English

English

Chair: John P Hanly, Department of English
Director of First Year Composition: Courtney Werner
Undergraduate Program Coordinator: Sue Starke
Graduate Program Directors: Mihaela Moscaliuc and Alex Gilvarry (M.F.A. in Creative Writing)

Master of Arts in English (M.A.) Creative Writing

The Master of Arts in English is a flexible program that allows various types of students to pursue a course of study meeting their own interests and goals. For those interested in the challenge of graduate study and considering going on to an MFA or PhD program at another institution, the courses at Monmouth provide a broad education in English literature, creative writing, and rhetoric, and a sound foundation for further graduate study. Secondary school teachers can fulfill their continuing education requirement and accrue credits toward salary increases by taking courses in the program. Those interested in personal enrichment or career advancement will find that the program requirements improve creative and critical thinking abilities along with reading, speaking, and writing skills. The curriculum, appropriate for recent college graduates as well as returning students, is designed to allow students to finish the degree in two to two-and-a-half years by taking two to three courses per semester, with the additional option of summer study. Part-time students are also welcome to attend. Course offerings allow students to take courses in a variety of fields to obtain a broad knowledge of literature in English or to focus on areas of specific interest.

Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.)

Every writer has a story to tell—at Monmouth, we give you the tools to bring it to life. With our full-residency 48-credit M.A./M.F.A. dual degree program in Creative Writing, you will prepare for your dream career in the literary world by training directly with published, award-winning faculty. Through flexible course offerings, you can choose to study fiction, nonfiction, and poetry as desired, and may also pursue interests in crime novels, thrillers, romance, fantasy, and more.

Our intensive and pragmatic program gives you an advantage over your peers by focusing on developing your craft, your network, and your resume. After completing their M.A. in English with a Creative Writing concentration, Monmouth’s M.F.A. students will immerse themselves in an additional 18 credits of intensive creative writing study that includes the completion of a book-length Creative Thesis. Students will also benefit from personalized learning, advanced craft seminars, networking opportunities, and rigorous career preparation, including an internship program and the opportunity to gain teaching experience by working as an adjunct professor during the program.

You are eligible to participate in the M.F.A. program if you have obtained a Master of Arts (M.A.) in English from Monmouth University and demonstrate a proficiency for creative writing through a thesis or equivalent work.

Graduate Creative Writing Certificate

This is an 18-credit graduate certificate is designed to provide alumni and other English, non-creative writing students with a way to transition to the M.F.A. in Creating Writing program.