Bemidji State University

What you'll study

Coursework advances understanding of literature and related fields; thesis topics may address English literature, American literature, literary criticism, composition, rhetoric, or other approved subjects. The programme requires either a traditional scholarly thesis or, with committee recommendation, a creative thesis. Students must complete three essay comprehensive exams and an oral thesis defense.

Entry requirements

Apply through the Bemidji State Graduate School and submit additional materials to the School of Graduate Studies office for departmental review. Applicants must provide a letter of application to the Department of English Director of Graduate Studies describing the degree sought, reasons for applying, relevant experience and interests, and a statement of intent if requesting a graduate assistantship. The Graduate School requires two letters of recommendation; the Department of English requires a third. Applications for graduate assistantships should be received by March 19 for consideration for the following academic year; general graduate applications are accepted at any time.

Career prospects

The MA prepares students for collegiate teaching and professional writing and is particularly appropriate for those planning to pursue doctoral work, professional training, or creative projects that build on advanced literary study.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

Bemidji State offers in-state/reciprocity tuition rates to all graduate students. Some students qualify for graduate assistantships, which typically include a tuition waiver and a stipend in exchange for teaching and/or research duties; departmental GAs usually teach one section of freshman Composition per semester and participate in a pre-teaching workshop, a composition seminar, and a rhetoric and composition course.