This 37 credit program is designed for international and U.S. students wanting to develop their understanding and skills related to the English language, English literature, and English communication. The program has three primary goals: to develop (1) a deeper understanding of and proficiency in the English language through the studies of the history of English, American literature, and cultures of writing; (2) written and oral English language communication skills; and (3) an appreciation of American literary and cultural traditions. This program may be particularly useful for:
- Current English teachers in the USA and foreign countries who want to elevate their overall English language and literature skills for the purpose of teaching English;
- English majors in other countries who want to improve their general proficiency in the English language for us in business or industry;
- International students with a bachelor's degree in a non-English major but who want to enhance their English verbal communication and writing skills;
- Those with a bachelor's degree in English who want to pursue Ph.D. study in English or the other humanities;
- Those wanting to prepare for teaching English abroad;
- Those wanting to obtain a general master's degree in the area of the humanities (e.g., for teaching at community colleges).
Why this program?
Special features make this program highly distinctive and attractive. For example, students:
- Become part of a strong cohort group with similar goals;
- May complete the program in 12 to 18 months ;
- May take an optional course in Professional & Career Development to prepare for a job search or doctoral study ;
- Gather bi-weekly at lunch to discuss issues related to their courses ;
- Take a practicum in order to refine English language, writing, and (when appropriate) teaching skills;
- May complete an optional certificate in Teaching of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), by completing 3 additional credits beyond the 37 required for the degree;
- Bring U.S. and international perspectives to the study of English;
- Pay a highly competitive tuition rate with no hidden costs.
Curriculum
| MA in English Studies & Communication |
37 credits
|
|
| General Requirements |
6 credits
|
|
| LS 610 |
Seminar in Humanities |
3 cr
|
| LS 640 |
Seminar in the Fine Arts |
3 cr
|
| Concentration |
25 credits
|
|
| COMM 645 |
Intercultural Communication |
3 cr
|
| ENGL 531 |
Advanced Composition |
3 cr
|
| ENGL 541 |
History of the English Language |
3 cr
|
| ENGL 601 |
New Literacies, Technologies, & Cultures of Writing |
3 cr
|
| ENGL 610 |
Topics in American Literature & Culture |
3 cr
|
| One course in Organizational Communication |
3 cr
|
|
| ENGL 685 |
Practicum in English |
3 cr
|
| ENGL 699 |
Seminar in English Communication (2 semesters) |
1 cr
|
| ENGL |
Any Graduate Writing Course |
3 cr
|
| Electives-select two from the following |
6 credits
|
|
| ENGL 568 |
TESOL: Theory & Methods I |
3 cr
|
| ENGL 569 |
TESOL: Theory & Methods II |
3 cr
|
| Electives as approved |
3 cr
|
|
Example Plan of Study
| Fall (August-December) | |
| New Literacies, Technologies & Cultures of Writing | Seminar in Humanities or Fine Arts |
| Advanced Composition | Seminar in English Communication |
| Spring (January-May) | |
| History of the English Language | Seminar in English Communication |
| Topics in American Literature & Culture | Elective |
| Summer I & II (May-August) | |
| Organizational Communication | Interpersonal & Intercultural Communication |
| Seminar in Fine Arts or Humanities | |
| Fall (August-December) | |
| Any Graduate Writing Course | COMM/ENGL |
| Practicum (e.g., Daily Writing or TESOL) | |
Criteria for Admission
Applicants must meet the admission requirements of the Graduate Division, which include:
- Valparaiso University Graduate Application form;
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of at least 550 (paper version), 230 (computer-based), or Internet Based Test (TOEFL iBT) score of at least 80; minimum IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score of 6; CET score of 6, or an INTERLINK Language Center Level 5, or the equivalent for non-native English speakers;
- Official transcripts of all prior undergraduate and graduate coursework. If you have received an undergraduate or graduate degree from Valparaiso University, you are not required to submit an official transcript from Valparaiso University;
- Two letters of recommendation submitted on their behalf;
- A reflective essay indicating the reasons for undertaking graduate study in English Studies & Communication;
- Application Fee: $30 for U.S. citizens and $50 for international applicants.
The MA in English Studies & Communication program features a continuous admission process, so application materials may be submitted at any time. Once received, the admission decision normally takes 2-3 weeks.
Financial Considerations
Students may be surprised to discover the affordable tuition rate at Valparaiso University. Tuition for the 2009-2010 academic year is $480 per credit hour, highly competitive for a private institution of recognized national quality. Students enrolled in graduate courses pay a $95 general fee each semester. Financial aid is available through direct and indirect student loans for students taking 6 credits or more during fall and spring semesters. Because most course offerings are scheduled for the evening, many students hold part- or full-time employment during their study.
For more information about the Master of Arts in English Studies and Communication program
To learn more about the Master of Arts in English Studies and Communication, visit their department website at http://www.valpo.edu/english/.
Interested students should request an application packet from the Office of Graduate Studies through our website or by e-mailing Graduate.Studies@valpo.edu.