Literature (MA)

Literature

“Reading books is the most glorious pastime that humankind has yet devised.ˮ

— Wisława Szymborska

Texas State University's Master of Arts (M.A.) in Literature program will help students forge a path toward a variety of careers based in reading, writing, and communication. It offers intimate courses, scholarships and fellowships, internship opportunities in research, writing, and teaching, and a welcoming, congenial atmosphere in which to find a literary community. Students can access essential and rare materials at Alkek Library and the Wittliff Collections and interact with renowned visiting scholars and writers.

Course Work

The program typically offers small, seminar-style classes that enroll five to 15 students. Our students have ample opportunities for close interaction with our outstanding faculty. Courses cover a wide range of topics, periods, and genres, from Anglo-Saxon literature to contemporary poetry, drama, fiction, and film. Students may choose a thesis or non-thesis track, depending on their interests and career goals, and may select a minor from other graduate programs including Women and Gender Studies and Diversity Studies.

Program Details

Texas State University's M.A. in Literature helps hone your reading, writing, and interpretive skills. Our award-winning faculty members not only conduct innovative research, they are committed to student mentorship and support.

Program Mission

Faculty in the Department of English teach, conduct research in, and advance the discipline of English Studies, including rhetoric and composition, creative writing, technical communication, film and media studies, literature, and language. They prepare undergraduate and graduate students to pursue further education and/or careers; to think, write, and speak clearly; to produce authoritative scholarship and inspiring creative work; to read with pleasure, skill, and understanding; and to appreciate the power and subtlety of discourse in various media.

Career Options

Our master's program offers excellent preparation for a variety of careers that call for outstanding critical thinking and verbal expression, including the law, communications, professional writing, editing, and publishing, and teaching on the secondary, community college, or university level. Graduates have been admitted to more than 50 advanced degree and doctoral programs and have received generous scholarships and fellowships to support their studies.

Program Faculty

Our award-winning graduate faculty's specialties include medieval literature and cultural studies; Renaissance literature and drama; American and British literature of many periods; children's and adolescent literature; Beat poetry; Jewish American literature; Latinx and Chicanx literature; African American literature; Southwestern literature; film and media studies; graphic novels and comics; science fiction and fantasy literature; postcolonial literature and film. Professors have received many teaching and research awards and published hundreds of scholarly books and articles.