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M.A. in English Literature

In addition to coursework in literature, genre studies, author studies, culture, and literary thematics, students in the M.A. program experience unique opportunities to work together in a collaborative cohort throughout the graduate program to explore and implement a variety of research methodologies, as well as discover and design practical applications for their degree in professional fields after graduation.

Apply to the M.A. Program

To apply for the M.A in English Literature, visit the Boise State University Graduate Admissions page

For more detailed information on application requirements, see detailed instructions for applying to the M.A. program.

Program Learning Outcomes

  • Demonstrate familiarity with texts from diverse literary traditions.
  • Demonstrate advanced writing, research, and analytical skills.
  • Apply advanced critical approaches and methodologies to literary analysis.
  • Engage in a sustained culminating scholarly project and communicate it effectively to a larger audience

Program Options:

Boise State University is proud to offer two different options to students interested in earning a Master of Arts in English Literature.

Option 1: “4+1” Accelerated Program

In this program, students can enroll in up to 9 credits, typically up to three three-credit classes, of 500-level courses during the last two semesters of their undergraduate career. These 500-level courses can be used to satisfy the degree requirements for both a bachelor’s and master’s degree. The remaining requirements for the master’s degree are satisfied by the student in the semesters subsequent to the award of the bachelor’s degree. All requirements for both the bachelor’s and master’s degrees must be met. 

IMPORTANT NOTES: 

  • Meeting the listed eligibility standards does not guarantee acceptance into the accelerated master’s program. Acceptance is based upon an evaluation and recommendation provided by the Master of Arts in English Literature Program to the Dean of the Graduate College who will make the final admission decision. The recommendation and decision will be based on the strength of the application materials, alignment of a student’s academic goals with program outcomes, and preparation for success in the program.

Any student who is denied admission to the accelerated master’s program will be considered for admission to the master’s program on a non-accelerated basis.

  • Students must have permission from the instructor before taking a class for graduate credit and may not repeat a course for dual credit.  

There is an additional fee for enrolling in courses for graduate credit.  Please consult Boise State’s Student Financial Services pages for more details. 

Option 2: Traditional 2-Year Program

In this track, students with a BA in English literature (or a related field) who are accepted to the M.A. program will follow a traditional 2-year course of study for the degree of Master of Arts in English Literature.  Undergraduate credits will not count toward graduate requirements.

Core Courses for the M.A. in English Literature

  • ENGLIT 500: Symposium on Research and Methods 
  • ENGLIT 510: Studies in an Author  
  • ENGLIT 520: Studies in a Genre 
  • ENGLIT 530: Studies in a Literary Period 
  • ENGLIT 540: Studies in Literary Themes 
  • ENGLIT 550: Studies in Literature and Culture
  • ENGLIT 591: Project
  • ENGLIT 592: Portfolio 
  • ENGLIT 590: Practicum/Internship 

English Literature Graduate Program Questions?  Contact us!

ENGLIT_Grad_Program@boisestate.edu (or)
Dr. Kim Carter-Cram, Graduate Director
KimberlyCarter-Cram@boisestate.edu
208.426.4808