Graduate Program

Teachers in secondary schools who wish to obtain graduate level teacher certification (M.Ed.) or inquire about the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) should consult the Graduate Coordinator in the Watson School of Education (telephone: 910.962.4142) or visit Watson School.

Teaching Assistantships in the amount of $15,000 are available and are awarded on a competitive basis each Spring to the top five or six candidates among the applicants who submit their complete application by the deadline and plan to enter the program the next Fall.

These assistantships are renewable for a second year, assuming satisfactory performance, which includes successfully completing 18 hours of graduate-level coursework. Teaching Assistants receive training in the teaching of writing and work approximately 20 hours per week, tutoring students in the Writing Center, assisting in faculty's 101 and 201 classes, assisting program coordinators, and eventually teaching English 101/201. Applicants interested in being considered for an assistantship should check the appropriate box on the application form; there is no additional paperwork to fill out.

A variety of other scholarships, including the New Scholar Award, are available for qualifying students.

Awarded each year to an incoming graduate student in English working toward an M.A. degree, the award provides funds to be used towards in-state tuition, fees, and books. The award shall be evenly divided between Fall and Spring semesters.

Review the list of past fellowship winners.

The M.A. in English requires 37 hours of graduate coursework. These hours must be distributed according to the following guidelines:

• Typically, 30 of the required 37 hours must be taken in residence.
• All students are required to take English 501: Introduction to Research Methods in English. In addition, all students are required to take either English 502: Introduction to Literary Theory or English 552: Rhetoric and Culture. Beyond the two required courses, students are encouraged to consult with the Graduate Coordinator to tailor their program of study to their personal and professional needs.
• Students may select a thesis or non-thesis option. Students pursuing the thesis option must complete 30 semester hours of graduate course work, register for ENG 599 thesis (6 hours) in their last two semesters, and present and defend a thesis, acceptable to the student's thesis committee, prior to graduation. Students pursuing the non-thesis option will complete 37 hours of graduate course work.
• A student enrolled in the UNCW English Graduate Program who wishes to take one or more graduate English courses elsewhere for graduate credit must obtain prior approval from the Graduate Coordinator and the Dean of the Graduate School.
• Students may substitute one course (3 hours) from outside the department for an English course with the prior approval of the Graduate Coordinator.
• Students must take a portfolio course and successfully complete a portfolio. This should be done after completing 18 credit hours.
• All degree requirements must be completed within five calendar years.

Find forms for international students, certification, registration and requests for travel and other activities.

The complete list

Find out details of applying to graduate, along with a checklist and dates and deadlines.

The following contains the information graduate students should look over if they are looking to be reimbursed for travel.

Funding Graduate Travel

For admission to the graduate program in English, applicants must have/do the following:

• Hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university in this country or its equivalent from a foreign university.
• Have a strong overall academic record with a B average or better in the undergraduate major.
• Submit a personal statement explaining why attending graduate school in English would help you to achieve your professional goals.
• Submit a writing sample of seven to ten pages that involves a critical analysis of a text or texts and is accompanied by a bibliography citing appropriate secondary sources in correct MLA format.

Students who are taking or have taken graduate work elsewhere must be in good standing at that institution to be eligible to take graduate work at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. Admission decisions are based on an evaluation of the student's complete record.

Documents to be submitted for graduate admission include the following:

• An application for graduate admission
• Official transcripts of all college work (undergraduate and graduate)
• Three academic recommendations (forms are provided with the application), addressing the applicant's demonstrated academic skills and/or potential for successful graduate study
• An essay that addresses the applicant's purpose for graduate study focusing on how attending graduate school in English will help the applicant to achieve their professional goals. The essay should be no longer than 1-2 pages (approximately 500-600 words).
• Evidence of a Bachelor's degree at the time of entrance
• A seven- to ten-page analytical writing sample that includes a bibliography citing secondary sources in correct MLA format.

In the M.A. program, students are required to develop a portfolio of written work, typically during the term prior to graduation. The successful completion of the portfolio is the last requirement before a student can be cleared by the registrar for graduation.

What is the purpose of the portfolio?

• Portfolios serve as a potential resource when students apply for jobs or to graduate and professional programs.
• Portfolios allow students to reflect on their experiences as an MA student and integrate them into their personal and professional goals.
• Portfolios provide a means of assessing the MA program’s curriculum and goals.

The graduate coordinator will contact students with additional information about the portfolio.