English
MA
Why study English?
The University of Cincinnati, home of The Cincinnati Review, offers a Master of Arts degree with tracks in literary and cultural studies, creative writing, and professional writing and editing. All master's coursework is seminar- or workshop- style, and all classes are supervised by our most active researchers and publishing writers. The curriculum is enhanced by the annual Ropes Lecture series, speakers from the Taft Center for the Humanities, and a superlative array of visiting creative writers.
UC’s MA in literature degree is a generalist program with courses ranging from Early Modern to Contemporary American. The literary and cultural studies curriculum introduces students to the ways theory frames literary issues, and presents a range of theory-based and literature electives. The creative writing workshop environment is both rigorous and supportive, and students are encouraged to feel part of a community of writers. Our track in professional writing and editing emphasizes a theoretical foundation adaptable to many fields, and guides students to professional-level internships. Masters students have outstanding publication histories and go on to prestigious PhD programs, as well as careers in writing and editing.
Departmental financial aid is available in the form of scholarships and assistantships. Students that are awarded graduate assistantships teach one course per quarter. They receive extensive theory and practice-based training in teaching composition, and additional pedagogical training and opportunities are available. Applicants interested in consideration for departmental financial aid must submit complete applications by priority funding deadline found on the department's webpage.
Admission Requirements
Step One: Online Application
You will be required to submit the following materials as part of the Online Application:
- Letter of Intent: state academic goals and professional objectives (1-2 pages double spaced)
- Curriculum Vitae
- Writing samples (combine all samples into one document):
- Literature Track Only
- Critical writing sample - a literary analysis or research paper totaling 20 pages
- Creative Writing Track Only:
- Creative writing sample - a chapter of a novel, two short stories, pages of poetry, or an act of a play totaling 15 to 20 pages
- Critical writing sample - a literary analysis or a research paper totaling 10-15 pages
- Professional Writing and Editing Track:
- Two substantial pieces of expository writing, 15 to 20 pages each (one of which is academic, if possible) or several shorter pieces (such as articles, reports, or instructions)
- Literature Track Only
- Unofficial transcripts from all universities and/or colleges attended are submitted in the Online Application system.
Step Two: Required Supplementary Materials
- Three letters of recommendation (no form required): Recommenders will submit letters through the Online Application system.
- GRE General Test Scores: Must be reported directly from GRE to the University of Cincinnati. Use CEEB code 1833.
- Proof of English Proficiency is required of all applicants whose native language is not English.
All applications are given careful and individual review. In some cases, students who do not meet the required GPAs and GRE scores may be admitted.
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college. BA in English is preferred, but not required.
- Minimum undergraduate GPA: 3.5
- Minimum GRE scores:
- Verbal: 600
- Analytical: 5.0
Application Deadlines
Deadlines for each year are found on the department's website.
Contact Information
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Program Code: 15MAS-ENGC-MA