English Graduate Programs & Schools in Indianapolis

Popular Schools with English Degrees in Indianapolis

In their core courses, students might first explore topics such as literary research, American and British literature along with studies in criticism. Then, degree plans usually branch out so that each student could choose a series of electives and tailor their program to their interests.

There is usually some type of final thesis or independent research project which may get students to pick up research skills. Masters in English programs may also assess students’ portfolio of work from the duration of their studies.

5 Ways to Focus an English Masters Program

In addition to a hub of core courses, students might stack a concentration. The themes for these emphases vary in each grad school, which makes it important to read program course lists. Commonly, a MA in English could come with a choice of tracks such as the ones listed below. See individual schools for other options.

1. Literature – Built for students who plan to go on to a doctoral program, or whose primary interest is in-depth literary study. Electives could include topics such as non-fiction, fiction or modern rhetoric
2. Writing – Planned for current teachers who plan to teach English at the secondary level, or who want to pursue a career that involves sharp written skills. For instance, elective could cover topics such as scientific and technical writing or composition theory and practice
3. Creative Writing – Designed for individuals who want to pursue a career as an author or creative writing teachers. Or, who want to study to earn a MFA or PhD. Course topics could include fiction, non-fiction and poetry
4. General – Intended mainly for enrichment, students might mix courses in both literature and writing
5. Rhetoric and Pedagogy – Usually for students who want to pursue a career as community college teachers or refine their ability to teach English to high school students. Coursework could include topics such as history and theory of rhetoric and criticism, and in the history and structure of the English language

Dual Degree in English and Library Information Management – Students in this type of dual degree program might be able to apply coursework from each degree to fulfill both a MA and MLS degree at the same time.

MA in English and Education – Students who aspire to teach professional writing and communication might consider a MA in English/Education. Participants could learn how to broaden their own knowledge of writing, rhetoric and genre theories. In tandem, students could learn how to instruct these courses as well as assessment practices within teaching.

How Long Does It Take to Complete a Masters Degree in English?

Although degree requirements vary, students might need to complete from 8 to 34 credits, which a full-time student might complete in one to two years.

What Could I Do with a Masters in English?

A graduate degree in English could prepare students for a myriad of career paths where solid communication and a sharp sense of analysis are valued.

Teach. Some students might want to teach at the community college or secondary levels. Per the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), “Community colleges or career and technical schools may hire those with a master’s degree.”

Study. Graduates might go onto pursue a doctoral degree in English or literature, especially if they want to teach at the university level. ii Or, study to earn a professional degree in law or business, just to name a few.

Careers. Some English graduates might seek employment within publishing or public relations. iii Or pursue a career in writing (creative and/or technical), editing, or journalism.iv

PhD in English Programs

A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in English is a research degree and the highest academic degree in this discipline. PhD students often learn to master the traditional discipline of literary study as well as discover the richness of contemporary streams.

Beyond breadth of knowledge, one could look to an English PhD program to cultivate expertise and garner insight from a mentor. Faculty may be versed (and/or published) and may guide students who too, seek to publish.

Candidates may have the chance to select from a wide range of courses and often do so in consultation with faculty advisors. For instance, in some programs, topics might span modern theory, historical periods in English and American literature to composition.

PhD students may only be required to take a few seminars, a course in composition theory and pedagogy, and one research colloquium. Otherwise the content and range of a candidate's work may be built around graduate courses, tutorials, and directed research.

Apart from the this, PhD students typically proceed through a streamlined series of exams which culminate in a dissertation prospectus exam and the writing of the dissertation. Through these projects students often become well-versed in theoretical pproaches, research, and bibliography.

Here are a few potential areas that may be associated with Doctorate in English programs.

PhD in Medieval Studies: Coursework could take a deep dive into the theatrical space of Shakespeare’s scholarship and Milton’s great works like Paradise Lost. Students might be immersed in Medieval English, Renaissance literature and critical theory.

PhD in Nineteen-Century Studies: Courses might examine the Victorian Novel, English Poetry, Digital Textuality, Realism and Poetics. Students might look at the work of Elizabeth Barrett Browning in the light of today’s aesthetics and culture.

PhD in Modern Literature and Culture: Could offer students a plethora of readings in Modernism, Postmodern, and Contemporary literature. Courses could bring up issues of class identity, ethics, nationhood and religion.

PhD in Textual Studies and Digital Humanities: Students could examine digital texts and media as well as ways to apply computing to humanities research. Courses might have students investigating original documents, whether manuscript, print, or electronic. Students might learn about processes of composition, revision, editing, printing, production, distribution, and reception.

How Many Years Does It Take to Get a PhD in English?

Coursework in a PhD English program might be completed by a full-time student within three years (two years for students entering with the MA degree). The qualifying exams and dissertation could add two to three more years of study.

What Could I Do with a PhD in English?

Graduates who aspire to teach English to university students might consider a PhD in English. Per the BLS, Postsecondary teachers who work for 4-year colleges and universities typically need a doctoral degree in their field.i

Graduate Certificate in English Programs

A Graduate Certificate in English is a non-degree program that usually commits students to a few courses in a singular theme. For instance, teaching English as a Second Language (TESOL).

Some universities may offer certificates concurrently with an English graduate program or a program from another Department. These tend to build a focused set of skills and knowledge much like a concentration.

Study English Online or On-campus

Another thing to think about is whether you want to pursue a Graduate degree in English online or on campus.

Since PhD programs tend to take longer, some students may want to relocate for the experience and perhaps, the library of a destination university. If this speaks to you, use the menu to find Graduate Schools in English in a specific city (E.g. Boston), or state (E.g. California).

For students who are already at-work or have to juggle other aspects of a busy life, an online graduate English program may be more convenient. Most programs simulate in-person discussion and feedback, or focus more on independent study.

Sources:[i] bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/postsecondary-teachers.htm#tab-6 | [ii] bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/postsecondary-teachers.htm#tab-4 | [iii] bls.gov/ooh/management/advertising-promotions-and-marketing-managers.htm#tab-4 | [iv] bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/writers-and-authors.htm#tab-4 |

Top 4 Graduate Schools with English Programs in Indianapolis