To satisfy the requirements for the Master’s, students must complete a minimum of 30 credits, including successful completion of a thesis or an oral/written field examination.  Students are expected to take at least one course in American literature before 1900 and another in British literature before 1800.  An average grade of at least “B” must be maintained to remain in the program. Students usually complete the curriculum in two years, taking two or three courses each semester, but may pursue their studies on a part-time basis, in which case they are allowed a period of six years to earn the degree.

Course work provides the critical base and broad range of study in a variety of areas, and the thesis or field exam provides focus within a particular field.  The thesis provides an opportunity for sustained critical examination of a work, author or topic, while the field examination is taken on a list of works compiled in consultation with the student’s advisor to provide coverage and a reasonable degree of focus within a field of the student’s own definition.

At all stages, the program is deeply committed to the individual student’s development and maturation as a literary scholar.  Before entering each student is assigned an advisor who will assist in planning the individual course of study.  After successful completion of nine credits, the student may request an advisor with particular expertise in the student’s area of interest.