Department of English, Foreign Languages, and Interdisciplinary Programs (EFLIP)

Chairperson: Brenda Aghahowa [Interim]

The Department of English, Foreign Languages, and interdisciplinary Programs offers the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Literacy, Language, and Culture, the Master of Arts degree in English, and Master of Fine Arts degree in Creative Writing.

While many students enter the Master of Arts degree program to prepare for teaching composition or literature in schools or at the postsecondary level, others enroll for the degree to acquire background and skills for careers in writing, publishing, and a variety of business fields. Courses that address such professional interests are built on a firm foundation of core studies in literature and criticism and are complemented by the traditional skills that the program also develops analytical abilities, techniques of investigation, and organization and presentation of ideas. For some students, the Master of Arts degree in English is essential preparation for the doctoral degree. It is the highly recommended background for such professions as law. Above all, the degree supports professional aspirations by enriching the student’s personal life through the impartation of varied knowledge of cultural history and the many modes of vision for examining and enjoying literature.

The Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Teaching Literacy, Language, and Culture in Postsecondary Settings is designed to prepare graduate students for teaching positions in postsecondary settings by helping to enhance the impact of writing instruction in two- and four-year postsecondary institutions. Students will demonstrate mastery in instructional planning, content (composition and literature), and the sociocultural connections between literacy, culture, and identity.

The Master of Fine Arts degree in Creative Writing is a terminal degree and the appropriate credential for the teaching of creative writing. Holders of the degree will be able not only to teach courses in creative writing, but also courses in African American literature, African literature, and Third World literature, as well as non-Black literature. The MFA degree focuses on the study of writing through the crafting, performance, and publication of original work. MFA students may also fulfill the requirements for the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Teaching Literacy, Language, and Culture in Postsecondary Settings.

Graduate-level courses also are available in television, theatre arts, and communication studies.