English
The versatile MA in English at Seton Hall helps you write your success story, whether you want advanced professional writing skills for a career in copywriting, grants, development, marketing, or PR; whether you aspire to get into a prestigious MFA, PhD, or JD program; whether you want to add to your teaching credentials; or whether you just love literature and want to continue to grow as a writer and thinker.
Our curriculum enables you to personalize your degree: students may pursue a concentration “spoke” in creative writing, writing, or literary studies in addition to a foundational “hub” of courses that teach advanced research, British and American literature, and critical theory. Choose from our courses in Literary Editing and Publishing, Digital Humanities, and innovative approaches to all the major fields of Anglophone literature.
For creative writers, we offer a bridge to the New York City literary scene; we consistently place students in prestigious internships at venues such as One Story; and we place our graduates in top MFA programs with funding.
Seton Hall offers competitive funded TA positions (including stipends and tuition remission) that incorporate unparalleled mentorship and training with independent experience teaching at the university level.
By the Numbers
- 3 Degree Track Options
- 10 Average Class Size in Fall 2015
- 36 Papers Students Presented at Conferences Last Year
- 30 Publications by Faculty Last Year
Master of Arts in English
Focus on literature, writing or creative writing. Prepare for further doctoral study or a career in teaching or boundless other fields.

"The faculty in creative writing are proven writers; they provide an unprecedented level of experience and knowledge. They helped me master a unique blend of techniques that have been essential in the development of my skills as a creative writer, and this has better prepared me for getting published. I think that's what every writer wants."
Christopher Pollin, M.A. ’16
Curriculum
The English Department takes a holistic approach to literary studies, emphasizing both reading and advanced writing skills. All students complete a 12-credit “hub” of core requirements, which include literature, research and criticism courses. Then they choose to focus on one of three “spokes”: literature, writing or creative writing. In all three formats, students find engaging class discussions, connect with faculty mentors and receive one-on-one guidance to meet their goals.
Faculty Listing
The English Department faculty are equally committed to pursuing research scholarship and providing a vital component of a liberal arts education. Our faculty have expertise in rhetoric, literary study, writing and composition. The English Department faculty also have a distinguished record of funded research and specialization in multiple areas, including 19th-century English fiction, postwar American poetry, and dramatic literature and critical theory.




Our Graduate Programs
The College of Arts and Sciences is dedicated to providing graduate programs to educate the professionals, scientists, educators and leaders of the future. Our goal is to impart the skills and knowledge that graduate students need to develop and follow successful career paths and to prepare them to contribute meaningfully to society through service and/or the advancement of knowledge. We believe that an education grounded in the principles of liberal arts and dedicated to societal advancement through research and interdisciplinary studies is the best instrument for producing well-rounded citizens with intentions that are both personally fulfilling and noble.
Contact Us
- Donovan Sherman, Ph.D.
Director of Graduate Studies - (973) 761-9388
donovan.sherman@shu.edu - Michael Dooney, Ph.D.
Associate Dean for Graduate Academic Affairs
(973) 275-2155
michael.dooney@shu.edu
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