Master of Arts in the Field of English

GW's master of arts in English is ideal for students interested in deepening their knowledge of Anglophone literature while sharpening their skills in close reading and incisive writing. The program offers comprehensive training in critical theory as well as literary and cultural studies, exposing students to a diversity of texts within a global and transnational context.

A large faculty serves a small student body to allow for close interaction and mentoring at every stage of graduate study. Students are immersed in the cultural and literary opportunities that the nation's capital has to offer, from internships with institutions like the Folger Shakespeare Library to research opportunities at the museums of the Smithsonian Institution.

Over the course of the two-year program, students develop relationships with fellow students and faculty mentors. They also have the option to pursue a thesis or non-thesis track, depending on their interests and professional goals. All students are invited to follow engaging department seminars on a wide array of topics, as well as take courses through the Washington Metropolitan Area Consortium of Universities.

Visit the program website for additional information.
 

Visit the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences website for application requirements.

Supporting documents not submitted online should be mailed to:

Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, Office of Graduate Studies
The George Washington University
801 22nd Street NW, Phillips Hall 107
Washington DC 20052

For additional information about the admissions process visit the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences Frequently Asked Questions page.

Contact for questions:

askccas@gwu.edu
202-994-6210 (phone)
Hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday

This Bulletin covers the degree requirements for students matriculating in the current academic year. Students who matriculated before the current year can find their requirements in the relevant archived Bulletin.

The following requirements must be fulfilled:

The general requirements stated under Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, Graduate Programs.

N​on-thesis option—30 credits in required courses and a final master’s portfolio; thesis option—30 credits, including 24 credits in required courses and 6 credits of thesis.  

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
Required
ENGL 6100	Introduction to Literary Theory
For students pursuing the thesis option only
ENGL 6999	Thesis Research (repeated for total of 6 credits)
The remainder of the program is developed in consultation with the departmental advisor.

Students must maintain a minimum grade-point average of 3.25.