MA in English at Boston University

Programme overview

The Master of Arts in English program at Boston University provides comprehensive training in all areas of literary studies in English. Coursework is offered in historical periods, individual authors, important literary movements, literary theory, and the history of criticism.

Faculty: Graduate School of Arts & Sciences | Study mode: full-time | Location: Boston, MA, United States

What you will study

Eight 4-unit courses (32 units) are required for the degree. No transfer of units is allowed toward fulfillment of the eight 4-unit courses required for the degree. Course requirements are as follows: At least five graduate seminars (700 or higher)

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Application information

Entry requirements

To enter, a bachelor’s degree, typically in English or a closely related field, is required. A strong applicant to the MA program will have excellent undergraduate grades, letters of recommendation, and a writing sample.

USD 73,024 a year (2026-27). Full-time tuition (12-18 credits per semester, $36,512 per semester) for Graduate School of Arts & Sciences master's students for 2026-27, as stated on the CAS cost of attendance page. Tuition only: excludes student services and health & wellness fees, he Source

Graduate School of Arts & Sciences master's programmes admit for Fall 2027; Spring 2027 entry is offered for selected programmes (Economics MS programmes, History of Art & Architecture MA, Preservation Studies MA, Online MS in Computer Science & Artificial Intelligence).

Graduate School of Arts & Sciences Fall 2027 master's deadlines are mostly priority January 15 and final March 15 (African American & Black Diaspora Studies priority February 15, final March 15; Preservation Studies February 15; Sociology and History of Art & Architecture January 15). Spring 2027 deadlines for selected programmes are priority October 15 and final November 15. Applications are submitted through the online application; the GRE is required only for the Economics MS/MA programmes and the MS in Psychological & Brain Sciences.

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