English
Program Description
About our program
The Masters of Arts (M.A.) program in
English is carefully designed to broaden and deepen your knowledge of literature
and language, refine your analytical and critical thinking skills, polish your
writing to professional standards, and vastly improve your career options. The
English faculty strongly believes that the study of English literature, language
and writing can be both intellectually fulfilling and highly practical. Our
program emphasizes applications of theory to enhance both teaching and
research.
For the M.A. in English, you can choose between the ‘Thesis Plan’ and the ‘Non-Thesis Plan’, which requires you to complete 30 or 36 credit hours, respectively. There are only two required courses, one in Research and Criticism and the other in Language Studies. Otherwise, you are invited to choose six or seven courses from an offering of over 35 courses, ranging in topics such as major authors, comparative linguistics, as well as current issues in teaching English.
Our program offers you a customized plan of studies that focuses on the various genres of literature and an opportunity to teach English Language Learners with a variety of skill levels. Classes are small, allowing you to receive individual attention, and graduate professors are strong and positive mentors, who will guide you throughout your coursework and beyond.
Why you should come here
Texas A&M International
University offers you a distinctive environment for graduate work in English and
valuable, practical experience teaching native and near-native speakers of
English. The Department of Language and Literature sponsors an attractive slate
of activities in which you can take an active role. The English honor society,
which actively promotes literacy throughout the Laredo community, welcomes
graduate student participation. Similarly, the literary magazine ‘Reflections’ offers students publication opportunities. We also have a Writing Center that
offers tutorial services to the entire campus, as well as job opportunities for
graduate students.
About our faculty
Our full time faculty members have
doctorates in all specialty areas of English, such as Old and Middle English,
British and American Literature, Film, Creative Writing, Children’s and Young
Adult Literature, and Linguistics. They are nationally and internationally
recognized and have active research agendas. Moreover, they are committed to
providing the highest standards in the classroom and to preparing future
scholars, teachers and practitioners.
Graduate assistantships
A limited number of merit-based
graduate assistantships are available each year to students interested in
working with faculty or administration in the Department of Language and
Literature.
Careers
Besides becoming writers, teachers, or journalists, many English
graduates go on to become lawyers and executives. Among law and medical
schools, as well as employers, English graduates are known for their
superior communication skills, analytical and critical thinking, and
capacity for continuous learning and growth in a profession.
Additionally, with AP high school English courses in high demand, the
M.A. in English is becoming a necessity for secondary school English
teachers. Similarly, an M.A. in English is a minimum requirement for
teaching college-level English and for entering a Ph.D. program in
English. With the Articulation Agreement with Texas A&M University
in College Station, the English M.A. becomes a crucial stepping stone
for you if you are interested in pursuing a Ph.D. Our ‘Thesis Plan’ provides you not only with a strong foundation in English literature,
language and culture, but also prepares you with the research and
writing skills expected at the doctoral level. Upon acceptance into the
English Ph.D. Program at College Station, you may begin your doctoral
degree here at Texas A&M International University by taking up to
18 graduate credit hours beyond the M.A. degree. These credits will be
transferable to Texas A&M University in College Station where you
will finish your doctoral degree.