.D. or MFA programs. Our graduates have secured jobs with nonprofit and government organizations, leading publishing companies and marketing firms and respected high schools and universities.

Our Graduates

“This program was foundational for the work I have gone on to do in my career as a writer”

Levi Pulford, M.A. '21

“The M.A. experience is such a gift—you take only English classes. How enjoyable!”

Amy Cates, M.A. '12

Students who wish to enroll in the joint M.A./M.Ed. should fill out separate applications to the English department for the M.A. and the school of education for the alternative master’s in secondary education.

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OFFICE OF GRADUATE STUDIES

Dr. Jennifer Alexiou-Ray, Executive Director
Ramsay Hall 135
(205) 665-6380
grad@Montevallo.edu