English Department
Matthew Lessig, chair

 
E. Kim Stone, graduate coordinator M.A.

Old Main, Room 112
(607) 753-4307
Fax: (607) 753-5978

Overview

The M.A. in English at SUNY Cortland consists of advanced work in critical thinking as well as the study of the history and function of English languages and literatures. Reading the world as text, you will enhance your intellectual and cultural fluency and critical engagement with the world.

Program Highlights

In small classes and lively seminar discussions, you will examine topics in American, British and global literatures and literary criticism. The M.A. culminates with a rigorously researched and theoretically informed master’s thesis. In addition to the study of English literatures, your course work may include pedagogy, professional writing and cultural studies. You also must achieve competency in one modern foreign language or one classical language. 

Our faculty are scholar-teachers whose research spans time periods, languages and literatures across the globe. These outstanding professionals invite you into a vibrant intellectual community that provides excellent preparation for your chosen career.

Career Potential

When you successfully complete the M.A. in English at SUNY Cortland, you’ll be well prepared to pursue a Ph.D. or move into a wide range of interesting careers, from business to law, nonprofit organizations and the arts. If you hold an initial New York State teaching certificate, the M.A. at SUNY Cortland qualifies you to seek the professional teaching certificate.

Admission Requirements

In addition to meeting the requirements for admission to a degree program stated in this catalog, you should present the following for enrollment in the program leading to a master’s degree in English:

1. At least a B average in undergraduate English courses
2. At least a B cumulative average for all undergraduate courses
3. A foreign language is desirable, but the requirement may be met concurrently with graduate study
4. 33 credit hours of undergraduate literature or 27 credit hours of literature and six hours of study in the English language or linguistics

Apply for the M.A. in English.

Language Requirement

Competency in one modern foreign language or one classical language must be demonstrated before the completion of graduate work, unless this competency is demonstrated prior to admission. Competency in a foreign language is defined as the skill level attained by one year of college‑level study or the equivalent of a language other than English. If this requirement has not already been met, you may take language courses concurrently with graduate study.

Master's Thesis

As a culminating activity, you must complete and submit a master's thesis, which originates in a literature course, in accordance with guidelines determined by the English Department. If you do not complete the thesis by the time the course requirements are fulfilled, you must enroll in ENG 697: Extension of Graduate Culminating Activity each semester until the thesis is completed.

Additional Requirements

A minimum of 30 credit hours of approved graduate work as described hereafter is required for the master of arts degree. A minimum of nine credit hours must be taken in courses at the 600 level. Other requirements for the awarding of the degree may be determined by the English Department and must be ascertained by students in consultation with a departmental graduate advisor.