English

The core curriculum encompasses courses in literary theory, the structure of modern English, and a diverse selection of electives ranging from Shakespearean works to contemporary literature. This blend ensures that students acquire a comprehensive understanding of both classical and modern literary traditions. Advanced seminars offer in-depth exploration of specialized topics, enabling students to tailor their studies to their individual interests. The program culminates in a capstone project or thesis, which involves substantial original research conducted 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 equips graduates with versatile skills and a deep understanding of literature, critical theory, and cultural analysis. This foundation broadens career opportunities, especially in education and academia. Below is a detailed overview of potential career paths for graduates:

Secondary School Teachers

Many students pursue the M.A. in English while teaching at the secondary level. The degree enhances their teaching with advanced literary knowledge and qualifies them to teach concurrent credit courses, allowing them to offer college-level classes in high school and better prepare students for college.

Postsecondary Education Faculty

Graduates seeking to move from secondary to higher education strengthen their credentials with an M.A. in English. The degree prepares them for faculty roles at colleges and universities, where their subject expertise and teaching skills contribute to student development and academic scholarship.

Educational Administrators

The M.A. in English builds critical thinking and organizational skills for those pursuing leadership roles in schools or districts. Graduates may become curriculum coordinators, department heads, or directors of student services, shaping educational strategies and policies.

Continuing Education Instructors

Graduates are prepared to design and teach courses for adult learners in continuing education programs. Their strong background in literature and composition makes them well-suited to lead workshops on literature appreciation, writing, and cultural studies.

Online Educators

The program prepares graduates to teach and design courses in virtual environments. As online education grows, they are well-equipped to engage a wider student audience using digital platforms and adapt teaching methods for online learning.

Admission to the Master of Arts in English at Fort Hays State University aims to identify applicants with the academic background and professional potential to succeed in graduate study. The thorough admissions process ensures that admitted students possess the skills and motivation to excel both academically and in their careers. Below are the detailed requirements for applicants to join this distinguished program:

Letters of Recommendation

Applicants are required to submit two letters of recommendation, preferably from academic advisors or professors who can speak about their academic abilities and potential for success in a demanding graduate program. These letters provide valuable insight into the applicant’s engagement with previous studies and relevant experiences.

Personal Statement

Applicants must submit a personal statement outlining their academic interests, professional goals, and reasons for pursuing the Master of Arts in English. This statement is a key part of the admissions process, providing insight into the applicant’s motivation and how their goals align with the program. It should demonstrate a strong commitment to literary study and a clear focus on specific areas within the field.

Academic Performance in English Courses

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

Overall Academic Performance

Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale, either overall or in their last 60 undergraduate credit hours. This standard reflects the program’s commitment to liberal arts education and ensures students have demonstrated consistent academic achievement, preparing them for the demands of graduate study.