Accelerated Combined Degrees
This accelerated combined degree program allows students to complete two degrees in just five academic years. Students can choose one of the following specializations:
- BA in English + MA in English with a Literature Specialization
- BA in English + MA in English with a Teaching English as a Second Language Specialization
Students receive the same benefits of both curriculums and move seamlessly from the undergraduate program to graduate studies. You will save time and money, as well as jump-start your career.
Admission Requirements
SIUE undergraduate students who meet the following criteria are encouraged to apply:
- Major in English
- Maintain a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA
- Be within 32 credit hours of bachelor's degree completion at intended entry term
How to Apply
- Submit a graduate admission application and pay the $40 application fee. Apply for the term in which you plan to begin the combined bachelor's and graduate courses.
- After submitting your application, complete the "plan of study" form with approval from your undergraduate advisor and graduate program director.
- Submit all other required graduate admission application materials, including:
- English Literature
- Three letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose (one page)
- A recent sample of the applicant's writing, at least 10 pages in length. The admissions committee prefers to read papers which engage in literary analysis, but will accept any paper which demonstrates the ability to conduct scholarly investigation.
- English Literature
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- Teaching English as a Second Language
- Three letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose: A three- to five-page paper which explains how the applicant became interested in the field of TESL, what the applicant hopes to learn in the program and how that learning will help the applicant in a career.
- Teaching English as a Second Language
Please contact the Office of Graduate Admissions at graduateadmissions@siue.edu with questions regarding the application process.
Sample Curriculum - English Literature
The accelerated master's in English with a literature specialization requires that students complete six credit hours of approved graduate courses during the undergraduate senior year. These credit hours are shared and apply to both the BA in English and the MA in English with a literature specialization.
During your senior year, choose six credit hours from the following electives which count toward both degrees:
- ENG 403 History of the English Language
- ENG 404 Chaucer: Canterbury Tales
- ENG 420 Topics in Film Studies
- ENG 446 Studies in African-American Literature
- ENG 457 Topics in Postcolonial Literature and Criticism
- ENG 463 Topics in Literary Periods
- ENG 464 Topics in Forms and Genres
- ENG 471 Shakespeare
- ENG 473 Milton
- ENG 477 Morrison
- ENG 478 Studies in Women, Language and Literature
- ENG 479 Major Authors: Shared Traditions
- ENG 480 Major Authors: Crossing Boundaries
- ENG 482 Technology and Literature
- ENG 496 Scholarly and Critical Editing
Senior Year (Fall Semester)
(3) ENG - Language Systems
(3) ENG 400-level Literature Elective - shared credit
(3) Minor Coursework
(3) Elective
12 Total Credits
Senior Year (Spring Semester)
(3) ENG 497A English Senior Seminar
(3) ENG 400-level Literature Elective - shared credit
(3) Elective
(3) Elective
12 Total Credits
Graduate Year (Summer Term)
(3) ENG 4xx/5xx Grad Literature or English Elective
(3) ENG 5xx Grad Literature or English Elective
6 Total Credits
Graduate Year (Fall Semester)
(3) ENG 501 Modern Literary Studies
(3) ENG 5xx Grad Literature
(3) ENG 5xx Grad Literature or English Elective
9 Total Credits
Graduate Year (Spring Semester)
(3) ENG 502 Modern Literary Theory
(3) ENG 5xx Grad Literature
(3) ENG 5xx Preparatory Reading - Exit Project
9 Total Credits
See the graduate catalog for English language and literature (ENG) course descriptions.
Sample Curriculum - Teaching English as a Second Language
The accelerated master's in English with a specialization in teaching English as a second language requires that students complete 6-12 credit hours of approved graduate courses during the undergraduate senior year. These credit hours are shared and apply to both the BA in English and the MA in English with a specialization in teaching English as a second language.
Senior Year (Fall Semester)
(6-9) Undergrad major coursework/electives
(3) ENG 400 Principles of Linguistics - shared credit
(3) ENG 403, 405, 408, 409, 417, 470, 472, or 474 - shared credit
12-15 Total Credits
Senior Year (Spring Semester)
(3) ENG 416 Language and Society - shared credit
(3) ENG 468 Second Language Acquisition - shared credit
6 Total Credits
Graduate Year (Fall Semester)
Choose thesis (ENG 599) or professional development (ENG 595) option.
(3) ENG 542 Methods for Teaching English as a Second Language
(1) ENG 545 TESL Practicum
(3) ENG 5xx Elective
(3) ENG 599 Thesis or ENG 4xx/5xx Elective
10 Total Credits
Graduate Year (Spring Semester)
(2) ENG 545 TESL Practicum
(3) ENG 5xx Elective
(3) ENG 599 Thesis or ENG 595 Seminar
8 Total Credits
See the graduate catalog for English language and literature (ENG) course descriptions.
Retention Requirements
Minimum GPA of 3.0 is required in all graduate coursework.
Please review the academic policy for program requirements and restrictions.
