Frequently Asked Questions: MA/PhD programs
- How long are the Master of Arts programs?
- Do you offer a PhD minor in creative writing?
- I want a Master's degree in English to teach high school. Which program is right for me?
- How long does it usually take to complete a PhD in Literary Studies?
- How long does it usually take to complete a PhD in Composition and Rhetoric?
- How long does it usually take to complete a PhD in English Language and Linguistics?
- How long does it take to complete an MFA in Creative Writing?
- Can I get a PhD in creative writing or creative nonfiction?
- How much does graduate school cost?
- When does the semester start?
- How might I arrange to visit the English Department?
- May I audit graduate English classes?
- Can I work on my graduate degree part-time?
- Are classes held only during the day, or are there night and evening classes?
- Does the Graduate English Division offer any online courses?
- May I transfer credits I have earned from other graduate work?
- If I have an MA from another program or school, can I apply for admission into the program? At what level?
- How can I get more information about applying to graduate school in English?
How long are the Master of Arts programs?
The Program in Literary Studies is a doctoral program. As such, it does not offer a terminal MA. However, a student who passes the first year's coursework and the Comprehensive Exam earns a Master's degree, whether or not s/he continues here towards the PhD. This first Master's level year has a normal course load of 9-12 credits per semester and requires completion of 21 credits.
The Master's program in Applied English Linguistics requires completion of 27 credits and typically takes 2 years to complete (4 semesters plus one summer for the final exam).
The MFA in Creative Writing is a two-year program.
Do you offer a PhD minor in creative writing?
Currently enrolled PhD students, whose major field of study is in English and/or American literature or in Composition Studies or in English Language and Linguistics, may apply to elect an internal Minor in Creative Writing. PhD students in other departments may elect an external Minor in Creative Writing. More information can be found at the UW Creative Writing Web site.
I want a Master's degree in English to teach high school. Which program is right for me?
If you are interested in teaching high school English, you will need to apply to the School of Education where you can take classes that will qualify you for state certification.
You can find more information at the School of Education Web site.
How long does it usually take to complete a PhD in Literary Studies?
The normal PhD program takes a minimum of four years, but normally takes six or seven years to complete. This includes one year before receiving the MA, two years of coursework and reading for Prelims, another year for minor coursework, and finally, still another two or three years to complete the dissertation.
How long does it usually take to complete a PhD in Composition and Rhetoric?
The normal PhD program can be completed in four years. The typical length of time it takes a candidate is five years.
How long does it usually take to complete a PhD in English Language and Linguistics?
The normal PhD program can be completed in a minimum of three years. The typical length of time it takes a candidate is five to six years.
How long does it take to complete an MFA in Creative Writing?
Two years. Our MFA students must compleate the degree requirements by the end of their fourth semester.
Can I get a PhD in creative writing or creative nonfiction?
No, nor do we plan to develop a PhD in creative writing or creative nonfiction.
How much does graduate school cost?
Tuition is based upon your status as a student, the number of credits you are taking and your state residency status.
Current tuition and fee schedules can be found at the UW-Madison Registrar's Web site.
When does the semester start?
The Fall semester begins on a different day every year.
View UW-Madison academic calendars
How might I arrange to visit the English Department?
The Campus Information and Visitor Center has a wealth of information to help you plan your trip to campus, including maps, campus and library tours, suggestions on where to stay, and local weather. If you'd like to sit in on a class, you are welcome to send an email directly to the professor with your request. This is typically not a problem. Faculty information is available here. We're sorry, we cannot provide an official tour of the English Department, but if you'd like to contact a current graduate student to meet for coffee, you are welcome to send an email to the Admissions Coordinator who will help put you in touch. Requests regarding creative writing should be directed to the MFA Advisor.
May I audit graduate English classes?
Permission to audit graduate English classes is at the joint discretion of the Director of Graduate Studies and the course instructor. It depends on the course enrollment and on the student's academic record, background, and interests. Please contact the Director of Graduate Studies with all relevant information about your background and academic interests, and include academic transcripts; you may be asked to add a sample of your academic writing.
Can I work on my graduate degree part-time?
All of our students are expected to attend full-time. A student who does not find it possible to be full-time must make special arrangements with the Graduate Director to apply the current work to the degree requirements. The Department will strive to be flexible in this regard, in the presence of problems as to health, family, finances, and the like. MFA students must be full-time and must complete the degree in two years.
Are classes held only during the day, or are there night and evening classes?
Most, but not all, of our courses are held during the day, roughly 9am to 5pm. At present, one could not do even the majority of one's degree work in the evening and night.
Does the Graduate English Division offer any online courses?
Not at present.
May I transfer credits I have earned from other graduate work?
The Graduate School's minimum credit requirement for graduation can be satisfied only with graduate-level courses taken as a graduate student at UW-Madison. The only exception may be graduate-level course work taken as a CIC Traveling Scholar.
For a Master's degree (except the MFA), the minimum credit requirement is 16 credits. For the MFA, this requirement is 24 credits. For the PhD, the minimum credit requirement is 32 credits, all of which must be completed prior to achieving dissertator status.
As long as these minimum credit requirements are met, using previous graduate work from another institution toward fulfillment of English department course requirements can be considered. Decisions are ad hoc and made by Director of Graduate Studies. In the past, questions about transferring credit have been deferred to the point after which the student has completed one semester: the better the student, the more likely it is that the credits will be transferred, and conversely, the weaker the student, the more likely that the quality of her/his prior training will be in question.
If I have an MA from another program or school, can I apply to admission into the program in English? At what level?
Students who have completed an MA in English at another school may apply for admission to the PhD program. Admission is extremely competitive, however.
How can I get more information about applying to graduate school in English?
We have tried to provide complete information on the Web site. If you still have questions, please send your inquiry to the Admissions Coordinator.
(rev. 8/2005)
