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The Graduate School

English (M.A.)

The Master of Arts in English at the University of North Florida invites students to deepen their engagement with language, literature, and critical thought. Designed for those passionate about reading, writing, and analysis, the program offers a flexible and intellectually rich environment that prepares graduates for a diverse range of careers in education, writing, publishing, and advanced graduate studies.

Story to Strategy

From narrative analysis to persuasive writing, students gain the tools to turn deep reading and clear thinking into meaningful impact across careers in teaching, writing, policy, and beyond.

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Program Overview

The Master of Arts in English at the College of Arts and Sciences offers a comprehensive study of literature, language, and writing, designed to develop advanced critical thinking and communication skills. The program provides a flexible curriculum that enables students to explore a diverse range of literary traditions, theoretical frameworks, and writing practices.

Ideal for those pursuing careers in education, writing, publishing, or further graduate study, the program emphasizes small, seminar-style classes and close faculty mentorship. Students engage deeply with texts, enhance their research abilities, and refine their writing across multiple genres, preparing them for professional success and intellectual growth.

Concentrations

The English (MA) program offers optional concentrations in:

  • Composition and Rhetoric
  • Creative Writing 

Composition and Rhetoric

The program's concentration in Rhetoric and Composition offers students optional instruction that enhances their qualifications for teaching writing in high schools and community colleges. The program also recommends this concentration for students interested in pursuing careers as technical writers, editors, or Internet publishers.

Creative Writing

 Graduate students concentrating in Creative Writing develop their craft while deepening their understanding of literary genres and traditions. Dynamic workshops, independent studies, and special topic offerings explore techniques and trends in the contemporary literary writing environment. Alongside courses that delve into influential authors and literary movements, graduate work in Creative Writing provides students with dedicated time to experiment with forms, hone editorial skills, and work closely with faculty actively engaged in the writing world so that each student can master form, style, and voice.

Program Contact

Dr. Betsy Nies

Graduate Program Director
College of Arts and Sciences

Program At-a-Glance

Delivery: Standard (in-person)
Credit hours: 33 (all options)
Graduate Cost Calculator
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Application Deadlines

Deadlines may vary for specific programs and are subject to change.

International Applicant Deadlines

International Applicant Deadlines

  • Fall: June 1
  • Spring: October 1

These deadlines are for international students who are required to submit documents for immigration processing. While not mandatory, applicants are encouraged to submit all documents for immigration by these dates to ensure timely visa processing.

  • Fall: August 1
  • Spring: December 1
  • Summer: April 15

Graduate Cost Calculator

Use this calculator to estimate the cost of tuition and fees for a graduate program.

This is only an estimation. Additional fees may apply.


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Select the appropriate rate and residency classification. Please note: The exclusive tuition rate is only available to eligible students.

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Admissions Requirements

The below Program Requirements, University Requirements, and International Applicant Requirements*, if applicable, must be submitted no later than the deadline posted above. Incomplete applications or those with required materials post-marked after the deadline are subject to cancellation. Once an application has been canceled, the decision cannot be reversed.

*International students must be fully admitted to a full-time, on-campus, in-person, degree-seeking program at the University of North Florida. Please contact the International Center for more information.

  • University Requirements

    University Requirements

    Application and Fee

    Prospective students are required to use our online system to create an account and submit an application. The application opens approximately one year in advance and is only good for the term and program in which it is submitted. Applicants who have submitted their application and wish to change their admission term or major/concentration may submit a new application and associated application fee. If you would like to cancel an open application, please contact us.

    A $30 (USD) application fee is required regardless of previous enrollment. The application fee is non-refundable and cannot be waived. Undergraduate application fees cannot be used for a graduate application, and vise versa. The application fee must be submitted prior to the review of an application.

    Current students who would like to add or change a major, concentration or certificate should submit the Change of Concentration or Major form.

    College Transcripts

    All applicants must provide transcripts from a U.S. institution accredited by an accepted institutional accreditor or its equivalent from a non-US institution that awarded the bachelor’s degree and master’s degree, if applicable, and transcripts from institutions where any post-baccalaureate and/or graduate credits were earned.

    All admits must provide official transcripts.

    All international transcripts will require a course-by-course evaluation by an approved third-party credential evaluation agency unless a graduate program has established an alternative credential evaluation procedure that is approved by the graduate school. To be accepted, the evaluation must be:

    1. Translated to English and be the U.S. equivalent
    2. Evaluated course-by-course
    3. Include the overall academic GPA
    4. Be from an approved third-party accredited evaluation service. Recommended evaluation agencies: 

    Important Notes

    • The UNF Graduate School cannot request transcripts on an applicants behalf.
    • Unofficial transcript copies are accepted for admissions but must clearly state the institution name, student name, course information, terms, grades, and credits. Degree audits are not accepted. Admitted students will be prompted to provide official transcripts. 
    • If currently enrolled in courses, an incomplete transcript must be submitted before the posted deadline. 
    • Applicants who also have to apply through systems such as ATCAS or PTCAS, must submit separate transcripts to UNF. 
    • Official transcripts must:
      • Must be less than one year old from the date of printing
      • Must be submitted in a sealed envelope from your institution, or emailed through official electronic means.
    • When requesting college transcripts, please verify with your institution(s) whether or not they are able to submit electronic transcripts in the proper EDI format. Institutions can submit transcripts via e-mail to graduateschool@unf.edu from an approved vendor such as ScriptSafe, Credentials, or Parchment. 
    • Former or current UNF students should not request UNF transcripts. After application submission, the UNF requirement will be updated to a "waived" status.

    Where do I send transcripts and test scores?

    Mail

    UNF Graduate School
    1 UNF Drive
    Jacksonville, FL 32224

    Email

    graduateschool@unf.edu

    Test Score Institutional Codes

    GRE: institutional code 5490
    GMAT: institutional code CF3QB51

  • Program Specific Requirements

    Program Requirements

    Specific Requirements

    • Writing sample
      • 4-7 pages of literary criticism or composition or rhetorical analysis (not creative writing or personal essay)
      • Paper written for an undergraduate literature class is appropriate
    • BA in English or related field
    • Course in literary criticism (such as ENG 4013 or 4014) with a grade of B or higher
      • Applicants who lack such a course but who otherwise fulfill the admissions requirements may take ENG 4013 or 4014 as part of the admissions process (while not required, LIT 3213 The Art of Critical Reading is recommended)

    Program Requirements

    Applicants must have a BA in English or a related field with a 3.0 GPA in upper level courses. Applicants must also have completed a course in literary criticism with a grade of B or higher.

  • International Applicant Requirements