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. It takes less time for students to complete than if they earned both degrees separately.

Program Overview

Our program offers classes in British and U.S. literatures-from early modern drama to contemporary American poetics-and a diverse range of special topics courses and graduate-level creative writing workshops in multiple genres with professional writers. Small in size, the MA program emphasizes a solid foundation in general literary studies that provides you with the broad knowledge of literary history. 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 creative writing or literature. Learn more at usd.edu/English.

DELIVERY: On campus

Master of Arts with Concurrent 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

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
605-658-6850 | english@usd.edu | usd.edu/english

Graduate Admissions
605-658-6140 | gradadmissions@usd.edu | usd.edu/grad