Why should I apply to the St. John’s
University English program and what makes it different from the
other English programs in the New York City area?
The St. John’s English M.A. program provides opportunities
for students seeking either broad exposure to advanced English
studies or more intensive concentrations in specific fields of
literary, cultural, and composition studies. It stands out
from other M.A. English programs in its combination of offerings in
British and American literary history, creative writing and
composition studies, and interdisciplinary fields such as gender
studies and postcolonial studies. It also provides the option
of part-time as well as full-time pursuit of a Master’s degree in
English. The courses are all seminars, and the English
graduate faculty members are as committed to teaching and mentoring
graduate students as they are to pursuing advanced research in
their fields.
What specializations are we noted
for?
We are noted for our specializations in American studies,
modernist studies, and writing and composition studies. We
are also known for our outstanding faculty in postcolonial studies,
gender studies, and early modern, eighteenth-century, and
nineteenth-century British literary studies.
How long does it take to complete the
degree?
Full-time students can complete the degree in three or four
semesters. Part-time students may take several years to
complete the degree, depending on the amount of time they can
commit to their coursework.
Do you accept applications without a
degree in English?
We accept applications without a degree in English, but
students must have taken a minimum of 24 credits in English to be
considered for admission.
Are GREs required for admission?
The GRE general test is required for admission.
Is there an application deadline?
The application deadline for students who are seeking a
Graduate Assistantship is March 1. There is not an
application deadline otherwise.
How can I contact a current student and/or
alumni?
You can contact the Institute of Writing Studies at
(718)-990-2171 or writingcenter@stjohns.edu
to arrange to speak with a current English graduate student at St.
John’s.
How successful have our alumni been?
A number of recent graduates of the M.A. program have
received fellowships for doctoral study at some of the best
graduate programs in the U.S. These programs include
Columbia, Brown, CUNY, the University of Maryland, and the
University of California, San Diego. Other graduates have
been accepted at prestigious law schools, established careers in
publishing and editing, and obtained tenure-track middle school and
high school teaching positions.
Are assistantships available and how
should I apply?
Graduate assistantships are available on a competitive basis
through the English Department and the Institute for Writing
Studies. These assistantships provide a stipend and provide
the experience of tutoring St. John’s students in the writing
center. New students who are interested in an assistantship
should indicate their interest on the application form. The
deadline for assistantship applications is March
1.
Is financial aid available?
Yes, finacial aid is available. For more inofrmation please visit
the Office of Financial Aid.
Where can I find information about
housing?
For more information on housing please visit Residence Life.
What are the admission
requirements?
- Applicants must have completed their bachelor’s degree with a
minimum of 24 credits in English.
- Applicants must have at least a 3.0 cumulative G.P.A. and a 3.5
in English courses.
- Applicants must submit acceptable GRE scores in the General
Test. The English subject test is not required.
- Applicants must submit three letters of recommendation, two of
which should be academic letters attesting to the applicant’s work
as a student. Applicants must also submit a recent sample of
written work, as well as a personal statement detailing the
student’s professional goals.
Who do I contact to set up a personal
interview?
Dr. John Lowney
Director of Graduate Studies
English Department
St. John Hall B40-02
(718)-990-5631
lowneyj@stjohns.edu