English (M.A., J.D.)

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Admissions Information
Student Learning Outcomes M.A.
Student Learning Outcomes J.D.

The J.D./M.A. is available only to candidates who are concurrently enrolled in the School of Law.
Ordinarily, students complete the first year of the J.D. before beginning the M.A. in English.

Program Overview

Our program offers classes in British and American literature from Shakespeare to the postmodern novel and in creative writing. We have particularly strong offerings in nineteenth- and twentieth-century literature. Small in size, the MA program emphasizes a solid foundation in general literary studies that provide you with the broad knowledge to be able to work in your own area of thesis specialization. The degree offers excellent preparation for further graduate study or for employment in any field that values critical thinking, strong writing skills, and research experience. MA students can choose to specialize in Literary Studies: Creative Writing or Literary Studies: Literary Criticism. Current USD undergraduate students may choose from an accelerated degree option. Learn more at usd.edu/English.

DELIVERY: On campus

Master of Arts with Joint Juris Doctor, English Plan A (thesis)

Major Area Coursework - 30 Credit Hours

Literature before the 20th Century (6 credit hours)
20th and 21st Century British, American, and World Literature (6 credit hours)
Literary Criticism (3 credit hours)
ENGL 798 - Thesis (M.A.) (C) 1 to 6 cr (6 credit hours)
Law courses 9 credit hours

Application Requirements

Completed application
$35 application fee
Official transcripts*
Letters of recommendation*
Admission test scores*
Statement of purpose
Resume/CV*

*Requirements for admission vary by program and may require different documentation and have different deadlines. For specific program requirements and submission deadline, visit: catalog.usd.edu.

State Authorization - It Matters Where You Live

If your learning placement course (internship, externship, clinical, rotation, practicum, independent study, study away, etc.) or your online course will be taken outside South Dakota, please reference USD’s State Authorization webpage.

State Authorization

Questions?

Department of English
605-677-5229 | english@usd.edu | usd.edu/english

Graduate Admissions
605-658-6200 | gradadmissions@usd.edu | usd.edu/grad