Master of Arts in English

A book fitly chosen is a lifelong friend
(anonymous)

Now in its twelfth year, the Master of Arts in English program at NDNU has developed into the Peninsula's premier Master's level program, and offers two emphases: creative writing and literature. Our students' awareness of every aspect of literature is enhanced by our analytical, theoretical, and practical approaches to literary texts.

Our curriculum is unique in that core courses in writing, literary theory, and linguistics are required in addition to genre courses in lyric, drama, and narrative. Depending on the student's choice of emphasis, the program may include a research thesis or a creative writing project as the culminating experience. Or, students may elect to conduct independent research on a topic of special interest leading to a final exit examination.

NDNU's graduate English students come from a variety of backgrounds, breadth of interests and professions. It is possible for the student to complete the NDNU program in as little as two years, or as long as seven years, depending on how many courses are taken in the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters.

Distinctions of the NDNU Master of Arts in English Program

• Core courses engage our students in an array of texts from antiquity to the contemporary period.
• An undergraduate degree in English literature or language is not a requirement for admission.
• Class sizes are small and are usually conducted in a seminar style which promotes a rich exchange of viewpoints among colleagues and faculty.
• Students may choose elective coursework in another discipline or create an interdisciplinary emphasis in an area of special interest.
• All required classes are offered on the NDNU campus in the evenings and enrollment is guaranteed.
• NDNU students have the opportunity to submit original pieces to the award-winning The Bohemian literary magazine, published each year at NDNU.
• NDNU also offers the opportunity to enroll in the Teaching English as a Second Language certificate program (TESL), a 90-day course scheduled conveniently on weekends.

Creative Writers' Series

The annual Creative Writers' Series is sponsored by the NDNU English Department and enables students to interact with noted and diverse authors and scholars. Recent speakers have included: Viola Canales, author of Orange Candy Slices and Other Secret Tales, and Ellen Bass, author of Mules of Love.

Master of Arts in English Curriculum

Students have two options for the capstone to the degree: Plan A, which requires a written thesis or creative writing project, or Plan B, which allows students to take additional electives for credit and take an exit exam. Courses include such offerings as writing theory and practice, seminars in literature, genre and period courses, linguistics, semiotics, special topics, teaching apprenticeship, thesis or project completion, and interdisciplinary choices from other departments.

See the NDNU General Catalog for degree requirements and course descriptions.

MAE Handbook

The MAE Handbook is available in PDF format (29 pages; Acrobat Reader required).

Course Cycling Schedule

The Schedule is available in PDF format (1 page; Acrobat Reader required).

Admission Process

NDNU admits students throughout the year for fall, spring, and summer semesters.  Please review the NDNU General Catalog for complete admission requirements.

Faculty

Jacqueline Berger
BA, Goddard College; MFA, Mills College; Program Director

Vincent Fitzgerald
BA, University of California, Berkeley; MA, Georgetown University; Ph.D., University of Southern California

NDNU’s College of Arts and Sciences

Accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, NDNU is a multifaceted university offering 21 bachelor's degrees, 12 graduate degrees and seven credentials. The College of Arts and Sciences, under the leadership of the Interim Dean, Dr. Arnell Etherington, offers bachelor’s degrees in the arts and humanities, as well as in the natural and social sciences. The College also offers master’s degrees and certificates in art therapy (MFT), clinical psychology (MFT), clinical gerontology, English, and music, as well as post-baccalaureate premedical, performance (music), and TESL certificates.

Contact:

Jacqueline Berger, Program Director
(650) 508-3730
jberger@ndnu.edu

Graduate Admissions
Ralston Hall
Tel: (650) 508-3600
Fax: (650) 508-3426
E-mail: grad.admit@ndnu.edu
M – Th 8:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
F 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.