The School of Writing, Literature, and Film has instituted a new program through the OSU Graduate School that would enable select English majors to begin work toward a master’s degree in English during their senior year and then to complete the master’s degree the following year. The program, called the Accelerated Master's Platform, gives students chosen the opportunity to complete both their B.A. and M.A. in five years, as they would take three graduate-level courses (12 credits) during their senior year that would double count toward their undergraduate and graduate requirements in the major. During the senior year, students would also have the option to take additional graduate-level courses that would count as graduate coursework alone (credits need to be in excess of 180 credits toward their undergraduate degree). The second year would encompass the rest of their graduate coursework and their thesis.

To be eligible for the program, a student must have a minimum GPA of 3.85 in the English major, and the student would need to meet with Steve Kunert, Undergraduate Advisor, to discuss a plan of study for their senior year. Once a plan has been set in place, the student would then need to meet with MA Director, Megan Ward, to discuss a graduate plan of study and the application process, which includes:

  • A 600-word objective statement
  • An approved plan of graduate study
  • An academic writing sample (maximum 12 pages)
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • An online Graduate School application

Students will be considered for the $2,000 Cook Scholarship if they indicate in their statement an interest in English pedagogy.

Deadline for applications is April 15.