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  /Division of Literature, Language, and Communication/Graduate Degree Programs/
  English Literature
Master's Degree


 
 
  • Program

  • Program Contacts

  • Career Opportunities

  • Curriculum

  • Campuses where program is offered

  • Frequently Asked Questions

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    Program:

    The Master of Arts in English Literature program provides a strong foundation for students interested in continuing towards a doctorate, pursuing a degree in creative writing, or teaching at the high school or college level.

    The MA in English also offers a "Four Plus One Program" for eligible English majors, giving them the opportunity to complete the undergraduate English program and a professional certificate in Education and English in conjunction with the MS in Education. Students may complete the program entirely online or on campus, on a full-time or part-time basis.

    The core course, Theory and Practice of Literary Criticism provides the critical structure for the period and genre courses, as well as the major author and special topics courses offered each semester. In addition, the program provides a required course in the Theory and Practice of Teaching Expository writing that is designed to prepare high school and college teachers of composition.

    "I think the Master of Arts in English at Mercy College offers a lot to the students. Not only did I begin teaching at the college level after finishing my degree, I have also decided to pursue my PhD and work toward attaining a full time professorship at a college or university. My entire career is now based on the fact that I hold a MA in English Literature from Mercy College."

    Regina McMenomy, '01

    "The graduate English program at Mercy enabled me to leave a series of unsatisfactory and unfulfilling jobs. I am currently teaching as an English adjunct at several colleges, Dutchess Community College and the Culinary Institute of America - and I now love going to work each day! Thank you."

    Jennifer McMillan, '04

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    Program Contacts:

    Joel N. Feimer, PhD
    Program Director
    jfeimer@mercy.edu
    Telephone: 914-245-6100 ext. 2235

     

    David Kilpatrick, PhD
    Professor
    dkilpatrick@mercy.edu
    Telephone: 914-674-7355

     

    Sean Dugan, EdD
    Chair, Division of Literature, Language and Communication
    sdugan@mercy.edu
    Telephone: 914-674-7353

    "The Master of Arts in English program at Mercy definitely exceeded all of my personal expectations. All of the courses I took online were extremely well taught, and the instructors were able to give the students personal attention, understanding, and individual insight because the courses weren't overcrowded. As demanding as the program was at times, every attempt by the instructors, my advisor, and my mentor helped me to achieve my personal goals in the program."

    Jennifer Estrella, '05 (First Online Graduate)

    "I can honestly say that a chance decision to go to a Graduate Open House held at the Dobbs Ferry campus and then a subsequent meeting with Dr. Feimer led me to enroll in the Master's Program. The Graduate Program in English Literature gave me the opportunity to pursue my interests, broaden my knowledge, and challenge my intellect."

    Alexis Chapin Downs, '05

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    Career Opportunities:

    Graduates of the program can follow careers that include teaching at the high school or college level, publishing, editing, advertising, technical writing, journalism and media, and pursuit of a doctorate.

    "I'm so glad to have been a part of The Masters of Arts in English program at Mercy. It's an excellent, challenging, and demanding program. What make this program are the professors who not only have a love of the subject that they teach, but also a love for teaching others."

    Benjamin Bloom, '04

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    Curriculum:

    The curriculum is designed to integrate critical theory, period courses such as Medieval Themes and Genres, Humanism in Renaissance Texts, Reason and Imagination, Modernism, and Search for identity in American Literature, with genre courses in Drama, the Novel, Poetic Forms (sonnet, ode, etc.), and the Essay in combination with a practicum in teaching expository writing.

    Mercy's MA in English is a tightly coordinated curriculum in which courses support and enhance each other. It is designed to provide the best coverage of content in most efficient manner. Its flexible delivery system, on site and/or online, addresses students' scheduling needs, maximizing their use of time. Standard courses listed in the catalogue are augmented by additional studies in major authors such as Chaucer, Shakespeare and Milton, and special topics such as Colonial Literature, Science Fiction and Political Fiction.

    For the complete course curriculum click here.

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    Campuses where program is offered:

    Dobbs Ferry, Yorktown Heights and entirely online

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    Frequently Asked Questions:

    What is the first step in the admissions process and when can I apply to the MA in English Program?
    Apply online or call 1-800-MERCY NY to apply for admission to Mercy College and arrange for an appointment with an Admissions Counselor. Students may start during the fall, spring and summer sessions.

    What type of preparation is necessary to begin this program?
    The curriculum is academically rigorous. A major in English or a comparable field such as foreign language, history or political science, or the minimum of several major courses in English literature beyond the general Composition and Literature courses, are required.

    Does Mercy accept credits in transfer?
    Yes, up to six credits in graduate English.

    Must I take the GRE?
    Prospective students are asked to take the subject test in Literature only. There is no set score that a student must achieve. Students take it as they enter the program to establish a benchmark and then as they exit to assess their progress.

    Some of the courses are offered in blended format. What is a blended course?
    A blended course is offered at two venues simultaneously, usually online and at one of the two sites, Dobbs Ferry or Yorktown at which the program is offered. Online students don't have to attend on site. On site students sometimes find it convenient to join the discussion online. Blended courses provide a way of ensuring flexibility and variety of the course offerings and schedules in the program.

    "I thoroughly enjoyed the program. The small class sizes were reassuring and inviting. In addition to the excellent classes, I enjoyed the benefit of professors who were willing to help me to succeed. That personal touch made all the difference to me academically. It encouraged me and reassured me that I could do it."

    Deyon Amato, '05

    "Joining and completing the Master of Arts in English at Mercy College is without doubt one of the most important events in my life. Learning from and studying with people who love the subject matter for its intrinsic values and, at the same time, being intellectually challenged every single day has changed my life. Thank you."

    Mark Burger, '05

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