The Department of English Literature is reinstating its master’s program, beginning fall 2026.
The program was placed on hold in 2023 due to the department’s separation into different factions. The restoration of the program has left students and professors alike excited for the educational opportunities.
Under the direction of Kim Carter-Cram, Graduate Director, faculty considered their goals and objectives over the course of the 2024 fall semester and what future courses they wanted to offer to students in the program.
Carter-Cram emphasized the importance of students receiving the opportunity to advance their education. The department researched the feasibility, risks and overall benefits for students interested.
The College of Arts and Sciences commissioned a detailed report, known as a “handover report”. The document assessed the practicality of reinstating the MA program and compared the logistical and financial considerations.
“Based on the results of that report, we agreed to move forward with it and re-awaken the program,” Carter-Cram said.
The department began to redesign the curriculum between late fall semester of 2024 and early spring semester of 2025. Carter-Cram emphasized the complexity of the process and the “steps” it has to go through.
The MA program allows English Literature majors in the second semester of their senior year to take up to nine credits aimed towards their degree. Students are given flexibility to finish their MA degree in three semesters upon acceptance into the program.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity,” Department Chair Ann Campbell said of the program. “There’s going to be opportunities for professional development and being mentored, and getting ideas of where to put this degree to use in the job market, both locally and nationally.”
Carter-Cram explained the revision of the program and its impact on students.
“Students will take a community-building course as part of the program requirements to teach job searching, resume building and portfolio building to accommodate every skill they need to have a practical use for their degree upon completion,” she said.
The program’s announcement has already sparked optimism in professors, excited to expand their teaching opportunities as the program begins.
“I get to spend more time working with students on advanced projects and areas that I am experienced in and get to share that expertise with them. It’s just a win-win for everybody.”
Third-year English Literature major Hector Rivera emphasized his passion for creative writing and reading, highlighting the importance of an MA degree for his future career endeavors.
“It seemed like the perfect opportunity to do more with your skills,” Rivera said. “For me, it was a no-brainer to continue to work for myself and work for my future. I owe it to myself, and a lot of students owe it to themselves to expand their education.”
Enrollment for the MA program opens in the upcoming spring semester.
