Yes it was sent from the dean of the english department. They should be sending out formal letters ASAP (I should have gotten one already but haven't). I'm not sure if they have sent them all out or not, but I got my email last Wednesday so all formal letters should be arriving this week. Hope this helps!
I received an email on March 4th that I was accepted and that formal acceptances will be mailed out this weekend. I don't know how many they are offering but I hope you get one too! I received full funding with a 8,000 GTA
I have mainly applied to PhD programs for English, but just received word from Brandeis University that I have been offered a Master's in English & Women's Studies. I don't think it's common for MAs to go out before PhDs, but in some cases, they are sending them out about the same time because of funding issues. I am REALLY hoping to get some funding here. Otherwise, I don't think I will be able to go....