MA in English

We will post expected start dates as they become clear pending CSU and WASC
approval. We will not be holding classes in Fall 2008.

Literature Specialization
Composition and Rhetoric Specialization

The Masters Degree Program in English is designed to provide the necessary background for students preparing to further their post-baccalaureate education, for students who plan to teach at community colleges, and/or for secondary school teachers who wish to enhance their teaching.   The program is structured with a set of core courses common to all graduate students.   Students choose one of two options to complete their study, the Literature Specialization and the Composition and Rhetoric Specialization. These options differ in course requirements and purposes. The specialization in literature prepares the student for continued work toward a Ph.D., teaching of literature at the community college level, and/or advancement in his or her employment as a secondary teacher.   The specialization in composition and rhetoric prepares the student to teach composition at the community college level and provides possibilities for advancement in his or her employment as a secondary teacher.

Admissions Requirements            

1. Submit California State University Graduate application electronically at www.csumentor.edu along with the $55 application fee.
2. A baccalaureate in English or permission of the program chair.
3. A GPA of 3.0 for the last 60 semester units (90 quarter units) from an accredited institution or permission of the program chair.
4. Two sets of official transcripts from all college/universities attended. One set of transcripts must be submitted to the English Program, and the other must be submitted to the Admissions and Recruitment Office.
5. A 300-500 word essay describing the applicant's personal and professional goals as they relate to the MA in English.
6. An academic writing sample (10 pages or less, may be an excerpt).
7. Two letters of recommendation.

Admissions evaluation will begin only when the applicant has a complete file.

Fall 2008 application cycle begins: October 1, 2007.
Fall 2008 initial decision deadline: January 15, 2008.
Rolling admissions will be accepted through April 1, 2008.

Send all materials (except those requested by the Admissions and Recruitment Office) to:

Graduate Admissions Committee
English Program
California State University, Channel Islands
One University Drive
Camarillo, CA 93012

Program of study

Total units required for the Degree: 36 units

Required Core Courses: (12 units)

• ENGL 601: Critical Theory Seminar (4)
• ENGL 602: Seminar in Language Structure (4)
• ENGL 603: Seminar in Contemporary World Literature (4)

Required Courses in Literature Specialization: (24 units)

• ENGL 620:   History of Literary Movements (4)
• 16 units of literature courses at the 600 level
• ENGL 698: Thesis: Literature Specialization (4)

Electives: (choose 12 units from the following)

•             ENGL 661: Seminar in Author(s) (4)
•             ENGL 662: Seminar in the Novel (4)
•             ENGL 663: Seminar in Nonfiction (4)
•             ENGL 664: Seminar in Drama/Dramatic Literature (4)
•             ENGL 665: Seminar in Poetry (4)
•             ENGL 666: Seminar in the Short Story (4)
•             ENGL 667: Seminar in Genre Literatures (4).
•             ENGL 668: Seminar in Literature and Culture (4)

Required Courses in Composition and Rhetoric Specialization : (24 units)

• ENGL 640: Seminar in Composition Theory and Practice (4)
• ENGL 641: Seminar in Composition Methods for Non-traditional Students (4)
• ENGL 699: Thesis: Composition and Rhetoric Specialization (4)

Electives: (choose 12 units from the following)

• ENGL 646: Teaching Practicum (1-4) <second year implementation>
• ENGL 647: Seminar in Assessment Methods (4)
• ENGL 648: Writing as Cultural Practice and Social Change (4)
• ENGL 649: Rhetorical Analysis (4) <second year implementation>
• Plus one 600-level or approved 400-level English course