Kent State University

What you'll study

The MA in English Language and Literature combines close reading, theoretical frameworks and methodological training to prepare students for independent research and professional practice. Students follow a mix of required and elective seminars that typically cover core areas such as literary history and genres, literary theory and criticism, language studies, and research methods.

• Core seminars: advanced literary theory, research methods in literary studies, and professional practices for English scholars.
• Literary fields: studies in British and American literatures from medieval to contemporary periods, as well as elective options in world literature and transnational studies.
• Specialist options: rhetoric and composition, digital humanities, cultural studies, book history, and genre-focused seminars (e.g. poetry, drama, the novel).
• Language and linguistics: electives addressing historical English, sociolinguistics, or stylistics for students interested in language-focused paths.
• Capstone: a research thesis or a substantial project/portfolio under faculty supervision; some students may complete pedagogical practica or internship placements depending on interests and availability.

Seminar sizes are typically small to encourage close supervision; students develop a reading list and research plan in consultation with a faculty advisor and benefit from opportunities to present work at departmental forums.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, preferably in English, literature, language, writing, or a closely related humanities discipline. Admissions decisions are based on the overall academic record, the strength of written materials and the match between applicant interests and department faculty.

• Academic background: a demonstrated record of coursework in literature and writing or equivalent preparation; applicants with degrees in other fields may be asked to complete prerequisite undergraduate courses.
• Supporting materials: a personal statement outlining academic and professional goals, a sample of academic writing (often an essay or research paper), and official transcripts.
• References: two or three letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees who can speak to the applicant’s research potential and readiness for graduate study.
• English language proficiency: for applicants whose first language is not English, evidence of proficiency is required through recognised tests or equivalent qualifications.
• Other considerations: some applicants may be considered for teaching assistantships or departmental funding; those opportunities can require a separate application or review of teaching experience.

Career prospects

Graduates of the MA programme pursue a range of careers that draw on analytical, research and communication skills developed during study. The degree is both a pathway to further academic work and a qualification valued in several professional sectors.

• Academic and research: preparation for doctoral programmes in English, comparative literature, cultural studies, or related fields.
• Teaching: positions in secondary education (where additional certification may be required) and instructional roles at community colleges; teaching assistantships during the MA provide practical experience.
• Publishing and editing: editorial roles in book and journal publishing, copyediting, and literary agency work.
• Communications and media: careers in content strategy, writing and editing for organisations, public relations, and cultural programming.
• Libraries, archives and cultural organisations: roles in outreach, collections interpretation and research support (additional professional qualifications may be advantageous for some roles).

Why study at Kent State University

Kent State’s English department offers a balance of rigorous scholarship and practical training, with small seminars and close faculty mentorship that support individual research agendas. The university’s regional location provides access to cultural institutions, publishing and media organisations in the Akron–Cleveland area for internships and professional engagement.

Students benefit from university research resources, including library collections and opportunities to collaborate across disciplines such as history, communication studies and digital humanities. The department also provides teaching assistantships and professional-development workshops to prepare graduates for both academic and non-academic careers.