University of Southern Indiana

What you'll study

The programme combines close reading of literature with study of critical theory and research methods. Core courses typically cover literary theory and criticism, survey courses in American and British literature, and a graduate seminar that emphasises research, oral presentation and archival work. Students choose elective modules from topics such as Shakespeare, nineteenth- and twentieth-century literature, contemporary fiction, gender and sexuality studies, postcolonial literature, digital humanities and rhetoric and composition.

Students may follow a thesis or non-thesis track. The thesis option focuses on an extended research project under faculty supervision, while the non-thesis track often culminates in a comprehensive examination or a portfolio of advanced critical and creative work. Practical components include training in college-level pedagogy for those who plan to teach, workshops in professional writing and editing, and opportunities for internships or collaborative projects with regional cultural organisations and presses.

Typical modules and activities

• Graduate Seminar in Literary Studies (reading-intensive research seminar)
• Theory and Criticism (major critical approaches from formalism to recent theory)
• American Literature Survey (colonial period to present)
• British Literature Survey (medieval to modern)
• Research Methods and Bibliography (archival research, digital tools, citation)
• Special Topics (Shakespeare, modernism, contemporary fiction, eco-criticism, etc.)
• Rhetoric, Composition and Pedagogy (teaching writing at the college level)
• Thesis Research or Professional Portfolio/Comprehensive Exam

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, typically with a major or substantial coursework in English or a closely related discipline. Most successful applicants have a competitive undergraduate GPA and demonstrate readiness for graduate-level study through a writing sample that showcases analytical or research skills.

Required application materials usually include official transcripts, a personal statement outlining academic and professional goals, a graduate writing sample, and one or more academic or professional letters of recommendation. Some applicants with degrees outside English may be asked to complete prerequisite undergraduate courses. GRE submission policies vary; consult the department for current guidance. International applicants must meet English language proficiency standards.

Career prospects

Graduates leave the programme prepared for a range of paths. Many continue to doctoral study in literature, rhetoric or related fields. Others move into academic and educational roles, including secondary teaching (often alongside required certification), community college instruction and writing-centre administration. The degree also supports careers in publishing, editing, communications, public relations, nonprofit management, cultural organisations, library and archival work (often combined with additional professional credentials), and content development for media or digital platforms.

Employers value the programme’s emphasis on critical thinking, advanced written and oral communication, research methods and project management—skills applicable across public- and private-sector roles. Graduates often pursue professional development through internships, conference presentations and faculty-led projects while in the programme.

Why study at University of Southern Indiana

The University of Southern Indiana offers a supportive graduate environment with small class sizes and close faculty mentoring, enabling tailored supervision for research and professional development. The department emphasises both scholarly breadth and applied skills—preparing students for classroom teaching, academic research and careers that require strong writing and analytical ability.

USI’s location provides access to regional cultural resources, archives and community organisations for internships and collaborative projects. Graduate students can benefit from departmental funding opportunities, assistantships and travel support for conferences and research. The programme’s flexibility—choices between thesis and non-thesis tracks, a range of electives and opportunities in pedagogy—lets students shape a course of study aligned with their academic and career goals.