Indiana University of Pennsylvania

What you'll study

This programme combines historical and thematic study of literature with training in literary theory, research methods and advanced writing. Core work typically covers major periods and genres—such as medieval and early modern literature, nineteenth‑century prose and poetry, modern and contemporary literatures—and introduces critical approaches including formalist, historicist, feminist, postcolonial and queer theory.

Students choose from seminars in specialised areas such as American literature, British literature, world and postcolonial literatures, children’s and young adult literature, rhetoric and composition, and digital humanities. Research and professionalisation are supported through modules on bibliographical methods, archival research, pedagogy and practical teaching skills.

Programme structure usually permits a thesis option, in which students complete an extended piece of original research under faculty supervision, or a non‑thesis option involving additional coursework and a comprehensive examination or portfolio. Graduate teaching assistantships provide hands‑on experience in university teaching and course design.

• Close reading and literary analysis across historical periods
• Advanced literary theory and criticism
• Research methods and bibliographical practice
• Elective seminars in specialised fields (e.g. modernism, postcolonial studies, rhetoric)
• Thesis or comprehensive examination/non‑thesis practicum
• Opportunities for teaching experience as a graduate assistant

Entry requirements

Applicants should normally hold a bachelor’s degree in English or a related humanities discipline. Typical application materials include official transcripts, a personal statement outlining academic and professional goals, an academic writing sample (often a research paper), and letters of recommendation from academic referees. A curriculum vitae or résumé is usually requested.

Admission committees look for evidence of strong analytical and writing skills. Some applicants with degrees in other fields may be admitted if they demonstrate appropriate preparation in literature or related coursework. International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through recognised tests or equivalent qualifications.

Career prospects

Graduates leave the programme with advanced skills in critical thinking, research, argumentation and written communication that are applicable across a wide range of careers. Common pathways include:

• Further academic study (PhD) and careers in higher education and research
• Teaching at secondary level (typically combined with state teaching certification where required)
• Publishing, editing and literary agency work
• Writing and content development for media, marketing, and communications
• Public sector, cultural institutions and non‑profit roles that value strong research and communication skills
• Law, libraries, archival work, and roles in digital humanities or information management

Why study at Indiana University of Pennsylvania

Indiana University of Pennsylvania offers a departmental environment with small seminar sizes and direct access to faculty whose research spans major areas of literary study and pedagogy. The university supports graduate students through advising, research supervision and opportunities for teaching experience as graduate assistants, which is valuable preparation for academic and teaching careers.

Students benefit from IUP’s library collections and regional archives, opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration across arts and humanities programmes, and a campus culture that emphasises professional development. The programme’s flexible thesis and non‑thesis routes allow students to tailor their studies to research ambitions or career preparation in applied literary and communication fields.