Department of English College of Arts and Humanities Central Washington University

Graduate Study in English at Central Washington University

The Department of English at Central Washington University offers Master of Arts programs that include small class sizes, flexible courses of study, and personalized instructions. This supportive environment enables students to achieve academic success and develop professional skills. Graduate students present their papers at conferences, participate in panel discussions, contribute to publications, and acquire grant awards.

Career Opportunities

The Master of Arts programs in English at CWU provide students with excellent preparation for careers in a variety of fields or advanced academic study. Alumni obtain teaching positions in private and public secondary schools, colleges, universities, and English language institutes. They also acquire positions in private industry, the non-profit sector, and publishing.

Furthermore, graduates have been accepted into PhD and MFA programs in a variety of institutions including Texas A & M, Florida State University, Carnegie Mellon University, and Marquette University.

Master of Arts in Literature

The Master of Arts in Literature at Central Washington University is a rigorous program in the study of literature. The program's goal is to further students' understanding of literature and strengthen their teaching qualifications. It also aims to broaden their writing experiences and prepare them for doctoral work.

MA in Literature Curriculum

The curriculum for the MA in Literature program consists of a minimum of 48 credits of courses and includes a thesis/project or exam option. As many as 10 credits of approved courses can be taken from departments other than English. Although students create their own courses of study, they complete core courses in literary and critical theory as well as English, American, and world literatures.

M.A. in Literature Thesis/Project Option

Students who pursue the thesis/project option each complete a research thesis or creative writing project. They work with their faculty committees to develop reading lists that complement their work. They also each take an oral exam that covers their theses or projects

MA in Literature Exam Option

Students who choose the exam option collaborate with their faculty committees to create reading lists that reflect their coursework. They complete written examinations that cover concepts and ideas presented in their readings.

Master of Arts in TESOL

Central Washington University offers an intensive Master of Arts in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) that can be completed in 4 quarters. The program helps students acquire the awareness, understanding, and skills needed to effectively teach English to speakers of other languages.

They study language, pedagogy, and culture, which prepare them for work with adult language learners in the United States and abroad.

MA in TESOL Curriculum

The curriculum for the MA in TESOL program includes 45 credits of courses. It consists of 35 credits of core courses including 2 practicums as well as a master's thesis or comprehensive examination.

Students complete pre- or co-requisites that include an upper-division linguistics course and proficiency in a second language. Applicants may be accepted into the program without this background and gain it as they earn their degrees.

MA in TESOL Program Options

Students who chose the thesis option write their theses, pass 1-hour oral examinations, and take 4 credits of courses in electives. The exam option involves passing a comprehensive written examination and taking 8 credits of elective courses.

Graduate Student Funding at Central Washington University

Central Washington University has a variety of funding opportunities for students including assistantships, grants and fellowships, scholarships, financial aid, and student employment.

These opportunities cover tuition and living expenses, graduate research, or creative projects.

Graduate Assistantships for MA in English Students

The Department of English provides teaching and grant-supported research assistantships. Students can also apply for library assistantships or work in the University Writing Center. Assistantships include stipends, tuition waivers, and health insurance.

English Graduate Student Association

The English Graduate Student Association coordinates a wide-variety of events that enhance students' academic, social, and professional endeavors. Activities include guest speakers, meetings, evenings out, sponsored readings, and career building events.

Graduate Student Life at Central Washington University (CWU)

Graduate students at CWU live, work, and learn in a cooperative community that includes a full-range of academic, social, and professional resources as well as supportive services.

Some of the resources available at CWU that help students create well-rounded lives include: health, housing, and counseling services; recreation and sports programs; performing arts and campus events; and clubs and organizations.

Students also benefit from the Student Union and Recreation Center that occupies a central location on campus. It provides state-of-the-art recreational facilities and a wide-range of student services as well as easy access to parking lots, primary city streets, academic buildings, and residence halls.

Central Washington University

Established in 1890, Central Washington University is a 4-year, public institution that is located in Ellensburg, Washington, in the northwestern region of the United States.

CWU is known for its outstanding academic programs and small class sizes. In fact, it offers approximately 8,000 students more than 100 majors and 11 pre-professional programs at the baccalaureate and master's levels.

The university's main campus in Ellensburg is ideal for students who prefer small-town settings and picturesque outdoor environments. The town is just east of the majestic Cascade Mountains; thus, students can participate in a number of outdoor recreational activities.

• Degrees Offered
• Major Degree Levels Offered
• English Master of Arts (MA)
• Teaching English As A Second Language Master of Arts (MA)

• Degrees Awarded
• Master's Degrees 10
• Doctoral Degrees Not reported
• First Professional Degrees Not reported
• Other Advanced Degrees Not reported
• * Shows the number of degrees awarded for the last academic year that data was reported.

• Earning Your Degree
• Part-time study available? Yes
• Evening/weekend programs available? No
• Distance learning programs available? No
• Terminal master's degree available? Not reported

• Degree Requirements
• Master's Degrees Alternate accepted
• Doctoral Degrees Not reported
• First Professional Degrees Not reported
• Other Advanced Degrees Not reported

• Acceptance Rate
• Applied37
• Accepted31
• Acceptance Rate83%
• Enrolled31
• Applying
• Application Fee - Domestic $50
• Application Fee - International $50
• Electronic applications accepted? Yes
• Applications processed on a rolling basis? Yes
• Application Deadlines
• Type Domestic International Priority Date
• Fall deadline February 1st Not Reported Yes
• Winter deadline October 1st Not Reported Not Reported
• Spring deadline January 1st Not Reported Not Reported
• Entrance Requirements
• Master's DegreesGRE General Test, minimum GPA of 3.0, writing sample
• Doctoral's DegreesNot Reported
• First-Professional's DegreesNot Reported
• Other Advanced DegreesNot Reported
• International DegreesTOEFL (minimum score 550 paper-based; 79 iBT) or IELTS (minimum score 6.5)

• Tuition & Fees
• In-state tuition *$8,517
• Out-of-state tuition *$18,972
• International student tuitionNot Reported
• * Tuition for full-time graduate student per academic year
• Fees
• Per-academic year fees$978.00
• Per-term feesNot Reported
• One-time feeNot Reported
• * Fees for full-time graduate students
• Financial Support
• Financial award applicants must submitFAFSA
• Application deadlines for financial awardsMarch 1
• Types of financial support availableTeaching Assistantships, Federal Work-Study, Health Care Benefits, Graduate Assistantships

• Gender
• Total Graduate Students9
• Female Percentage56%
• Male Percentage44%
• Participation
• Total Graduate Students9
• Part-time Percentage0%
• Full-time Percentage100%
• Ethnicity
• Hispanic / Latino11%
• Black / African American0%
• White / Caucasian78%
• American Indian / Alaskan Native0%
• Asian0%
• Native Hawaiian / Other Pacific Islander0%
• Two or more races11%
• Unknown0%

• Faculty Breakout
• Total Faculty18
• Full-time Percentage100%
• Part-time Percentage0%
• Female Percentage61%
• Male Percentage39%