Program Overview
The University of North Alabama’s Master of Arts in English program invites students to deepen their understanding of literature, language, writing, and critical analysis while preparing for advanced professional and academic opportunities. Through in-depth coursework, faculty mentorship, and opportunities for scholarly engagement, students refine their expertise and expand their ability to interpret, analyze, and communicate complex ideas.
Why Choose This Program?
- Explore literature, language, and writing through advanced study and scholarly inquiry
- Work closely with accomplished faculty who support academic and professional growth
- Prepare for careers in education, writing, publishing, and doctoral study
Options + Tracks
Literary Research Track
Students who wish to develop advanced expertise in the methods and practices of literary scholarship will journey through coursework focused on research methodologies specific to literary studies. Students will gain the skills necessary to analyze, organize, and present knowledge in ways that contribute to both academic and public conversations.
Literary Pedagogy Track (online):
This track equips students with the knowledge and experience needed to teach literature in higher education and beyond. Centered on pedagogical approaches specific to literary studies, it prepares students to design engaging, inclusive, and effective learning experiences for diverse audiences.
Graduates are well-prepared for community college teaching and instructor-level positions at four-year institutions and roles in the educational arms of nonprofits and cultural resource institutions.
Curriculum & Coursework
Graduate English students engage with a challenging curriculum that examines literary traditions, critical theory, research methods, and advanced writing practices. Through seminar-style courses and scholarly exploration, students strengthen their analytical abilities while expanding their understanding of literature and culture.
Sample Courses:
- ENG 601 Studies in British Literature
- ENG 602 Studies in American Literature
- ENG 640 Literary Theory and Criticism
- ENG 695 Graduate Research Seminar
Career Paths & Outcomes
A Master of Arts in English prepares graduates to communicate effectively, think critically, and engage thoughtfully with complex texts and ideas. The advanced research, writing, and analytical skills gained through the program support success across a wide range of professional, academic, and creative fields.
Common Career Paths:
- College Instructor
- Technical Writer
- Editor
- Publishing Professional
- Communications Specialist
- Content Strategist
- Grant Writer
- Doctoral Student
Student Experience
At UNA, English graduate students become part of an engaged scholarly community that values intellectual curiosity, collaboration, and lifelong learning. You will have opportunities to work closely with faculty mentors, pursue research interests, participate in study abroad experiences, and enhance their academic credentials through accelerated and advanced learning pathways.
Opportunities include:
- Sigma Tau Delta is an international English honor society
- Study Abroad Program to the United Kingdom
- Participation in scholarly research and writing projects
- Professional and academic networking opportunities
- Accelerated Master’s Program (AMP) pathways for eligible students
Meet the Faculty
Sure! Here it is again:
Ms. Holli Akins
Adjunct and Affiliated Faculty
hakins@una.edu
Dr. Mellissa Black
Lecturer
mblack6@una.edu
Dr. Sidney Blaylock
Assistant Professor
sblaylock@una.edu
Ms. Haley Bostick
Adjunct and Affiliated Faculty
hbostick1@una.edu
Dr. Vince Brewton
Dean, Delores and Weldon Cole Honors College
vjbrewton@una.edu
Mr. Daryl Brown
Professor
dwbrown@una.edu
Dr. Rachael Falu
Assistant Professor
rfalu@una.edu
Dr. Erin Fitzgerald
Assistant Professor
efitzgerald@una.edu
Ms. Anissa Graham
Senior Lecturer
amgraham@una.edu
Dr. John Gulledge
Assistant Professor
jgulledge@una.edu
Ms. Latasha Howell
Assistant Chair and Senior Lecturer
lahowell@una.edu
Ms. Felicia Jones
Lecturer
fjones3@una.edu
Dr. Kelly Latchaw
Assistant Professor
kllatchaw@una.edu
Ms. McKenzie London
Lecturer
mdahlke1@una.edu
Dr. Nick Mauriello
Professor, Coordinator of the MA in Writing Program
nmauriello@una.edu
Mr. Jason McCall
Associate Professor
jmccall2@una.edu
Mr. Stephen Melvin
Senior Lecturer
sgmelvin@una.edu
Dr. Katie Owens-Murphy
Professor of English and Director, Restorative Justice Lab
kowensmurphy@una.edu
Ms. Alaina Patterson Reid
Senior Lecturer
ampatterson1@una.edu
Dr. Cheryl Blake Price
Associate Dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences and Associate Professor
cprice7@una.edu
Dr. Jason Price
Chair and Associate Professor
jprice7@una.edu
Ms. Christa Raney
Senior Lecturer
chraney@una.edu
Dr. Brenna Wardell
Professor
kwardell@una.edu
Dr. Jency Wilson
Assistant Professor
jwilson17@una.edu
Dr. Tammy Winner
Professor, Writing Internship Coordinator and Program Coordinator for Preparing Future Faculty twinner@una.edu
