MA-ONLY REQUIREMENTS

NOTE: The English Department has a three-year statute of limitations (SOL) from the date of admission for the MA-Only degree’s completion; this takes precedence over the university’s typical four-year SOL for a master’s degree. (See “Statute of Limitations” section later in this handbook for more details.)

For the terminal MA degree, either ten graduate courses (30 credits) or eight graduate courses (24 credits) plus an MA thesis (6 credits) are required.  

1. Coursework

• Like other graduate students in the program, MA-Only students usually take two (and sometimes three) courses per semester, although there may be some flexibility about this for students not subject to visa restrictions.
• At least half of the total required credits must be taken on a letter-graded basis.
• Students may transfer credit for two graduate-level English courses taken at other institutions if not counted toward a completed degree, or they may receive credit for two graduate English courses taken at UMass before their formal admission to our graduate English program. Credits transferred from another institution cannot be used to satisfy the university’s requirement for graded credits nor for the 600-800 course-level requirement.
• Once enrolled in the program, students may take two graduate courses in departments other than English and count these toward the MA.

MA-Only in Literature: While no specific course distributions are required, students taking this degree with an eye toward later doctoral studies in English literature would be well advised to choose courses in consultation with the GPD or a faculty advisor that are likely to fulfill theory and period requirements.

MA-Only in Composition and Rhetoric: While no specific course distributions are required, students taking this degree with an eye to later doctoral studies in Composition and Rhetoric would be well advised to discuss their course selections with a faculty advisor in that field. For more details on Composition and Rhetoric offerings, see the Composition and Rhetoric requirements webpage.

MA-Only in American Studies:

• American Studies Seminar: “Research Methods in American Cultures” (792A) surveys the major methods, topics, and debates in the field.
• 2 courses in American literature
• 1 course in American history
• 1 course in comparative cultures or cultural theory (from any UMass department)
• 5 courses selected in consultation with an American Studies advisor

NOTE: To ensure coherence in individualized programs, each student must work with an American Studies advisor in selecting courses. For more details, see the American Studies requirements page.

2. Thesis (optional)

Students intending to write a master’s thesis should identify a faculty member willing to advise that thesis and should meet with the GPD ahead of time. The thesis is commonly a two-semester project, although it may be possible to complete it in one semester if you have no other significant academic obligations. See Appendix B: Master’s Thesis Checklist for more information.

3. Master’s Degree Eligibility Form

Upon fulfilling all program requirements, complete sections A-C of the appropriate form below (see instructions at end of form), then submit it to the English Graduate Program Assistant, who will gather the GPD’s and Department Chair’s signatures and then file the form with the Graduate School.

• For non-thesis MA
• For thesis MA

Make sure that you meet the current relevant deadline for submitting your degree eligibility form to the department (i.e., the English Graduate Office), as found on the Graduate School’s “Checklist for Master’s Degrees” and “Academic Calendar” webpages. Upcoming deadlines:

• For a February 2025 degree:  January 3, 2025
• For a May 2025 degree:  March 18, 2025
• For a September 2025 degree:  Mid-August 2025 (will eventually be posted on “Checklist” and “Academic Calendar” webpages)