Graduate Programs in English:
Our various MA programs are meant to address a diverse cohort of students. That cohort includes recent college graduates who wish to pursue advanced studies in English en route to careers in the teaching, writing and editing professions; working professionals--such as educators in K-12 as well as writers and editors--who wish to develop their professional skills and enhance their credentials still further; individuals from a variety of professional and academic backgrounds who seek to switch to a career in English; and those who wish to continue to expand their knowledge of literature as an intrinsically rewarding pursuit. Our MA degrees have proven excellent springboards to doctoral-level study in literature and linguistics, as well as in fields as disparate as folklore, cultural studies, and film and media studies.
Our graduate courses are scheduled with the needs of working students in mind: regular-term classes meet once a week, in the evening. And all graduate classes are taught as seminars with a maximum enrollment of eighteen students: such a format facilitates lively and engaged discussion, as well as the concentrated attention typical of advanced study.
MA in English Concentrations:
Students in George Mason University's MA program in English (30 credit hours) pursue one of four separate concentrations.
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Linguistics
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Literature (with an optional Track in Cultural Studies)
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Professional Writing and Editing
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The Teaching of Writing and Literature
Transfer of Credit Policies
Up to 12 credit hours of graduate credit earned prior to admission to an English or Linguistics master's program can be considered for transfer into the program and hence to the degree. This applies to credit earned in department courses through George Mason s Nondegree program, as well as those acquired at other accredited colleges and universities. To learn more about the policies governing transfer of credit, please click on Credit Transfer Policies.