Southern Methodist University

What you'll study

The MA curriculum combines core courses in literary history and theory with research methods and elective options that allow you to develop a specialist focus. Typical subjects include close reading and advanced literary analysis, British and American literatures from medieval to contemporary periods, literary theory and criticism, rhetoric and composition, and courses in language studies. Students commonly select electives in related areas such as digital humanities, cultural studies, film and media, American ethnic literatures, or environmental humanities. Training in archival research, scholarly writing, and the construction of a thesis or long research project is central to the programme, and many students undertake a supervised thesis or a substantial capstone project.

Course delivery usually mixes small seminars, research workshops and one-to-one supervision. Students may have opportunities to teach undergraduate composition or literature courses as part of professional development, and interdisciplinary collaborations are available through nearby units such as the Meadows School of the Arts and SMU’s libraries and research centres.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a strong academic record in English or a related humanities discipline. Required application materials typically include a statement of purpose outlining academic and professional aims, an academic writing sample (often an essay or seminar paper), and two or three letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees. Transcripts from all post-secondary institutions are required.

Standardised tests such as the GRE are not universally required and policies may vary; applicants should check the programme’s admissions page for current guidance. International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through recognised tests unless exempted; additional documentation for visa and financial support will be required upon admission.

Career prospects

Graduates of the MA in English at SMU go on to a range of careers that value advanced analytical, writing and research skills. Common pathways include:

• Further academic study (PhD) and careers in university teaching and research
• Secondary teaching (often alongside state certification where required)
• Publishing, editing and copy‑editing roles
• Communications, public relations and content strategy in private and public sectors
• Museum, library and cultural heritage positions involving interpretation, curation and outreach
• Non‑profit and policy organisations where research and writing skills support advocacy and programme development

The programme’s emphasis on teaching experience and professionalisation also helps prepare graduates for adjunct and lecturer positions and for roles that combine scholarship with administration or digital project management.

Why study at Southern Methodist University

SMU’s MA in English is housed in a liberal arts environment that supports close faculty mentoring and small-class discussion. Students benefit from access to the university’s library collections and research resources as well as interdisciplinary links with the Meadows School of the Arts, Simmons School of Education, and regional cultural institutions. Being located in Dallas provides direct access to museums, theatres, archives and a diverse literary community for internships and public humanities work.

Faculty members specialise across a broad range of periods and approaches, enabling students to pursue focused supervision in areas such as American literature, British literature, critical theory, or digital scholarship. SMU offers professional development opportunities including teaching practicums, conference funding, and workshops that prepare graduates for both academic and non-academic careers.