| Program Coordinator | Cyrus Mulready, (845) 257-2739, mulreadc@newpaltz.edu |
| Program ID | BA Creative Writing AP (522W), English AP (522M), MA English AP (204M) |
| Credits | 120 UG + 30 GR |
| Program Length | The MA can be completed in one additional year of study if enrolled full-time, but students must complete the degree within 7 years. |
| Modality | In-person |
| Full-time/Part-time | The MA may be completed full-time or part-time |
| Transfer Credits | 10 graduate credits taken as an UG will transfer into the MA. |
| MA Capstone | Culminating Experience or Thesis |
Program Overview
The BA English + MA English program is designed to provide an accelerated pathway for New Paltz students majoring in English Liberal Arts or Creative Writing to complete the MA degree in one year. Students in this program begin taking graduate courses during their senior year earning ten credits of graduate course work by the time they complete their BA degree. They are then able to complete the MA degree requirements by enrolling in ten credits during the subsequent fall and spring terms.
How does it work?
Get started as an undergraduate by declaring the BA English AP concentration (522M) or Creative Writing AP concentration (522W):
- Meet with AP advisor, Cy Mulready, to declare the major.
- Work with your advisor to enroll in 10 credits of graduate coursework during your senior year.
- Apply for the MA English: Creative Writing or Literature AP program in the spring semester of your senior year.
- Transfer in 10 credits of graduate coursework into your graduate program.
Graduate Admission Requirements
Graduate admission requires submission of:
- Graduate application - select major 204M.
- One set of official transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate course work indicating at least a 3.5 GPA in English courses.
- Grades of B or higher in MA courses taken as a senior.
- Contact information for two references (one of which must be from the English Department).
- Personal statement explaining your interest in the Accelerated Pathway program in English.
- Writing sample of no longer than 10 pages.
Admission Deadlines
| Rolling Admission | Fall Admission |
Curriculum Requirements
BA Creative Writing AP + MA English Literature AP
BA English Creative Writing AP (522W)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Undergraduate Courses (36-37 Credits) | ||
| ENG303 | Introduction to British Literature | 4 |
| ENG333 | Introduction to American Literature | 4 |
| ENG343 | Transnational Literature | 4 |
| ENG345 | Creative Writing Workshop I | 3 |
| ENG445 | Creative Writing Workshop II | 4 |
| Craft Courses by advisement | 6 | |
| ENG300 | Seminar in Critical Practices | 4 |
| English Electives by advisement | 7-8 | |
| Graduate Courses (10 Credits) | ||
| ENG551 | Academic Writing Seminar for MA Students in English (Graduate Creative Writing Courses) | 1 |
| Graduate Creative Writing Courses 1 | 6 | |
| Graduate Elective Seminar by advisement 2 | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 46-47 | |
- 1
ENG 542, ENG 543 and ENG 544 are repeatable for credit.
- 2
This elective seminar may not be a Creative Writing course.
MA English Creative Writing AP (204M)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Graduate Courses taken as an Undergraduate transferred from BA | 10 | |
| ENG552 | Advanced Research Methods for MA Students in English | 1 |
| ENG553 | Career Seminar for MA Students in English | 1 |
| Literature Before 1800 Elective | 3 | |
| Elective Seminar May not be a Creative Writing Course | 3 | |
| ENG585 | Studies in Contemporary Criticism and Theory | 3 |
| ENG542 | Workshop in Fiction and Memoir | 3 |
| ENG544 | Seminar in Teaching Creative Writing | 3 |
| ENG590 | Thesis in English | 3 |
| ENG599 | Graduate Comprehensive Exam Registration | 0 |
| Total Credits | 30 | |
Curriculum Requirements
BA English AP + MA English Literature AP
BA English AP (522M)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Undergraduate Courses (37 Credits) | ||
| ENG300 | Seminar in Critical Practices | 4 |
| ENG303 | Introduction to British Literature | 4 |
| ENG333 | Introduction to American Literature | 4 |
| ENG343 | Transnational Literature | 4 |
| or ENG353 | Multiethnic and Diasporic Literature | |
| ENG420 | Literary Criticism | 4 |
| ENG451 | Senior Seminar | 4 |
| Literature Before 1800 Elective | 3 | |
| Literature Before 1900 Elective | 3 | |
| English Electives | 7 | |
| Graduate Courses (10 Credits) | ||
| ENG551 | Academic Writing Seminar for MA Students in English | 1 |
| Graduate Literature After 1800 Elective | 3 | |
| Graduate Literature Before 1800 Elective | 3 | |
| Graduate Elective by advisement | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 47 | |
MA English Literature AP (204M)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Graduate courses taken as an undergraduate transferred from BA | 10 | |
| ENG552 | Advanced Research Methods for MA Students in English | 1 |
| ENG553 | Career Seminar for MA Students in English | 1 |
| ENG585 | Studies in Contemporary Criticism and Theory | 3 |
| Literature Before 1800 Elective | 6 | |
| Literature After 1800 Elective | 6 | |
| Graduate Elective by advisement | 3 | |
| ENG599 | Graduate Comprehensive Exam Registration | 0 |
| Total Credits | 30 | |
Academic Standing Requirements for Accelerated Pathway Students
A cumulative GPA of less than 3.0 in graduate-level courses taken in the undergraduate portion of an accelerated pathway program precludes the student’s good standing. Students with a cumulative GPA between 2.75 to 2.99 are strongly advised to reconsider continuing into the graduate program. Students with a cumulative GPA below 2.75 may not continue and will be de-matriculated from GR program.
MA Graduation Checklist
-
Apply for graduation via my.newpaltz.edu under “Graduation” tab according to the schedule in the academic calendar.
-
Resolve any pending admission conditions (outlined in your acceptance letter) and/or missing documents if applicable.
-
Review your progress report via my.newpaltz.edu to ensure that you have completed all program requirements.
-
Remember that only two grades below a B- may be applied to your plan of study
-
Contact your advisor if you need to amend your plan or process transfer credit.
-
Ensure that you are in good academic standing with a GPA (Grade Point Average) of 3.0 or higher.
-
Pass your capstone or culminating assessment.
-
Complete your degree within the specified time limit outlined in the Program Overview.
Undergraduate Program Learning Outcomes
English (BA)
Students in our major will learn:
-
To read attentively, reflectively, and critically. [Literary Studies]
-
To compose thoughtful, coherent, well-developed essays following rhetorically appropriate conventions of grammar, punctuation, and style. [Written & Oral Communication]
-
To quote, summarize, paraphrase, and cite primary and secondary sources appropriately and persuasively to advance an interpretive argument. [Written & Oral Communication / Information Management]
-
To engage with traditions and current directions in literary scholarship and critical theory. [Literary Studies / Diversity]
-
To demonstrate awareness of historical and cultural context and how it shapes literary texts. [Critical Thinking / Literary Studies/Diversity]
-
To analyze texts in aesthetic, social, and political terms, reflecting on our own and others’ diverse identities. [Critical Thinking/Diversity]
Additionally, students pursuing our Creative Writing concentration will learn:
-
To compose well-crafted, original works in the forms of poetry, fiction, drama, and creative nonfiction. [Written & Oral Communication / Creative Writing Studies]
Graduate Program Learning Outcomes
English (MA)
Candidates who successfully complete all required components of the Master of Arts in English program at SUNY New Paltz will:
- Proficiency in the critical and/or theoretical reading of literary texts.
- Mastery of the conventions of discipline-specific academic discourse.
- Ability to conduct advanced research.
- Effective oral communication skills through intensive class discussion and formal presentations.
- Knowledge of premodern literary cultures.
- Knowledge of modern literary cultures.
