Graduate Studies in English

An Overview

Programs

The Department of English at the University of New Orleans offers the Master of Arts, which prepares students for careers in teaching or writing or for further graduate study leading to the doctorate. It also participates in an interdepartmental Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing. (M.F.A. inquiries should be directed to the Creative Writing Workshop Director.) Both programs draw upon the same faculty of scholars and creative writers holding degrees from institutions throughout the country. The programs also draw from the same set of courses; the department offers approximately 35 courses carrying graduate credit during regular semesters and 8 during the summer semester.

Program Focus

The Master of Arts program features advanced study in British and American literature, in professional writing and editing, and in rhetoric and pedagogy.  The program requires students to complete one of four areas of concentration, depending on their career objectives: American Literature, British Literature, Professional Writing, or Teaching.  The British and American Literature concentrations enrich the student’s understanding of a national literature and can serve as a stepping stone for those considering a Ph.D. in literary studies.  The Teaching concentration is designed for those who wish to teach at the community college level and for elementary and secondary school teachers who are interested in strengthening their credentials through a program emphasizing English content courses. The Professional Writing concentration accommodates those who plan to pursue careers outside education in professional or creative writing.

Students

Nearly 80 students are currently pursuing an M.A. degree in English. Many work off-campus and pursue degrees part-time; to accommodate them, the department regularly schedules courses in the late afternoon and evening. Most students hold undergraduate degrees in English, but students with degrees in other fields may be admitted upon condition that they take necessary background courses.

Careers

The Master of Arts program is sufficiently flexible to accommodate a range of academic interests and to help prepare students for several different career paths. Most of our graduates have gone on to choose one of four options: to pursue the doctoral degree; to teach in secondary schools, junior colleges, colleges, and universities; to undertake further professional training, most often in law; or to work as professional or technical writers.

 

For more information, contact:

Dr. Carl Malmgren
Coordinator of Graduate Studies in English (M.A. Program)
Department of English
University of New Orleans
New Orleans, LA 70148-9998
(504) 280-5415
Email Dr. Malmgren@
cmalmgre@uno.edu

Mr. Rick Barton
Director of Creative Writing Workshop (M.F.A. Program)
Department of English
University of New Orleans
New Orleans, LA 70148-9998
(504) 280-5421
E-mail Mr. Barton@
fbarton@uno.edu

Other UNO Offices

Graduate School (504) 280-1155

Admissions (504) 280-6595

Financial Aid (504) 280-6603

International Students and Scholars (504) 280-6021

Student Housing (504) 280-7479