A graduate English student while holding a Sherlock Holmes book.

A community for critical inquiry in language, literature, and writing

Graduate English Programs

Embrace the journey to find your voice

The graduate programs in English at the University of St. Thomas will provide you with the opportunity to study literature, writing, creative writing, publishing, and new media in a focused, enriching way. You will also have opportunities to gain work experience in editing, teaching, publishing, English pedagogy, and program administration. Our faculty members are accomplished writers who produce cutting-edge research and award-winning creative writing. They also take pride in being master teachers and mentors.

Courses and seminars are capped at 14 and 12 students, respectively, allowing for lively classroom engagement and personalized attention. The flexibility of our evening course schedule will allow you to engage in a rigorous academic program while pursuing other career and personal goals. Learn more about all our program options below.

Contact

Katie Ward

Graduate Program Coordinator

gradenglish@stthomas.edu

Program Options

Our programs are designed to meet students where they are and help them reach their goals. We pride ourselves on providing close scholarly and professional mentoring for students in all of our programs, where students have the opportunity to do more than just be students to our faculty – they research, teach, write, and publish with them as well.

Certificate in Teaching College English

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Write Your Own Story

You’re someone who’s not afraid to ask questions or come up with better questions to ask. You want to know what’s beyond the words and how the old stories meet the new. Learn how to turn your inspiration into a career.

Graduate English Course Offerings

Explore your options.

What Alumni Say

“I completed my Master's in English coursework over four years while working full time. The program's evening classes fit perfectly into my schedule, and taking my time allowed me to explore my areas of interest in depth. With the help of my professor, I presented at my first academic conference, and we collaborated with STELAR on a digital humanities mapping project. I presented at my second academic conference in Scotland with the help of another professor, who advised my independent study and Master's Essay. No matter what I was working on, I always felt supported and encouraged. Even the most challenging topics were less intimidating due to the patience and expertise of the instructors. I met so many brilliant people in the program and forged life-long friendships. The graduate English program was everything I hoped it could be and more.”

“I loved the flexibility of the night classes so I could pursue my degree while still working full time. The small class size helped me connect with other students and get more personalized feedback from the professors. My advisor for my final project gave me helpful critiques and encouraged me to continue working on my manuscript for publication. She also provided me with helpful resources for first-time authors for the next part of my journey.”

"My time with the UST graduate English program truly broadened my intellectual horizon. I especially appreciated the smaller class sizes, which allowed me to build strong relationships with the professors, as well as the fellow students - they have shaped who I am as a scholar by always encouraging me to be proud of my work.”

Graduate Tuition Rates and Financial Aid

Dean’s Scholarship

The Dean's Office in the College of Arts & Sciences offers a limited number of scholarships to students admitted to its graduate programs.

These scholarships are intended to appreciate scholastic achievement and to recognize academic potential among incoming students. A limited number of scholarships are available; if you are interested in applying, please check the box that is embedded in the application in order to receive more information

Awards will typically be granted on a per course basis and, depending on availability of funds, will typically apply for up to three years when the recipient remains in good academic standing (with a GPA of 3.5 or above). Communication about awards will come from the program to which the student applies.

Special Events

World-Renowned Guest Speakers

Every year the Department of English welcomes renowned authors, literary scholars, and members of the publishing industry. Some recent highlights include Edwidge Danticat, Bao Phi, Viet Thanh Nguyen, Emily St. John Mandel, Kiese Laymon, Camille Dungy, Kazim Ali, Matthew Salesses, Claudia Rankine, Natalie Diaz and Sequoia Nagamatsu.

Upcoming Events

Non-Degree Option

If you've been out of school for a while or aren't sure about pursuing a degree, taking non-degree classes might be an ideal choice. When you sign up you will still participate as a full class member with a variety of students and faculty members. This option also gives you the chance to create a writing sample that can be used in the degree-seeking application. From there you can evaluate whether the program's offerings fit your needs, interests and abilities.

Apply for non-degree

Graduate Student Handbook and Course Catalog

The CAS Graduate Student Handbook and Course Catalog outlines requirements and policies for students in our graduate programs and compiles information on all of the college's graduate courses. Any issues not mentioned in this handbook are governed by general University of St. Thomas Graduate Policies.