Accelerated Combined Degrees
This accelerated combined degree program allows students to complete two degrees in just five academic years. Students can choose one of the following specializations:
- BA in English + MA in English with a Literature Specialization
Students receive the same benefits of both curriculums and move seamlessly from the undergraduate program to graduate studies. You will save time and money, as well as jump-start your career.
Admission Requirements
SIUE undergraduate students who meet the following criteria are encouraged to apply:
- Major in English
- Maintain a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA
- Be within 32 credit hours of bachelor's degree completion at intended entry term
How to Apply
- Consult with your academic advisor and/or the Graduate Program Director of your program of interest to discuss which graduate-level courses are appropriate for you to enroll in if you are accepted to the program.
- Submit a graduate admission application to the program following the student instructions.
- Select the "SIUE Undergraduate to Graduate Student" option from the student type list within the application.
- Complete the Plan of Study information detailing which graduate courses you plan to take and the semesters you plan to take them.
- Enter your undergraduate academic advisor's name and email address within the recommendation requirement so they can review your Plan of Study.
Sample Curriculum - English Literature
The accelerated master's in English with a literature specialization requires that students complete six credit hours of approved graduate courses during the undergraduate senior year. These credit hours are shared and apply to both the BA in English and the MA in English with a literature specialization.
During your senior year, choose six credit hours from the following electives which count toward both degrees:
- ENG 403 History of the English Language
- ENG 404 Chaucer: Canterbury Tales
- ENG 420 Topics in Film Studies
- ENG 446 Studies in African-American Literature
- ENG 457 Topics in Postcolonial Literature and Criticism
- ENG 463 Topics in Literary Periods
- ENG 464 Topics in Forms and Genres
- ENG 471 Shakespeare
- ENG 473 Milton
- ENG 477 Morrison
- ENG 478 Studies in Women, Language and Literature
- ENG 479 Major Authors: Shared Traditions
- ENG 480 Major Authors: Crossing Boundaries
- ENG 482 Technology and Literature
- ENG 496 Scholarly and Critical Editing
Senior Year (Fall Semester)
(3) ENG - Language Systems
(3) ENG 400-level Literature Elective - shared credit
(3) Minor Coursework
(3) Elective
12 Total Credits
Senior Year (Spring Semester)
(3) ENG 497A English Senior Seminar
(3) ENG 400-level Literature Elective - shared credit
(3) Elective
(3) Elective
12 Total Credits
Graduate Year (Summer Term)
(3) ENG 4xx/5xx Grad Literature or English Elective
(3) ENG 5xx Grad Literature or English Elective
6 Total Credits
Graduate Year (Fall Semester)
(3) ENG 501 Modern Literary Studies
(3) ENG 5xx Grad Literature
(3) ENG 5xx Grad Literature or English Elective
9 Total Credits
Graduate Year (Spring Semester)
(3) ENG 502 Modern Literary Theory
(3) ENG 5xx Grad Literature
(3) ENG 5xx Preparatory Reading - Exit Project
9 Total Credits
See the graduate catalog for English language and literature (ENG) course descriptions.
Retention Requirements
Minimum GPA of 3.0 is required in all graduate coursework.
Please review the academic policy for program requirements and restrictions.
