English Language and Literature Master’s program at University of Alabama at Birmingham

All English MA Program applications are processed through the UAB Graduate School. Applicants can apply using the online Graduate School application form.

A typical English MA application will present the following elements:.

Do note that the English M.A. program does not at present distinguish between formal concentrations. (We have several themes, but they all lead to the same degree: a Master of Arts in English.) As such, in the Concentration field, simply select the Not Applicable option.

There are instructions on the Graduate School application system explaining where to send the transcripts.

An essay describing your background and your reasons for applying to the UAB English M.A. program.

A writing sample. This is typically a five to ten-page paper written for a previous college class that demonstrates your ability write clear, well-formed prose. Even if you intend to focus your studies on Creative Writing, this essay should present an example of your abilities as a writer of academic English rather than a poem or short story.

Letters of recommendation. Ideally, there should be three letters of recommendation written by people who are familiar with and qualified to assess your academic abilities. In some cases, letters from bosses, co-workers, or others who can comment on issues of character can be helpful.

These are the key elements of an M.A. program application. Once the application is complete and submitted, it typically takes two weeks for the relevant English department committees to review and render a decision on whether to accept or decline the applicant.

Do note, however, that graduate assistantships begin each Fall semester. If you wish to be considered for a graduate assistantship, it is helpful to submit the application by mid-February for the fullest consideration. We have only a limited number of these assistantships at our disposal, and the first set of offers for the following academic year is issued on or March 15.

Such students may well fit into the M.A. program, even without some key elements of the typical application. Such returning students may need to take a different path: the non-degree application.

Then, assuming the courses taken as a non-degree student have been satisfying and the student has performed well, it is possible to submit a complete program application for admission as a regular English graduate student. It is permissible subsequently to transfer as many as 12 non-degree graduate credit hours into the degree program, thus insuring that those non-degree credits are not wasted.

CIRTL Center for Integration of Research, Teaching, and Learning (CERT).

English as a Second Language Alternative Masters Program (MAEd).

English as a Second Language TESOL (MAEd).

High School Education Alternative Masters Program (MAEd).

Primary Care Physical Therapy for Underserved Populations (CERT).

Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (EdS).

English as a Second Language and French Certification.

English as a Second Language and Spanish Certification.

Public Health and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (MPH DVM).