About the Program
Carleton's MA in English literature offers students the opportunity to explore the challenges and rewards of graduate school in a collegial and stimulating environment. The program effectively prepares students for the doctorate in English literature and may serve as a conduit to our own PhD in the Production of Literature, which concentrates on the production, circulation, and reception of texts in their institutional, technological, and discursive contexts. For those who do not want to pursue a PhD, the MA degree gives a competitive edge in the job market, whether in business, government, or the non-profit sector—in areas as diverse as publishing, human resources, communications, public relations, and marketing. Students with an MA also have an academic advantage when applying for professional qualifications and training in teaching, journalism, law, and library sciences.
Academic Regulations
- See the General Regulations section of this Calendar.
- A standing of B- or better must be obtained in each credit counted towards the master's degree.
Admission Requirements
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The minimum admission requirement for the master's program is a B.A. (Honours) (or the equivalent) in English language and literature, with at least a high honours standing (normally B+ or better).
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Possession of the minimum entrance standing is not in itself, however, an assurance of admission into the program.
- Qualifying-Year Program - Applicants who hold a general (3-year) B.A. degree with at least a high honours standing (normally B+), with a major in English language and literature, may be admitted to the qualifying-year program. Normally, these students will be required to complete 4.0 or 5.0 credits in English, as determined by the department, and to maintain a high honours standing (normally B+) before being considered for admission into the master's program. For more information regarding the qualifying year, see the General Regulations section of this Calendar.
Program Requirements
Each candidate will select one of the following program patterns:
- 2.0 credits in English, selected from those at the 5000-level (excluding ENGL 5908), plus ENG 5005, and a master's thesis; an oral examination on the thesis will be required. A prospectus for the thesis must be submitted to the graduate committee by December 1 after registration in September, or at the end of three months for any other registration, or
- 3.0 credits in English selected from those at the 5000-level (excluding ENGL 5909), plus ENGL 5005, and a research essay; an oral examination on the research essay may be required, or
- 4.0 credits in English selected from those at the 5000-level (excluding ENGL 5908 and ENGL 5909), plus ENGL 5005.
Each program is designed to be completed within the three-term academic year. Each program is of equal status.
Guidelines for Completion of Master's Degree
Full-time master's candidates are expected to complete all requirements in twelve months or three terms of registered full-time study. Part-time master's candidates are expected to complete their degree requirements within an elapsed period of six calendar years after the date of initial registration.
