English MA w/ Speech Comm. BA? Oregon State U

[Webster]

Hey Guys! So I am going to start applying for Fall 2014 English MA programs. So far my first choice is Oregon State University. I initially wanted to venture down the Rhetoric track, as my undergraduate degree favors that path quite heavily. Upon further review, I am torn between that and the Literature Track in which I would focus on Renaissance or Early Modern Literature. However, here's the thing... I do not have an undergraduate degree in English. My undergraduate degree is in Speech Communications (3.4 overall GPA) with 12 English/Rhetoric/Comp courses (3.0 GPA) under my belt. With these credentials, I am curious as to if I could get any feedback as to the likelihood of acceptance for an MA program, specifically OSU, if anyone is familiar with their program. Furthermore, is there anything I can do to compliment my application? Thanks!

[dazedandbemused]

I don't know about the likelihood of your acceptance, but you're certainly qualified to get an MA. As far as I know, most MA programs like to see at least 20, if not more more, upper level English credits from their applicants and it looks like you've taken more than enough classes, depending on how your university counts credits. I will say, it's a good idea to have a wide array of classes in a variety of time periods and frameworks because it means you've had a well-rounded training. Of course, if you've already completed undergrad that advice is probably useless, but I hope it helps.

[Datatape]

It's certainly much easier to get into an M.A. than a Ph.D., and the fact that you're thinking this far ahead is a good thing. The best thing for you to do would be to contact the graduate director at OSU and ask him/her the same thing you've asked us. That being said, your credentials certainly seem in line with someone who would be accepted into a Master's program in English, even if you don't have an actual B.A. in English. In the year leading up to your applications, I'd advise you do some research to determine exactly what track you'd like to be on - focusing on either Rhetoric or Literature would significantly determine what Ph.D. programs you'd ultimately be a stronger candidate for, if you plan to continue your education beyond the M.A. That will allow you to make sure your writing sample is complementary to which track you'd ultimately want to study, which will increase your chances for admission.

[KenAnderson]

Oregon State MA English program is good, but if you are interested in Rhet and Comp....apply to Portland State University.  Dr. Kirtley, Dr. MIller, and Dr. Duncan Carter are all amazing.   Good contacts too if you plan to continue with the PhD.   I will be sad when I leave this June!   ~ Ken