English Graduate Certificate
The online Graduate Certificate in English is designed to meet the needs of professional adults by giving them an opportunity to acquire an 18-hr certificate, a credential that provides candidates with qualifications needed to teach in a wide range of higher education settings.
Students completing the graduate certificate in English do not need to choose a concentration, which is required of the MA in English program. In addition, students only enrolled in the graduate certificate will not complete the graduate capstone series. Upon approval by the English department faculty, certificate students may choose to complete the additional coursework needed to meet the requirements of the MA English program.
Students who have successfully completed 6 hours of coursework in the graduate certificate program may apply to enter the MA in English program. Interested students should submit an internal application to the English department chair; the application should include a brief statement of purpose.
Certificate Program Goals
To accomplish the mission of the Department of English Language and Literature, students in the Graduate Certificate of English will be able to:
- read, write, and think critically on a professional level;
- demonstrate growth in content knowledge in English studies;
- demonstrate English-specific research methods;
- develop depth of pedagogy in teaching English at the higher education level
Program Requirements
Admission Requirements
- A BA or BS in English or an equivalent degree (from the Communications field, for example). Students without a bachelor’s degree in English or substantial undergraduate coursework in English will be evaluated on an individual basis. Typically, 12-15 hours of upper-level English coursework are expected to be completed before admission;
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for all work completed beyond high school;
- No standardized test score is required;
- Three professional recommendations from persons who can attest to the applicant’s academic potential and suitability to pursue a Graduate Certificate in English as well as the student’s ability to complete graduate-level work;
- A clear and well-written 250-word statement of purpose, explaining the student’s objectives and purpose for pursuing a Graduate Certificate in English.
Course Requirements (18 hours)