graduate general information

Mission

The mission of the Master of Arts in English at Texas Southern University is to provide specialized instruction in literature, language, and research in order to prepare students for further graduate study, the teaching of English, and other professional endeavors. The program emphasizes literary studies. The degree plan requires students to successfully complete all the core courses and 21 semester hours of course work in (1) literary theory and criticism and (2) genre studies.
 
The objectives of the program are as follows:

1. Provide an historical survey of literature, with a reading concentration on British, American, or African-American literary works;
2. Analyze the various approaches and theories of literary criticism;
3. Introduce the techniques of independent graduate-level research, with emphasis on bibliographical studies and textual criticism; and
4. Research, analyze, and write in depth on complex literary topics and significant texts at a level suitable for publication in a refereed literary journal.

Admission Criteria

Applicants to the program must meet admission requirements of both the Graduate School and the English Department of TSU. The requirements for admission to the graduate English program are as follows:

• 1. A cumulative grade-point average of 2.75 in general undergraduate studies and 3.0 in English studies
• 2. Completion of 12 semester hours in foreign language(s)
• 3. A GRE score that meets Graduate-School requirements

Students with fewer than 21 undergraduate hours in English must enroll in specified undergraduate courses to remove noted deficiencies. Having remedied noted deficiencies, the student may reapply for admission to the program.

Degree Requirements

There are two tracks leading to the granting of the Master of Arts in English. Track A (thesis option) is designed for students who anticipate pursuing graduate study beyond the Master’s degree. Track B (non-thesis option) is designed to prepare candidates for entry to the professional world or further graduate study.

1. Students who have not passed the writing portion of the GRE at the level specified by the Graduate School must successfully complete English 501 during their first year of graduate study.
2. Students must complete a total of 30 semester credit hours. With permission from the Chair, students may count up to 6 hours of 400-level English courses designated as senior/graduate towards the 30-hour course requirement.
3. Students must maintain a 3.0 cumulative average, with no more than 6 hours of courses with grades lower than B-; grades of C- or below cannot be used to satisfy degree requirements.
4. Students must successfully complete 30 credit hours of course work and pass a comprehensive examination before completing the thesis.