MA English at University of North Dakota

Programme overview

Take your study of literature to the next level while also learning how to become an effective teacher of college writing. The master's in English stresses the importance of gaining breadth in the study of literature and literary periods. Coursework focuses on academic writing conventions and gaining advanced critical tools. You'll develop as an independent scholar with opportunities to practice research and revision.

What you will study

Students seeking the Master of Arts degree must satisfy all general requirements set forth by the School of Graduate Studies, as well as the following particular requirements set forth by the Department of English: 1. A minimum of 31 credit hours, half of which must be at or above the 500-level. Required courses include ENGL 500 Introduction to Graduate Studies; ENGL 510 History of Literary Criticism; ENGL 598 Portfolio Workshop; ENGL 995 Scholarly Project.

Career pathways

A master's degree in English is among today's most flexible options, because it provides you with the communication and critical-thinking skills you for a variety of professions. You will graduate prepared to teach college writing at the introductory level and for any career that requires highly developed verbal, analytical and rhetorical skills. Your M.A.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

The applicant must meet the School of Graduate Studies’ current minimum general admission requirements as published in the graduate catalog. The program-specific requirements for admission to the Master of Arts in English program include: 20 credit hours in English (literature, literary theory, advanced academic writing, creative writing, writing pedagogy, linguistics, or other closely related subjects). First-year composition courses do not count towards this total. A written statement of goals. At the M.A. level, this statement should specify the candidate’s background in English Studies, research interests, and possible career goals. Candidates seeking a Graduate Teaching Assistantship should use this statement to specify any previous teaching experience and to express their interest in the teaching of writing. A writing sample of 10-15 pages. Successful candidates will include written work in literary criticism as at least part of the sample. Candidates may also include other genres of written work (creative writing or other analytical work in the field of English).

Domestic applicants: USD 13,441 a year (2026-27). North Dakota resident rate. On-campus tuition for 2026/2027 as shown in the programme's tuition table (fall and spring semesters, rate band 'Arts & Science'); excludes mandatory student fees, housing and books. The same table lists Minnesota residents $17 Source

International applicants: USD 26,882 a year (2026-27). International student rate. On-campus tuition for 2026/2027 as shown in the programme's tuition table (fall and spring semesters, rate band 'Arts & Science'); excludes mandatory student fees, housing and books. Source

Terms run Fall (August-December), Spring (January-May) and Summer (May-August).

Graduate applications go through the UND admissions application with a $35 non-refundable fee (no waivers); each graduate program sets its own deadline, listed in the Program Finder. Three academic or professional references and a statement of goals are required.

International graduate applicants: Fall May 1, Spring Sept. 1, Summer Feb. 1, unless the program sets a specific deadline. Application fee $35.

Apply through the official page: https://und.edu/admissions/graduate/apply.html

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