English

English, M.A.

Admission Requirements

In addition to fulfilling admission requirements for graduate study, applicants must submit one copy of a 1,000-word analytical writing sample and two letters of recommendation. For those applying in literature, professional writing and editing, and the teaching of writing and literature, the writing sample should be an interpretive paper on a literary text. In addition to the writing sample requirement, applicants must submit a goals statement (no more than 750 words). Applicants for the track in professional writing and editing must also submit two copies of a 10- to 15-page portfolio of their nonfiction work (a technical or business report, an essay, a term paper, an editing project, or any other material reflecting the student's interests and skills in nonfiction writing).

Applicants may submit scores on the GRE when they believe those scores will lead to a clearer presentation of their qualifications. Those with undergraduate majors in disciplines other than English are encouraged to apply but may be required to make up deficiencies before entering the program.

Degree Requirements

Students must successfully complete 30 credits in graduate English courses. With the approval of the department, up to 6 graduate credits in courses in related disciplines may be substituted for 6 credits in English. One of the tracks described below must be completed.

General Requirements

1. ENGL 701 (normally in the first semester of study)

2. 9 credits in literature courses. For the track in the teaching of writing and literature only, ENGL 610 may be used to fulfill 3 credits of the literature requirement.

3. Foreign language proficiency demonstrated by course work equivalent to George Mason's foreign language 202 or 209, or by passing a translation test administered by the English Department