Master’s Exam and Thesis Requirements

Master of Arts students in English must complete a minimum of 24 credit hours of coursework and six thesis credit hours.

Before starting the thesis, students must pass a four–hour written exam based on a reading list set by the graduate faculty. This exam will be given during the third week of the spring and fall semesters. Students who fail the comprehensive examination are eligible to retake it one time only the following semester.

Students begin work on the thesis after completing the exam and receiving approval for a thesis prospectus from the  thesis committee, graduate coordinator and graduate dean. The project, generally 50–60 pages, is completed in consultation with the thesis director and other committee members. Students may also opt for a creative writing thesis.

Candidates must defend the thesis in a two-hour oral exam covering the thesis topic and the core area related to the thesis. Students who fail the oral examination are eligible to retake it one time only within the six-year limit, no sooner than the following semester.