About Master’s Program,
The mission of the Master of Arts program in the department of English is to foster the growth of scholars, teachers, and writers at the early stage of their professional lives. It is also our mission to use literary study to broaden the horizons of students whose work lies beyond the traditional occupations of the English graduate. For these reasons, ours is a rigorous and broad curriculum that endeavors to create for each student the best possible circumstances for intellectual maturation and creativity. We expect all of our graduates to read and think with disciplined insight, to be grounded in literary history, to explore both traditional and non-traditional canons, and to be adept at analyzing new works and understanding various critical perspectives.
Master’s Program Degree Eligibility with GPA,
A minimum overall GPA of 3.0. (A minimum GPA of 3.5 in English courses is recommended.)
At least 15 credit hours in upper-division English courses showing some breadth of study are recommended. The Committee may favorably acknowledge more diverse backgrounds (such as a concentration in creative writing, an English minor, or another major in the humanities), but may specify provisions for admittance (such as additional prerequisite undergraduate courses), to assure that the student is adequately prepared for graduate seminars.
A writing sample that demonstrates strong intellectual and interpretive capabilities, facility with literary research, and excellent writing skills.
A personal statement that details the applicant’s specific research interests, academic training, goals for graduate study, and career aspirations, as well as the applicant’s reasons for applying to the JMU Department of English M.A. program. We recommend that an applicant seek advice on how to write effective personal statements from faculty at his or her home institution.
Master’s Funding Coverage,
For virtually all full-time students, the M.A. in English Program is fully funded. Students receive funding through a combination of Graduate Assistantships held by the English Department and partnerships with other offices on campus, which provide valuable professional experience that supplements their graduate coursework. Graduate Assistants receive a full tuition waiver and a stipend for their two years in the program in this multifaceted assistantship structure.
Please go to the Cost of Attendance Calculator to see the estimated cost of attendance for your program of study.
Application Requirement,
Transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate programs.
At least two letters of recommendation from faculty familiar with the applicant’s academic performance and potential for graduate work. Additional letters, if relevant, may be sent with a candidate’s application. Applicants who did not earn their undergraduate degrees recently should contact the Director of Graduate Studies for advice about appropriate recommenders.
A substantial academic writing sample of 10-20 pages, showing the applicant’s strongest work and potential for literary research.
A statement of approximately 500 words articulating the applicant’s specific research interests, academic training, goals for graduate study, and career aspirations, as well as the applicant’s reasons for applying to the JMU English program.
A resume is strongly recommended.
Any additional materials that provide the Graduate Committee with information about an applicant’s suitability and preparation for graduate study.
Graduate Record Examination General Test (GRE) scores are optional and not required for admission.
Application Deadline,
Feb 01, 2025
Application Fee,
The application fee is $60 and is subject to change.
