Discover TSU's M.A. in English Program
The Master of Arts in English at Texas Southern University equips students for advanced graduate study, careers in English education, and other professional paths. Through specialized instruction in literary studies—including critical theory, linguistics, and research methodology—students gain valuable expertise. The program requires successful completion of all core courses and 21 semester hours of focused coursework, providing a strong foundation for academic and career growth.
The objectives of the program are as follows:
- To provide a historical survey of literature with a reading concentration in British, American, or African American literary works.
- To analyze a variety of texts, applying s diverse and divergent critical approaches.
- To introduce techniques of independent graduate-level research, emphasizing bibliographical studies and intertextual criticism; and
- To research and analyze complex texts and themes, composing both oral presentations and written responses at a level suitable for professional conferences and/or for publication in a refereed literary journal.
Admission Criteria
Applicants to the program must meet admission requirements of both the Graduate School and the English Department of TSU. GRE is not required. The requirements for admission to the graduate English program are as follows:
- A cumulative grade-point average of 2.75 in general undergraduate studies and 3.0 in English studies
- Students with fewer than 21 undergraduate hours in English must enroll in specified undergraduate courses to remove noted deficiencies. Having remedied noted deficiencies, the student may reapply for admission to the program.
Degree Requirements
Below are the primary criteria for earning the MA in English:
- Students must complete a total of 30 semester credit hours.
- Students must maintain a 3.0 cumulative average with no more than 6 hours of courses with grades lower than B-; grades of C- or below cannot be used to satisfy degree requirements.
- Students must successfully complete 30 credit hours of coursework and pass a comprehensive examination before completing the thesis.