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English and Humanities (M.A.)

Marymount's Master of Arts in English and humanities is a flexible, student-centered, interdisciplinary program of study that immerses students in the unique cultural resources and opportunities of the Washington, DC, area while deepening their understanding of the human condition. Graduate study in the humanities enhances historical consciousness, fosters clear and critical thinking, and hones writing and presentation skills. The program’s small seminar classes engage students with the world of ideas through close textual study, individual research, and classroom discussion.

The M.A. in English and humanities program prepares students for an array of academic and alternative academic futures. The program prepares students for further advanced study and entry into competitive doctoral programs; for career development or advancement in secondary and community college teaching; or for master's-level careers invested in research, writing, editing, and the nonprofit sector.

This program requires the completion of 33 credit hours of coursework. Students can elect to cap their coursework with either a thesis or an internship practicum. Students planning to pursue advanced work in a doctoral program are encouraged to complete a thesis, which requires an oral defense, while those seeking professional enhancement and/or a career change are encouraged to complete an internship practicum, which also requires public presentation.

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to

  • design an approach for scholarly or professional inquiry that is theoretically informed and original;
  • conduct original research with informed consideration of source material;
  • demonstrate advanced critical thinking skills by synthesizing research or professional findings in a substantive written work;
  • deliver professional and engaging digital and/or oral presentations of academic work that demonstrate thorough research and preparation; and
  • demonstrate a mastery of language, purpose, and rhetorical strategy.

Application Priority Deadlines: Admission to the program is competitive. Applications must be complete by the following priority deadlines to assure an admissions decision by the start of the semester.
 
July 16
fall semester
November 16 spring semester
April 16 summer semester

Applications received after these deadlines will be considered on a time and space-available basis. 

Admission Requirements: In addition to meeting the university requirements for graduate admission, applicants must submit

  • evidence of a bachelor’s degree with a major in a humanities discipline, such as English, history, philosophy, art history, or comparative religion, comprising at least 18 credits in the discipline;
  • a 250-word personal statement stating goals for graduate study;

  • a sample 8- to 10-page critical paper; and
  • two letters of recommendation.

Consortium Courses: A maximum of six (6) semester credits, selected in conjunction with the director of the graduate program in English and Humanities, may be taken through the Consortium of Universities of the Washington Metropolitan Area. Students should not enroll in a consortium course during the semester of their anticipated graduation. Taking a course outside of Marymount during the student’s final semester may delay their graduation.

Nondegree Admission: Applicants wishing to enroll for limited coursework may do so as nondegree students for a maximum of nine (9) credits and two consecutive semesters. See nondegree applicants for more information.

Transfer Credits: A maximum of six (6) semester credits of transfer or consortium graduate credit may be applied toward the degree, if approved by the dean of the College of Sciences and Humanities and the registrar.

Degree Requirements — English and Humanities

33 credits

Required Courses

Foundation Courses

Three (3) credits as follows:

EN 501Building Textual Interpretation

3

Program Courses

English 500-level literature, linguistics, or composition courses (15-24 credits).

Humanities courses (3-12 credits) selected from 500-level courses in fine arts, history, humanities, religious studies, theology, or philosophy.

Approved graduate courses in other fields, including education, interior design, marketing, and information technology, may be substituted for humanities courses upon approval from the dean of the College of Sciences and Humanities and the school director.

Capstone Courses

Three (3) credits, chosen from the following:

EN 690Practicum

3

OR

HUM 690Practicum

3

 

EN 695Master's Project

3

OR

HUM 695Master's Project

3