To earn an MA in English at Sam Houston State University, a student completes thirty-six hours of class credit and fulfills Course Block requirements. All students take ENG 697, Methods of Research and Bibliography, at the first opportunity. All students sit for a Written Comprehensive Examination and an Oral Examination.

A Master’s student follows one of two degree plans. After completing twelve-fifteen hours of coursework, including ENG 697, the student files a declaration of major form announcing which of the two plans she or he will pursue. See Declaration of Major.    

Master of Arts Plan I

A. Non-Thesis, Non-Creative Writing Emphasis:

English 697 (first long term): 3 hours
Courses in five blocks: 15 hours
Electives: 18 hours

Comprehensive Written Examination
Comprehensive Oral Examination

B. Thesis Option:

English 697 (first long term): 3 hours
Courses in five blocks: 15 hours
Electives: 12 hours
Thesis (English 698 + English 699): 6 hours

Comprehensive Written Examination
Oral Defense of Thesis

C. Creative Writing Emphasis:

English 697 (first long term): 3 hours
Block I class: 3 hours
Block III class: 3 hours
Block IV class: 3 hours
Block V class: 3 hours
Two creative writing workshops (one of which satisfies
the Block II requirement): 6 hours
At least one Texas Review Press internship: 3 hours
Electives: 6 hours
Creative thesis (English 698 + English 699): 6 hours

Comprehensive Written Examination
Oral Defense of Thesis

Master of Arts Plan II

Under this plan, a student takes a twenty-four-hour English major and a twelve-hour minor in another graduate field; the minor should complement the English major. A student working under Plan II does not have the option of writing a thesis.

Graduate English Major:

English 697 (first long term): 3 hours
Block I class: 3 hours
Electives (in at least three different blocks): 18 hours

Graduate Minor:

Courses in minor field: 12 hours

Comprehensive Written Examination in English
Comprehensive Oral Examination in English