Overview

Applicants to the Master's program in English from Villanova University must hold a bachelor's degree from an institution accredited by one of the regional accrediting agencies. Applicants are normally expected to have at least eighteen undergraduate credits, with a focus on literature, and a 3.0 average in English, but applications are occasionally accepted from candidates who majored in related fields.

To earn the Master's degree, you will complete 30 credits, including a thesis or an oral/written field examination.

The only two formal requirements are a course in American literature before 1900 and another in British or Irish literature before 1800. An average grade of at least "B" must be maintained to remain in the program. Full-time students complete the curriculum in two years, taking two or three courses each semester. You may also pursue your studies on a part-time basis, in which case you may take up to six years to earn the degree.

Coursework and Thesis/Field Exam

Your MA coursework provides you the opportunity to study in a variety of areas, while the thesis or field exam allows you to develop expertise in a particular field. If you elect to write a thesis, you will give sustained critical attention to an author, theme or small selection of texts. If you pursue the field examination, you will read a list of works compiled in consultation with your advisor that allows you to explore a field of your own definition.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Afro-American Literature
History of English language
Literary Theory
Comp. & Literacy Study
Sem: Research & Bibliography
Old English Language & Literature

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-26 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-08-01 00:00:00
Starting 2027-01-13 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

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Credits

30 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Philadelphia, United States

Disciplines

Area & Cultural Studies Language Studies Literature View 355 other Masters in Literature in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

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Other requirements

General requirements

Online application form
Transcripts
3 recommendation letters
Writing sample: The writing sample should be a work of literary analysis that is 10 - 20 pages long. It should demonstrate your ability to articulate a clear, specific argument and to support that argument through close readings of a literary text or texts. It is preferable if the sample also makes reference to secondary critical sources, but this is not a requirement.
Statement of goals (1-2 pages): The personal statement should address the following: the reason(s) you wish to pursue advanced study in literature; specific areas of literary study you hope to concentrate on; academic work you’ve done; how Villanova in particular might help you develop your intellectual interests; and what you would like to do with your MA.
GRE (General) optional

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

28650 USD / year

≈ 28650 USD / year
Out-of-State

28650 USD / year

≈ 28650 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

28650 USD / year

≈ 28650 USD / year

Living costs

Philadelphia

United States

800 - 1300 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for English.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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