English
(Master of Arts)

The Saint Rose master's program in English features small, seminar-style classes that provide a place for informed discussions about writers and texts, and foster collaboration among students and teachers. Our 18-credit core encourages exploration of traditionally studied and newer or previously overlooked writers and texts written in English, literary and creative theory, and writing. Students also complete an 18-credit concentration in either literature or writing. Depending on which concentration they choose, students complete an advanced project either in
literary research, theory, and analysis or in writing theory and practice.

The Saint Rose Difference
Our M.A. in English is unique in its combination of the best elements of literary study within the liberal arts tradition with additional emphases on the process of writing (including creative writing), the study of criticism and theory, and the exploration of an expanding literary canon. Students who choose to concentrate on literary study will have the opporunity to expand their expertise in professional and creative writing. Students who wish to develop as creative writers will benefit from our conviction that the study of a wide range of literary texts and theories enhances their writing.

Research and writing are at the forefront of the Saint Rose English master's curriculum. Students progress toward the professional level in their research and writing in a challenging, but supportive atmosphere. All English classes include a research component and many students have presented at conferences or published papers they produced in class. Recently, students have made presentations at conferences sponsored by the New York College English Association, the American Conference for Irish Studies, the New York Asian American Conference, and Research New York 2002. In addition, students have published in literary and creative journals of poetry, fiction, and literary criticism, and books.

The College's location in New York state's capital city offers a plethora of cultural and literary opportunities for students. The New York State Writer's Institute offers many opportunities to attend readings and lectures by professional writers and critics.

Advanced Project
When students are accepted to the English master's program, they select (for the duration of their study) a concentration in literature or writing. Our literary offerings encourage a wide variety of critical approaches to literature, and explore the interconnectedness among literatures and social, cultural, and political histories. Theory courses explore current topics in literary and cultural theory, as well as ground students in the conceptual understandings that theory brings to the study of literature. Writing courses emphasize the theory and practice of writing in a wide range of genres, including fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, playscript writing, and composition theory. Apprentice writers benefit from being in a group of other interested writers who give them feedback and from having as teachers professional writers who can introduce them to the publishing arena.

Students are required to complete a three-credit advanced project in their concentration within the last 15 credits of the coursework. Two faculty members mentor each student during the project. Students also are encouraged—but not required—to complete a three-credit thesis in their concentration. Those students concentrating in literature must research and write a publishable piece of literary theory and analysis. Those pursuing a writing concentration are required to complete an advanced writing project in fiction, poetry, playscript writing, creative nonfiction, or composition theory.

Visiting Scholar/Writer Series
Each year, the English Department Visiting Scholar/ Writer Series hosts a scholar or professional writer who gives a public lecture or reading on-campus, and interacts with students in English graduate classes. Visiting scholars have included Chaucer scholar Vincent DeMarco; literary and social theorist Susan Bordo; and creative nonfiction writers Michael Martone and Kevin Oderman.

Career Opportunities
Students who pursue advanced study in English at The College of Saint Rose develop mature and sophisticated skills that prepare them for a variety of careers and for further study in doctoral programs. Graduates of this program are qualified to teach English at the middle or high school level; instruct in English, humanities, general education, or creative writing departments at two-year colleges; apply for positions as academic or corporate administrators or writing center directors; write for public relations offices, corporate or nonprofit Web sites, or on a freelance basis; research and write grants; and serve as editors at publishing houses. After completing the master's degree in English, students who are already employed find that they are able to advance in their current positions, gain a salary increase, or become qualified for careers in public, academic, or corporate administration.

Certification
Students who are provisionally certified to teach English at the secondary level (grades 7-12) may use this degree to fulfill the academic requirements for permanent certification in New York state. Students who wish to combine a master's in English with preparation for provisional/initial certification in secondary education should consult with the dean's office in the School of Education and notify the English Graduate Coordinator when registering.

Facilities
The College's Neil Hellman Library is an excellent resource for student research. Staffed by expert and helpful reference librarians, the Library offers excellent electronic resources, efficient and accessible inter-library loan services, and a solid collection of materials for literary study.

Deadlines:
While Saint Rose Graduate School applications may be obtained from Graduate and Continuing Education Admissions, we encourage applicants to use our convenient
online application.

June 1:
Preferred Deadline for Fall Admission

October 15:
Preferred Deadline for Spring Admission

March 15:
Preferred Deadline for Summer Admission

There is no guarantee that applications received after deadlines can be reviewed in a timely enough manner to ensure matriculation and registration for the upcoming term.

Financial Aid Opportunities The College of Saint Rose offers a variety of academic and some need-based scholarships for graduate students. Interested students should contact Graduate and Continuing Education Admissions for specific details. Academic, Cultural Diversity & International Scholarships Application deadline: June 30 for Fall October 30 for Spring Graduate Assistantships Application deadline: June 1 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Application deadline: May 1 Deferred Payment Plan Employer Assistance Internship in Special Education A full-year paid internship opportunity is available for those applicants who possess provisional or initial certification in elementary, secondary, or special education. We understand that earning an advanced degree is a serious investment. That's why we invite you to tour our campus and speak with an admissions counselor.

• A completed Saint Rose Graduate School Application;
• A baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution;
• Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended;
• Applicants must have at least 24 undergraduate credits in English (with an emphasis on literature; an average of at least 3.2 in these courses; and an overall average of at least 3.0;
• A writing sample, consisting of a documented literary research paper of five to 10 pages in length; and
• International students must submit transcripts translated into English by their college/ university or a professional independent evaluator, a copy and translation of the original diploma, and a minimum score of 550 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).