Graduate Student FAQ

The Department of English at BSU offers two graduate degrees: Master of Science and Master of Arts.

What can I do with a Master of Science or Master of Arts in English?
You could become a Professional Educator or choose to continue your education by applying for submission to a PhD program. For more information, please see: What can I do with and English degree?

What should I do if I'm interested in a Masters program?
First, talk to your advisor. You'll want to start your inquiries and paperwork a year in advance. For more information and to get started on your paperwork, contact the Graduate Studies Office.

Does the Department of English offer Graduate Assistantships?
Yes! There are a limited number of graduate assistantships awarded each year. You need three letters of recommendation from instructors who know your work and can speak to your teaching experience. To apply, send a letter of application to the English Graduate Director, addressing your academic preparation and professional experience with an eye to teaching.

Graduate Study in English | Department of English
Dr. Mark Christensen, Director
English Department Graduate Study
218-755-3356
mchristiansen@bemidjistate.edu

For more information, check out Graduate Assistantships.

What does a Graduate Assistantship include?
As a Graduate Assistant you'll need to take at least 6 credits per semester, while teaching one section of College Writing.

A GA in teaching is a little like an apprenticeship. Under the guidance of the Director of Composition, you learn to teach by doing. To help you prepare, there is a teaching workshop in late summer (ENGL 6950) and two required courses for your first semester as a GA:

• Seminar in Rhetorical Theory (ENGL 6700)
• Seminar in Composition Pedagogy (ENGL 6500)

You're given the responsibility for the course you teach: Running workshops, responding to student writing, evaluating writing, and assigning grades.

You're also working with other teaching graduate assistants who help each other out. And you share an office!

Is there a language requirement for graduate students?
Yes, you need to have or aquire a reading knowledge of a foreign language. This can take two years of courses, one each semester, so talk to your advisor early.

Masters of Science candidates can use a course in Statistics or Instructional Technology to meet this requirement. Another option is Teaching Writing with Technology (ENGL 5530).

Do I need to do a thesis or research paper?
You need to start thinking about this toward the end of your first year. As a Master of Science candidate you may choose to do a graduate research paper (ENGL 6980) or to write a thesis (ENGL 6990).

Master of Arts candidates write theses, and have two options. Both options require you to work closely with your thesis advisor to plan, draft, and revise your thesis.

Option 1: The traditional route is the scholarly thesis, and is appropriate to the study of literature, or if you're going on to teach at a university or for a PhD. You can choose between: defining and pursuing a close study of a topic in literature, lit crit, composition, rhetoric, or writing.

Option 2: The creative thesis is for students who have focused on creative writing in their graduate study, and who plan on teaching at a two-year college or continuing with an MFA. The creative thesis requires a collected body of creative work and must follow the current MLA Style Sheet.

For more information, please contact your advisor.

Who evaluates my thesis or research paper?
At least three months before you plan to graduate you should submit a prospectus of your proposed thesis to the Chairperson of the English Department Graduate Committee. Include a short bibliography, and the name of a proposed advisor, who must be a member of the graduate faculty.

Each member of your committee must see your paper/thesis as it progresses. Committee members need to be given enough time to read it in order to suggest changes and revisions that need to be made. The primary work and discussion of the thesis should be done with the thesis advisor.

How long does it take to write a thesis?
The thesis is both the capstone of your work as a grad student and the start of your continued professional work. It can take from one semester to a full year or even longer, depending on how you plan and how diligent you are. You set your own pace.

How much does it cost to go to graduate school?
Tuition varies from year to year, for current information on Tuition and Fees, please see the BSU Business Office.

How does a Graduate Assistantship help pay for grad school?
As a Graduate Assistant you receive:

• $8,000 Annual Stipend
• Tuition Waiver of 12 Credits/Year
• Resident Tuition Rates
• Teaching Assignments

You do need to pay student fees, but Financial Aid is available if you qualify.

Can I use any of my undergraduate credits for my graduate degree?
No. Sorry, but graduate courses require more work than undergraduate courses. Graduate students in dual-numbered courses do additional work.

Where can I find all the required Grad forms?
The BSU School of Graduate Studies has a page where you can download all Graduate Forms.

Where can I find the most up-to-date information on all things Grad?
The best source for Grad information, updated monthly, is the electronic newsletter from the BSU School of Graduate Studies: grad_com.