Indiana University East has received approval for a new graduate degree program, a Master of Arts in English, from the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Applications for the program are now being accepted through April 15, 2014, for admission to the fall 2014 semester.

The M.A. in English is IU East’s fifth graduate program to be added to its academic portfolio since June 2007. IU East’s graduate programs include the Master of Science in Education, Master of Science in Management, Master of Social Work and the Master of Science in Nursing.

The graduate program will provide students with a background suitable for a wide range of careers in areas such as professional writing, editing, administration, technology, and management. Graduates interested in post-secondary teaching options will be qualified to teach full- or part-time in community colleges and in four-year colleges and universities and to teach dual-credit courses in high schools.

“In the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, we strive to transform the lives of our students and improve the world they inhabit. Consequently, we are thrilled to see this program, designed to do both, approved and ready to launch fall semester 2014,” said Katherine Frank, dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences.

Providing opportunities for advancing graduate-level work in English is crucial to the IU East mission, expands career options for graduates, and contributes to economic development throughout the eastern Indiana and western Ohio region. Programs like the M.A. in English at IU East offer a broad range of course offerings in literature and writing and prepare students for many career options and advancement opportunities by emphasizing how the study of English applies to real world contexts, situations, and issues.

“After a complete needs assessment and interest survey were conducted by the school several years ago, it was determined that an M.A. in English was the degree most appropriate to respond to community and alumni feedback regarding employability and academic interest. We are delighted to be able to respond to this feedback with a quality academic program to be delivered by a strong department that includes active scholars and award-winning writers,” Frank said.

Margaret Thomas Evans is the chairperson for the English Department. She said the department is excited to offer an M.A. in English starting in fall 2014 and to provide students in the region with a new graduate opportunity.  She added students will be able to take literature, composition studies, and creative writing courses at the graduate level at IU East.

“We are confident that this will serve both former students and others in the area with a desire to earn an M.A. We look forward to those students coming to campus and studying with us,” Thomas Evans said. “This is a prime opportunity for faculty, staff, students, and community members to partner together as the School of Humanities and Social Sciences takes this important step into the arena of graduate studies.”

Students completing the M.A. in English will earn a minimum of 36 credit hours. The curriculum is developed to be completed in two years if graduate students attend full-time.

For more information about the M.A. in English and application process, contact Margaret Thomas Evans, English Department chairperson, at (765) 973-8614 or email margevan@iue.edu .