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Graduate English

Available Programs 

New Graduate Pic

 

WCU's English Studies graduate programs serve aspiring scholars who wish to become college instructors, professionals who need to develop their skills as writers and editors and teachers who wish to expand their portfolios. Classes are offered at both the main campus in Cullowhee and in Asheville at WCU's Biltmore Park facility. The English Studies Department offers the following graduate degrees:

Guiding the way is our experienced, dedicated faculty, many of whom have followed this same path and made their mark as successful professionals and award-winning authors and scholars. Our graduate classes are taught by full-time professors with terminal degrees—acclaimed experts.

Graduate Scholarships

We are excited to announce that our Master of Arts in English program has new graduate tuition scholarships to award - $5,000 per year for two years.

Interested students should contact the Graduate Program Director and apply at gradapply.wcu.edu.

Admission Requirements

  • An average grade of B or higher in upper-level undergraduate courses in the major
  • Writing sample
  • Two letters of recommendation addressing the applicant's aptitude for graduate study, preferably from former professors
  • GRE General Exam is optional
  • For the MAEd, a personal interview may be requested
  • For the MAEd, applicants must hold or be eligible for the North Carolina "A" license in this field

An ideal writing sample should be eight double-spaced pages or more in length; it should employ MLA or APA documentation and use appropriate secondary sources; and it should demonstrate the applicant’s ability to analyze a subject and construct a clear argument. It will be evaluated on the basis of content, rigor, depth, and style. This type of essay is typically produced in senior-level English classes. Other writing samples will be considered.

The Graduate School at WCU accepts student applications throughout the year. It is recommended that applicants submit a completed application and all supporting materials at least four weeks prior to the start of the first term. Nevertheless, it is best to apply early because limited seats are available each semester. Learn more about Graduate School Admission requirements.

Graduate Assistantships

The Department offers support to many of our graduate students in the form of assistantships. For best consideration, submit materials by early February for the following fall term; assistantships may be available at other times.

GAs and WaLC

Because the best way to learn is to teach, especially in one-on-one and small group settings, our first-year Graduate Assistants work in the Writing and Learning Commons (WaLC), which offers free tutoring in writing to all students, for any class, and at any stage of the writing process.

After all, discussing paper topics, practicing revision strategies, and seeing students succeed because of our help is what we are all about! Learn more about WaLC

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