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 cliterary studies: creative writing or literary studies: critical. Current USD undergraduate students may choose from an accelerated degree option. Learn more at https://www.usd.edu/Academics/Graduate-Programs/English-MA.
DELIVERY: On campus
Accelerated Master’s Program: B.A. or B.S. with M.A. (Literary Studies: Critical only-non-thesis only)
Up to 12 graduate credits applied toward the B.A. program may be used to satisfy graduate credit. The following restrictions apply:
- Dual-listed courses taken at the 500-level can be applied to both the B.A./B.S. and M.A. degrees. Dual-listed courses must be taken at the 500-level.
- Courses taken at the 700-level can be applied to both the B.A./B.S. and M.A. degrees.
- The student must apply to, and be admitted to, the accelerated program prior to taking courses to be credited toward the accelerated program.
- No courses taken prior to admission to the accelerated program may be counted toward an accelerated graduate degree. No exceptions to this policy will be approved.
- Only courses taken at the student’s home institution are eligible for dual credit. No transferred courses from other institutions will be allowed to count toward the accelerated master’s degree.
Sample program (4+1 English MA degree with Literary Studies: Critical non-thesis only):
Junior/Senior Year
4 courses at 500-level or 700-level = 12 credits
Fifth Year
6 courses at 500-level or 700-level = 18 credits
Total = 30 credits
Master of Arts with Concurrent Juris Doctor, English (thesis)
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.
Location Matters for Non-Licensure Track Programs
This program is not designed or advertised to lead to a professional license or certification required for employment.
USD is permitted to operate under the terms of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (NC-SARA) policies and standards in offering online courses/degree programs to residents in 49 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Online courses/programs may also be offered to residents of California (a non-SARA state) because it does not regulate out-of-state public institutions.
Additionally, this program is authorized to offer supervised field study experiences (internship, externship, clinical, rotation, practicum, independent study, study away, etc.) in South Dakota. Please be aware that there may be some restrictions on your ability to engage in supervised field study outside of South Dakota. Please contact a program representative if you have questions regarding supervised field study.
Distance education courses or programs will not be offered outside of the United States without prior written approval from the University, which may be withheld for any reason. If you are taking distance courses while physically located outside of the United States, it is your responsibility to confirm the following: (a) if the country will recognize an online degree; (b) the availability of supervised field study opportunities in the country; and (c) if the country charges any additional taxes, withholdings or fees associated with online distance education programs.
For more information, please visit USD’s State Authorization page or contact your admissions counselor.
