English

The core curriculum of the M.A. in English at Fort Hays State University includes courses in literary theory, the structure of modern English, and various electives covering topics ranging from Shakespeare to contemporary literature. This blend of courses ensures that students understand both traditional and modern literature comprehensively.

Advanced seminars offer in-depth study of specific topics, allowing students to tailor their educational experiences to their interests. The program culminates in a capstone project or thesis, which involves substantial original research under the guidance of a faculty advisor.

ENG 655: Literature of New York City

This course offers an overview of New York City’s unique role in US history and literary culture. We will explore major issues in the city’s history—immigration, environmentalism and urban planning, and economics—and study a wide variety of New York-based texts and films from the nineteenth century onward.

ENG 664: Jane Austen and George Eliot

It is a truth universally acknowledged that Jane Austen remains one of the most beloved British novelists, known for her insightful observations of character and her capacity to satirize human foibles. Her writing also raised the bar for later novelists through her realistic characterization, and the later writer George Eliot (aka Mary Ann Evans) shares Austen’s capacity for observation. Eliot’s major novel Middlemarch was described by Virginia Woolf as “one of the few English novels written for grown-up people,” with other writers and ordinary readers repeatedly rating it as one of the best novels in English. Along with Middlemarch, we will read Silas Marner and the surprising novella Janet’s Repentance, all texts that draw in philosophical, political, and social issues in typical Eliot fashion, while our Austen novels include Emma, Persuasion, and Northanger Abbey.

ENG 601: Cold War Fiction

Bomb shelters,  alien invasions, 50-foot women, shrinking men, ranch-style homes, and happy housewives—all are memorable cultural icons of the 1950s. This online course examines narratives from the 1950s that confront the new anxieties of living during the Cold War, all of whom develop plots that manifest fears related to atomic annihilation, communist invasion, fatherly control, surveillance, and the failure of the American home as a “first line of defense” against danger and deviancy. In our discussion of the literature, we will explore a variety of themes: alien invasions, nuclear threats, anti-communist hysteria, “containment ethos,” censorship, surveillance, façades of safety in small-town America, disobedient women, the myth of ideal family life, and social conformity.

Discover the full Master of Arts in English course listing by visiting the Academic Catalog.

The Master of Arts in English at Fort Hays State University equips graduates with versatile skills and a deep understanding of literary works, critical theory, and cultural analysis. This preparation opens a wide array of career pathways, particularly enhancing opportunities in education and academia. Here's a detailed look at the career prospects for graduates:

Secondary School Teachers

Many of our students are already employed as secondary school teachers while they complete their master's degree. Completing the M.A. in English enriches their teaching practices with advanced knowledge of literary works and critical theories. It qualifies them to teach concurrent credit courses. This credential allows them to offer college-level coursework directly within the high school setting, enhancing the academic experience of their students and improving college readiness.

Postsecondary Education Faculty

Graduates aspiring to transition from secondary to higher education find that an M.A. in English significantly bolsters their credentials. With this advanced degree, they are well-prepared to secure faculty positions at colleges and universities. The mastery over subject matter and the pedagogical skills acquired through the program make them valuable candidates for positions in English departments, where they can contribute to the academic growth of their students and the scholarly community.

Educational Administrators

The M.A. in English provides a foundation in critical thinking and organizational skills required for effective administration for those interested in educational leadership roles within schools or districts. Graduates may pursue roles such as curriculum coordinators, department heads, or directors of student services, where they can influence educational strategies and policies.

Continuing Education Instructors

Our graduates are also equipped to design and deliver courses for adult learners and continuing education programs. Given their comprehensive understanding of English literature and composition, they are particularly suited to lead workshops or community education classes focusing on literature appreciation, writing skills, and cultural studies.

Online Educators

The program's inclusion of online learning methodologies prepares graduates to teach effectively in virtual environments. As online education expands, our graduates are well-placed to take on roles as online instructors or course designers, utilizing digital platforms to reach a broader student base and adapt teaching strategies to an online format.

Admission to the Master of Arts in English at Fort Hays State University is designed to identify applicants with the academic preparation and professional potential to succeed in an advanced degree program. Our admissions process is thorough, ensuring that each student admitted has the capacity and drive to excel academically and in their subsequent careers. Below are the detailed requirements for those seeking to join our esteemed master's program:

Letters of Recommendation

Applicants must submit two letters of recommendation as part of the application process. These should ideally come from academic advisors or professors who can attest to the applicant's academic abilities and potential for success in a rigorous graduate program. These recommendations are crucial in helping us understand how applicants have engaged with their previous studies and other relevant experiences.

Personal Statement

A personal statement detailing the applicant's academic interests, professional goals, and reasons for pursuing a Master of Arts in English must be provided. This statement is vital to the admissions process, offering insight into the applicant's motivations and alignment with our program's goals. It should reflect a clear commitment to literature study and a well-defined interest in specific areas within the field.

Academic Performance in English Courses

Applicants must have achieved a minimum GPA of 3.0 in at least 18 credit hours of English courses beyond general studies composition. This requirement ensures that students have a solid foundation in English literature and criticism, essential for completing the graduate program.

Overall Academic Performance

A cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale, either overall or in the last 60 undergraduate hours, is required. This standard supports our commitment to liberal arts education. It indicates that the student has maintained a consistent level of academic achievement, preparing them for the challenges of a graduate-level curriculum.