About Master’s Program,
The M.A. in English literature is designed to prepare students to pursue a doctoral degree or to teach at the secondary level by giving them an advanced understanding of their subject matter. Graduates of our M.A. program leave well prepared to pursue professional degrees at selective universities or careers in teaching, higher education administration, business, publishing, the public sector, and the law. The English Department at the University of Mississippi is committed to the hands-on development of its M.A. students both as researchers and as teachers. Our M.A. program is based entirely on the Oxford campus, and we do not offer distance-learning programming. Our M.A. students undertake guided independent research and gain important experience in the classroom.
Unlike many Masters programs, which are oriented primarily toward tuition-paying students, the English Department at the University of Mississippi offers a funded Master’s degree, enabling us to attract qualified applicants regardless of means.
Master’s Program Degree Eligibility with GPA,
Students must complete 24 hours of course work and an additional 6 hours of thesis credit. Students must maintain a B average.
In consultation with their committee, M.A .students will have the choice to pursue a traditional thesis or a portfolio project. The thesis/portfolio committee consists of three members of the graduate faculty in English, one of whom serves as director. All M.A. students must successfully pass the Thesis Defense.
Master’s Funding Coverage,
The Department of English has a variety of funds that support awards and scholarships for our undergraduate students.
Dr. Thomas L. Vinson of Columbus, Mississippi, established this scholarship fund in 1987 for deserving English students. The recipient will be the freshman or sophomore who shows the most promise in creative writing.
Two $1,000 Awards
*Submit no more than one manuscript per category: prose (1 story or other work of prose, 15 pages maximum) or poetry (up to 3 poems)
At least two scholarship awards; each award is $1500 per semester for four semesters. Mrs. W. Alton Bryant established the award in memory of her husband, a former member of the English Department and Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs. The award will be granted to a deserving English major who will begin their junior year of study in the fall semester. It provides $1500 per semester for four semesters, as long as the recipient continues as an English major and maintains at least a 3.0 overall and a 3.0 in English courses.
Application Requirement,
Statement of purpose
Writing sample
Three letters of recommendation
Official transcripts
English language proficiency demonstration for international applicants
Application Deadline,
Dec 19, 2025
Application Fee,
pay the application fee ($50.00),
