Indiana University

What you'll study

The MA curriculum combines close reading, theoretical approaches and research methods across historical periods and global traditions. Students take seminars in areas such as medieval and early modern literature, nineteenth- and twentieth-century British and American literature, contemporary and world literatures, literary theory and cultural studies. Coursework also covers professional skills: pedagogy and composition, digital humanities methods, archival research, and options in editing and publishing.

Programme options typically include a thesis track and a non-thesis (project or coursework) track. Core elements you can expect are advanced seminars, a substantial research paper or thesis, a research-methods course, and opportunities for independent study supervised by faculty. Many students tailor their programme by choosing a concentration—such as American literature, Shakespeare and early modern studies, modernism, postcolonial studies, or digital textual scholarship.

• Sample modules: Literary Theory and Criticism; Research Methods in English; Seminar in American Literature; Seminar in British Literature; Digital Literary Studies; Rhetoric and Composition Pedagogy; Editing and Book History.
• Research resources: access to the Lilly Library’s rare-book and manuscript collections, extensive holdings in Wells Library, and campus digital humanities facilities for text encoding, GIS mapping and data visualisation.
• Teaching and practicum opportunities: graduate teaching assistantships and practicum placements that offer supervised experience in undergraduate teaching and curriculum design.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a bachelor's degree with a strong academic record, typically in English, literature, humanities or a closely related discipline. The department looks for evidence of aptitude for advanced study in the form of undergraduate transcripts, a statement of purpose outlining research interests and goals, and a writing sample that demonstrates analytical and scholarly ability.

• Academic transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended.
• Statement of purpose describing academic interests, proposed areas of study and career goals.
• Academic references (usually two or three) from instructors or supervisors familiar with your scholarly work.
• A substantive writing sample (seminar paper, honours thesis chapter or equivalent) that showcases research and critical writing skills.
• A curriculum vitae or résumé highlighting relevant academic, research and professional experience.
• Proof of English language proficiency for applicants whose first language is not English (e.g. recognised language test scores) where required.

Some applicants may also submit GRE scores where relevant, but specific requirements and expectations are set by the department and may vary; prospective students should consult the department admissions guidance.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a range of careers that value advanced research, communication and critical thinking skills. Common pathways include progression to doctoral study and academic careers, secondary and postsecondary teaching (noting that some teaching roles require additional certification), and roles in publishing, editorial work, literary and cultural organisations, museums and archives.

• Publishing and editorial roles (acquisitions, copyediting, editorial assistance).
• Research, curation and archival work in libraries, special collections and cultural institutions.
• Communications, content strategy and writing roles in nonprofit, corporate and public-sector organisations.
• Digital humanities and data-driven textual scholarship positions that combine coding, analysis and literary expertise.
• Preparation for PhD programmes and research careers in literature and related disciplines.

Why study at Indiana University

Indiana University offers a large, research-intensive English department with a broad range of specialisms and a strong culture of faculty-student collaboration. The department’s seminar structure emphasises close mentorship, allowing students to develop sustained research projects under the supervision of established scholars across historical periods and theoretical approaches.

• Exceptional research collections: students have direct access to the Lilly Library’s rare books and manuscripts and extensive holdings across the university libraries that support archival and primary-source research.
• Interdisciplinary opportunities: close links with the Digital Humanities Lab, theatre and film studies, folklore and linguistics enable cross-disciplinary training and project work.
• Professional development: funded teaching assistantships, opportunities to work with Indiana University Press and departmental support for conference travel and research presentations.
• Active intellectual community: regular colloquia, visiting speakers and graduate-run events provide venues for presenting research and networking with scholars and practitioners.

These resources make Indiana University a strong environment for students seeking rigorous literary training, hands-on research experience and preparation for diverse careers beyond the degree.