English, Specialization in Literary and Textual Studies, M.A. (Face-to-Face Program)

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Our flexible, student-centered two-year program* provides a foundation in research methods and literary theory. Coursework in Literary and Textual Studies (English) offers students an opportunity to engage with a variety of texts across historical periods as well as some of the most recent developments in literary studies and cultural criticism. Our faculty is made up of scholars whose research and teaching interests focus on a range of approaches to textual analysis such as critical race theory, deconstruction, feminism and gender studies, new historicism, postcolonial studies, psychoanalysis, and queer theory. We offer seminars in British, American, and Anglophone literatures. Furthermore, the program presents students with numerous opportunities to develop their own research projects, including the MA Thesis, based on their unique interests.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the MA degree, students in the English with a specialization in Literary and Textual Studies (Plan I Thesis or Plan II Portfolio) program are expected to be able to:

Develop creative and critical thinking skills through intensive writing, reading, and critical/creative engagement with texts
Develop proper analytical skills in oral and written articulation and awareness of context
Effectively use writing to explore subject matter and to communicate in class as well as for publication and presentation at conferences
Develop understanding of subject matter and writing in relationship to larger historical and/or cultural/multicultural contexts
Make connections between theory and practice
Develop a sophisticated grasp of the concept of culture as a device to organize further study of the many discrete aspects of our historical, social, intellectual and artistic heritage
Connections with intra-and extra-departmental programs

Admission Requirements

Application deadline: Applications and supporting material should be received by January 15 to recieve fullest consideration for admission and funding. Since application reviews may begin immediately after the deadline, we recommend submitting your application and providing all required documents before the deadline. Later applications may be considered if positions are available.
Additional documents required:

Before submitting the documents listed below, please carefully read the Literary and Textual Studies MA program’s admissions page at http://www.bgsu.edu/arts-and-sciences/english/graduate-programs/m-a-in-english/admissions.html. It provides important information about expectations for all application materials. Please read those explanations carefully. Application materials that do not meet the expectations can greatly harm the chances that your application is successful.

Applicants below a 3.20 GPA must submit a GRE score unless they have already completed a master’s degree with a GPA greater than or equal to 3.40. Enter your GPA and GPA Scale with your academic institution under the Academic History tab.
Statement of Purpose: See the MA program admissions page (full link above) for a detailed explanation of expectations.
Three Letters of Recommendation: See the MA program admissions page (full link above) for a detailed explanation of expectations.
Writing Sample: See the MA program admissions page (full link above) for a detailed explanation of expectations.
Other: An interview may be requested for applicants who are applying for a Graduate Assistantship.

International applicants are required to submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTEA). Successful completion of ELS 112 will also be accepted for this requirement.

Additionally, Duolingo test scores will be accepted for applications through Summer 2025. Applicants of the Graduate College who have completed a previous degree (associate, bachelor’s master’s or doctorate) from a U.S. college/university or are from a country (click here for a complete list) in which instruction was delivered in English (and attended the university for at least two years) are exempt from providing these test scores.

Application Requirements

Admissions Categories and Grade Point Average Requirements

International Application Information

Degree Requirements

Curriculum Requirements

Required Courses (6 credits)

Electives (24 credits)

1. 12 hours in English. Select from:

ENG ****

2. 12 hours in courses of interest outside the program

Other Requirements

Required for graduate teaching assistants. Does not count toward 33 minimum total credits.

ENG 6020 - Composition Instructors’ Workshop

Culminating Experience (3 credits)

Plan I:

ENG 6990 - Thesis Research

Plan II:

ENG 6910 - Master’s Portfolio

Minimum Total Credits (33 credits)

Additional Requirements

Minimum of 3 credits of 6990 required for Plan I master’s students. Maximum of 6 credits may be applied toward degree requirements.
Minimum 3.0 graduate cumulative grade point average
Minimum of 18 credits must be at the 6000-level or higher
Minimum of 24 credits must be earned at BGSU
All requirements must be completed within six years from the end of the earliest course used to fulfill degree requirements.