Admission Requirements
To become a candidate for the degree of Master of Arts in English Language and Literature, Concentration in Children's and Young Adult Literature, a student must have an undergraduate major or minor in English with a grade point average of at least 3.0 on a four-point scale and a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0.
Applicants must submit a statement of intent and a 7-10 page sample of analytical writing that shows and aptitude to do graduate-level work in English.
For applicants whose native language is not English, a TOEFL score of 550 (213 CBT) and a TWE of at least 5, or a MELAB of 85 are required.
Statement of intent and writing sample should be submitted along with other application materials through the College of Graduate Studies submission system. (Follow link under Apply Now below).
A student must complete a minimum of 30 semester hours of course work with at least 15 of the total semester hours at or above the 600 level.
Required Courses I (6 hours)
ENG 535 - History of Literary Criticism 3(3-0)
ENG 602 - Research Materials and Methods 3(3-0)
Required Courses II (9 hours)
ENG 635 - Seminar in English Literature 3(3-0)
ENG 656 - Seminar in American Literature 3(3-0)
ENG 665 - Seminar in World Literature 3(3-0)
Required Courses III (6 hours)
Core CYAL Courses
ENG 581 - The History of Children's Literature 3(3-0)
ENG 681 - Seminar in Children's and Young Adult Literature (3-9)
Required Courses IV (6 hours)
CYAL Literary Area Courses
ENG 580 - Literature for Young Adults 3(3-0)
ENG 582 - Cultural Pluralism in Children's and Young Adult Literature 3(3-0)
ENG 583 - Heroic Tradition & Children's Literature 3(3-0)
ENG 681 - Seminar in Children's and Young Adult Literature (3-9)
Unrestricted Electives (3 hours)
Hours authorized by the advisor and planned with the student
Capstone Project
Plan B paper
Total: 30 semester hours
For more information about degree requirements, visit the
CMU Academic Bulletins.Accelerated Admission
(Currently enrolled CMU undergraduate students only)
Admission Standards
Students must be a signed major in English or a related field.
- Maintain an overall cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 3.25
- Have earned a grade of 3.25 or higher in ENG 381 and two of the following: ENG 334, ENG 335, ENG 336, ENG 337, and ENG 338.
- Submit a writing sample and cover letter (for more details, contact the Department of English Language & Literature at 989-774-3171).
- Obtain written approval from the Chair of the Department of English Language & Literature.
- Obtain College of Graduate Studies approval of courses selected to double-count on both the BA/BS and MA.
Retention Standards
Maintain a 3.25 GPA in English courses. Students who fail to maintain a 3.25 GPA in English courses in two successive semesters will be removed from the accelerated program.
Note: Students considering an accelerated MA program should be aware that their financial aid may be affected for courses double-counting on the BA/BS and MA. Contact the Office of Scholarships & Financial Aid for information at 989-774-3674 or cmuosfa@cmich.edu.
Apply now!
Click here to start your application to the MA program in English Language and Literature today!
For More Information
For more information about the MAELL-CYAL, contact:
Dr. Darrin Doyle, Professor of English
Department of English Language & Literature Graduate Coordinator
Anspach 301E
Mt. Pleasant MI 48859
(989) 774-3171
doyle1d@cmich.edu
For specific information on graduate school admissions requirements, visit the CMU College of Graduate Studies' website at
www.grad.cmich.edu