Degree Requirements
M.A. English Degree Requirements
Candidates for the general master's degree in English must complete 33 credits, taking eight courses in at least five of six areas with a minimum of three courses in one area of specialization selected with the help of an advisor.
- Area 1 Literature Before 1500: ENGL 7101, 7102, 7103, 7120, 7130
- Area 2 Literature From 1500–1800: ENGL 7201, 7202, 7205, 7206, 7203, 7204, 7220, 7230
- Area 3 Literature From 1800–1900: ENGL 7301, 7302, 7303, 7304, 7305, 7320, 7330
- Area 4 Literature From 1900–the Present: ENGL 7401, 7402, 7403, 7404, 7405, 7406, 7420, 7430
- Area 5 Theory and Criticism: ENGL 7501, 7502, 7503, 7504, 7505, 7506, 7507, 7508, 7520
- Area 6 Language: ENGL 7601, 7602, 7603, 7604, 7605, 7620
In addition, degree candidates must take three required courses: English 7501: Introduction to Critical Theory, which students must pass with a grade of B or better within the first two semesters; English 7800: Introduction to Literary Research, which is taken in the penultimate semester; and English 7810: Thesis Project, typically taken in the final semester. Candidates must also certify their ability to read a foreign language and complete a thesis, an analytical paper of approximately 30 to 50 pages.
M.A. English Teacher Degree Requirements
Thirty to 46 credits are required for the degree. Students must complete 18 credits in courses in English. Students enroll in the appropriate course of studies listed below (Option A or B or C) based upon teaching experience, previous course work, and the teaching certificates they hold. Candidates for the M.A. English Teacher must pass a Comprehensive Exam administered by the English Department.
Option A: 30 credits
Students who possess Initial Certification in teaching English or equivalent course work and teaching experience must complete the following courses in English: English 7011 and English 7010. In addition, students must complete a course in four of the six areas of study listed under the M.A. in English above, as follows: three courses from areas 1 to 5 and one course from Area 6.
Option B: 46 credits
Students who do not possess Initial Certification in teaching English or equivalent course work and teaching experience must complete the following courses in English: English 7011, English 7010, and English 7507. In addition, and with advisement from the chair or graduate deputy of the English Department, students must complete a course in three of the six areas of study listed under the M.A. in English in the Bulletin, as follows: two courses from areas 1 to 4 and one course from Area 6.
Option C: 36 credits (Teaching Fellows)
Students who are teaching or have secured a position teaching English and who are pursuing an Alt B Certificate (Option C, above) must complete the following courses in English: English 7011, English 7010, and English 7507. In addition, and with advisement from the chair or graduate deputy of the English Department, students must complete a course in three of the six areas of study listed under the M.A. in English in the Bulletin, as follows: two courses from areas 1 to 4 and one course from Area 6.
Students take different secondary education courses depending on their previous course work, teaching experience, and the certificates they hold. Consult the English Education M.A. degree requirements or contact the Secondary Education Department at 718.951.4800. The Brooklyn College Educator Certification website has additional information.
