Department of English - The University of Montana

John Glendening, M.A. Literature Chair

The MA in Literature offers students an opportunity to gain greater knowledge of literature and critical theory, often in preparation for applying to a doctoral program.

The MA program seeks to supply students with a breadth of knowledge in British, American and comparative literatures while training them to produce essays that are focused and informed by critical theory.

Students have the opportunity to take seminars in fields outside of literature, including environmental, Western, and Native American Studies.

Students have the opportunity to present their work at the Graduate Student and Faculty Research Conference; this conference seeks to foster greater understanding among graduate students and faculty about how scholarship is approached and conducted in various disciplines.

Some Teaching Assistantships are also available, providing Master's students with experience teaching composition.

Applicants are expected to have completed the equivalent of a B.A. in English or American Literature. Applicants judged to have deficiencies in preparation will be required to take additional courses.

Course of Study

All students' courses of study are subject to the approval of the M.A. Literature advisor. Students must complete 36 graduate semester credits.The course of study will include two upper-division courses in pre-1800 literature and two upper-division courses in literary criticism or theory (which may include one course in linguistics) when such courses have not previously been taken. Students may include in their programs up to 9 credits in courses outside the department. Thesis option: Students must complete 36 graduate semester credits including 3-6 thesis credits; five 500-level seminars; and at least three additional 500- or 600-level credits. Up to two of the five required seminars may be taken, with the approval of the M.A. Literature adviser, in other departments. A completed thesis, acceptable to the thesis committee and the Graduate School, will include an oral defense of the thesis.

Non-thesis option: Students must complete 36 graduate semester credits including six 500-level seminars and at least three additional 500- or 600-level credits. Up to two of the six required seminars may be taken, with the approval of the M.A. Literature advisor, in other departments. Students must pass a written examination followed by an oral examination.

Applying to the M.A. in Literature Progam

Applications for the M.A. Literature Program beginning any Fall Semester must be complete and received by the UM English Department by January 5 of that year. Allow at least seven working days for your file to reach the Department of English by regular mail. The M.A. Literature Program does not offer admission for study beginning Spring or Summer Semester.

When you apply for any of the M.A. Programs, send a sample or two of your expository writing (essay, term paper, research paper) even if it was not written for an English course.

The Department of English only accepts complete application packets: application form, $45 fee (check made payable to The University of Montana), statement of purpose/goals, GRE scores, official transcripts from each institution listed on the front of the application, at least 3 letters of recommendation, appropriate writing sample, and, if you so choose, the Teaching Assistant application.

Additionally, applicants must visit the Graduate School Website and complete the online general application process (click on the "Apply Online" bearclaw icon).

For information on the M.A. Literature Program, contact:

Dr. John Glendening
M.A. Literature Chair
Department of English
The University of Montana
Missoula, Montana 59812-6120
Email: john.glendening@mso.umt.edu
Phone: (406) 243-5266