Master of Arts in Applied English Studies (MA)

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Graduate Study at USI >> College of Liberal Arts

812-228-5134

30 Credit hours

The online Master of Arts degree in Applied English Studies (AES) at the University of Southern Indiana supports the University’s mission to advance education and knowledge in the Southwest Indiana region and elsewhere. In this program, students will gain highly sought-after skills in analysis, critical thinking, and problem-solving, preparing you for success in a variety of professional fields. The program focuses on the practical applications of English studies in a dynamic and ever-evolving world, through multidisciplinary project-based learning.

Mission Statement

Our mission is to empower students with highly transferable skills in advanced analytical, critical interpretation, and effective communication through the practical application of English studies. In this career-focused online program, we prepare graduates to excel in diverse professional fields and navigate an evolving global landscape.

Vision Statement

We envision a future where our Applied English Studies graduates are at the forefront of their fields, utilizing their advanced skills in communication, analysis, and critical thought to shape discourse, lead initiatives, and make significant contributions to their communities and industries worldwide.

Application Deadline

Students may apply to the School of Graduate Studies at any time in the calendar year. Once admitted, they may begin their coursework in the AES program in either the fall, spring, or summer semester. However, in order to ensure sufficient time for review of application materials, students who hope to begin their graduate studies in fall semesters should attempt to have all materials submitted by August 1. To begin in spring semesters, students should submit all materials by January 1. Application materials for students who want to begin the program in summer semesters should be submitted by April 15. If you anticipate problems meeting the application deadlines, contact the Director of the AES program.

Graduate Studies Admission Criteria and Application Process

Refer to the Admission section of the bulletin for information about Graduate Studies admission criteria and the online application process.

AES Program Admission Requirements

Admission to the Applied English Studies program will be based on admission to the School of Graduate Studies and the following:

Applicants must hold a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited institution. Although applicants do not need to hold an undergraduate degree in English, preference will be given to those applicants with an educational background or work experience in English or a related field. The AES includes courses in literature, rhetoric and writing, and creative writing. The graduate faculty in the English department prefers to admit those students who appear to have the best chance of successfully completing the master’s degree, and we assume the most successful students will be those whose educational backgrounds or work experiences indicate that they possess the abilities to examine, analyze, and write critically about a diverse range of texts in English.
Applicants must have an overall undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher. However, applicants with an overall undergraduate GPA between 2.75 and 2.99 may also apply to the program, provided that the student majored in English and has a GPA in the major of 3.25 or higher.
Applicants must submit a well-written cover letter of approximately 500 words. In the cover letter, applicants should indicate how their education or work experience has prepared them for graduate studies, and they should outline their goals in pursuing a graduate degree in English at USI. The cover letter must be submitted to the Director of the Master of Arts in Applied English Studies. The AES Admissions Committee will review this material and evaluate the applicant’s potential and ability for graduate-level work.
Applicants must submit contact information including name, address, phone number, and email address for three references.

Additional questions and concerns may be addressed to Dr. Sukanya Gupta (email sgupta1@usi.edu; phone 812-228-5134).

Curriculum

The program is comprised of 30 credit hours of coursework leading to a Master of Arts degree in Applied English Studies. The program includes 6 credit hours in English core classes, 21 credit hours of English electives, and 3 credit hours of a capstone project including a research paper and presentation at an end-of-semester Capstone Symposium.

English Core Classes (6 hours)

ENG 501 - Digital Literacy as Environmental Ethics of Information Credits: 3
ENG 512 - Academic Literacy & Crossing Research Thresholds Credits: 3

English Electives (21 hours)

Select 21 hours from among the following special topics courses:

ENG 600 - Special Topics in Culture and Medicine Credits: 3
ENG 610 - Special Topics in English Studies Communication Credits: 3
ENG 620 - Special Topics in Reading & Writing for Social Change. Credits: 3
ENG 630 - Special Topics in Language of the Global Market Credits: 3
ENG 640 - Special Topics in English Studies Pedagogies Credits: 3

Capstone Project (3 hours)

After completing 27 hours of coursework, students will be required to enroll in the following capstone course:

ENG 695 - Capstone Project Credits: 3