The M.A. program in English is designed to cultivate advanced mastery of content within the discipline, refine skills in professional and scholarly writing, provide comprehensive knowledge of critical practices, and furnish a keen awareness of contemporary issues in the study of literature. Students accepted into the program may choose either a thesis (Plan I) or non-thesis (Plan II) option. Plan I consists of 30 credit hours, of which 27 are course work and 3 are thesis (ENGL 6399). A minimum of 24 hours must be in English. At least half of the courses in each degree candidate's curriculum must be 6000-level seminars including thesis preparation. Plan II consists of 36 credit hours, of which a minimum of 30 must be in English. At least half of the courses must be 6000-level seminars.