State University Of New York, College At Brockport

Program Information

Degree Offered

M.A. in English

Format: Campus

Program Description:

The Department of English brings together the four components necessary for an outstanding graduate program: excellent students, faculty, facilities, and program flexibility. All of our tenured/tenure-track faculty have doctoral degrees. Our faculty includes scholars and creative writers with international reputations. Among the faculty are five recipients of the Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching. The College’s library has more than a million volumes in hard-back and microforms and is capable of providing support for significant graduate research. It is also possible to earn the degree entirely in the late afternoon or evening.

The Master of Arts in English program is designed for students with varied interest in professional careers: as an initial step toward the MFA or PhD in English, as a terminal degree for public school and junior college teachers, or for those whose educational objectives include studies of creative writing or languages. Our graduates have gone on to a wide variety of successful careers. Many prepare themselves for teaching; some enter Master of Fine Arts programs and become successful writers; and some pursue degrees in law and business. Courses in the graduate program enhance crucial skills in communication and critical thinking that employers view as valuable.

Students choose one of two tracks for the MA in English: Literature or Creative Writing. Each is a 36-credit program with distribution of some literature courses. All candidates submit an individual thesis project demonstrating mastery of an important segment of their preparation.

A special feature of graduate study at The College at Brockport is the Writers Forum, which annually brings writers and literary personalities of the highest caliber to campus for readings, lectures, classroom presentations, informal discussions and interviews. The interviews with more than 300 of these guest authors are maintained in our collection of videotapes.

Eligibility Requirements:

The GRE is not required but is strongly recommended, especially from applicants with nontraditional preparation.

Three letters of recommendation.

Applicants for the Creative Writing track must submit a sample of their poetry, fiction or creative nonfiction of no more than 20 pages in length. Applicants for the Literature track must submit a nonfiction writing sample of no more than eight-10 pages in length.

International Student Requirements:

1. Official or true certified copies of post-secondary academic records (transcripts, examination scores, mark sheets, etc.) in both English and original language. 2. Official or true certified copies of diploma, degree, or certification, in both English and original language. 3. TOEFL exam results. Required minimum scores are: 550 on paper-based version, 213 on computerized version or 79-80 on iBT. 4. A statement of objectives in English that gives reasons for selecting the field of study (see application for details). 5. An original bank statement (issued in the last six months) in your name or that of your sponsor showing a current balance of at least US $23,870. 6. An original letter written, signed and dated by your sponsor, stating the amount of US dollars allocated for your education each year while attending The College at Brockport. This is not required if the financial/bank statement is in applicant's name. 7. Letters of recommendation (see application).

Tuition & Financial Aid

Financial Aid Offered: No

Classification: Master's Colleges & Universities I

Institution Sector: Public

Locale: Fringe Rural Area

Size & Settings: 5,000 - 9,999