UNLV’s Department of English offers programs recognized internationally for their excellence and for their innovative response to both traditional and newly emerging issues of language, writing, and literature. The department offers programs of study leading to the Master of Arts and the Doctor of Philosophy degrees. Both our MA and PhD programs provide financial support for students in the form of graduate assistantships, which allow students to gain experience teaching courses in composition and literature, working as consultants in our Writing Center, working on one of the many journals we house, or serving as research assistants. Our faculty is committed to excellence in teaching and to close, one-on-one mentoring. UNLV is one of the most diverse, multicultural universities anywhere, set in the dynamic urban center of Las Vegas, which is a fascinating and yet affordable place to live. Our partnership with the Beverly Rogers, Carol C. Harter Black Mountain Institute (BMI) provides opportunities for students to engage in creative and literary activities and in socially meaningful events for the city of Las Vegas and its greater community. The application deadline for Fall 2024 admission is January 15, 2024. Applications are submitted through the Grad Rebel Gateway Portal. For more information please contact Graduate Coordinator John Hay.
Alumna Alexis Brooks talks about her experience in the UNLV English MA program.
Doctor of Philosophy
The PhD program is a specialized program designed to prepare and qualify students for careers in college or university teaching or in related fields through the development of skills in research, original thought, and academic writing. Students admitted to the PhD program receive four or five years of funding (four for students already possessing an MA degree, five for those entering with a BA degree). The PhD stipend is $21,000 annually and includes full tuition coverage for up to 9 credits per semester and 3 credits in the summer. For institutional description and learning outcomes, visit the PhD English website. For more information about the Ph.D. application, and how to apply, see UNLV’s Graduate Catalog.
Master of Arts
The MA program involves graduate-level coursework in English and American Literature and in language/composition studies. This program is designed to supplement and advance the student’s undergraduate work in the field of English and to familiarize the student with professional standards, research methods, and modes of thought in the discipline. Possession of this degree typically leads to professional advancement for the secondary school or community college teacher; to careers in writing, editing, and publishing; or to further study in English at the doctoral level. The GA stipend for MA students is $17,000 annually for two years, and includes full tuition coverage for up to 9 credits per semester and 3 credits in the summer. For institutional description and learning outcomes, visit the MA English website. For more information about the MA application, and how to apply, see UNLV’s Graduate Catalog.
Black Mountain Institute Literary Studies Fellowship
In conjunction with the Black Mountain Institute, we are pleased to announce a new fellowship in literary studies. This fellowship will be awarded to an incoming PhD student interested in the critical study of nonfiction prose (any era). The stipend for this fellowship will be $30,000 annually for four years for a student already possessing an MA degree or five years for a student entering with a BA degree and includes full tuition coverage for up to 9 credits per semester and 3 credits in the summer. Part or all of the fellow’s assistantship duties will be to work closely with Black Mountain Institute. PhD applicants wishing to be considered for this fellowship should indicate their interest in their statement of purpose as part of the regular application materials.