Overview
Key learning outcomes
Through the master’s degree in the field of English at Harvard University you build:
- The ability to identify topics and develop questions that lead to meaningful scholarly inquiry.
- An enhanced knowledge of the philosophical, historical, and cultural forces that shape literary works.
- A deeper understanding of the work that literary scholars do.
- The skills required for communicating your ideas and entering a critical conversation.
Program overview
The degree includes 12 courses, with at least three taken on campus.
- Get started. You begin by completing three stipulated degree courses as outlined on the degree requirements page. This is your opportunity to demonstrate your commitment and ability to perform well as a Harvard student.
- Apply to the program. While completing your third degree course, you submit the admission application. We have application cycles in the fall, spring, and summer.
- Continue your studies, online and on campus. As you progress through the program, you choose from courses offered on campus or online, year round in the fall, spring, and summer. To fully experience Harvard, you take at least three courses on campus.
- Complete your thesis or capstone. If you chose the thesis track, you work one-on-one with a thesis director, conducting independent research on a literary topic and producing an original argument that develops over the course of several chapters. If you elect the capstone track, you participate in two seminar-style courses with your capstone instructor and fellow degree candidates, producing in each course a seminar paper modeled on the peer-reviewed journal article.
- Graduate with your Harvard degree. You participate in the annual Harvard Commencement, receiving your Harvard University degree: Master of Liberal Arts (ALM) in Extension Studies, field: English.
Programme Structure
The Master of Liberal Arts, English degree field consists of 12 courses, three of which are required on campus.
12 Graduate CoursesThe degree is highly customizable. Within the program curriculum, you choose the English and elective courses that meet your personal learning goals.
- Proseminar
- 5 English courses
- 1 English seminar
- 2 general electives
- Crafting the Thesis Proposal
- Master's Thesis part one
- Master's Thesis part two
- an additional English seminar
- Precapstone: Focused Study on English Literature in a Critical Context
- Capstone: English Literature in a Critical Context.
Key information
Duration
- Full-time
- 12 months
Start dates & application deadlines
- Starting
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Language
Credits
Delivered
Disciplines
Language Studies Languages View 807 other Masters in Languages in United StatesAcademic requirements
English requirements
Other requirements
General requirements
To begin the admission process, you simply register—no application needed—for the following three, four-credit, graduate-level degree courses (available online):
- HUMA 100 Proseminar: Introduction to Graduate Studies in Dramatic Arts, English, and Religion
- Before registering, you’ll need to pass our online test of critical reading and writing skills or earn a B or higher in EXPO 42a Writing in the Humanities.
- You have two attempts to earn the minimum grade of B in the proseminar (a withdrawal grade counts as an attempt). The proseminar cannot be more than two years old at the time of application.
- One English course
- One English course or elective (e.g., EXPO 42a)
While the three courses don't need to be taken in a particular order or in the same semester, we highly recommend that you start with the proseminar. All three courses must be completed with a grade of B or higher, without letting your overall Harvard cumulative GPA dip below 3.0.
Tuition Fee
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International
37200 USD/yearTuition FeeBased on the tuition of 37200 USD for the full programme during 12 months. -
National
37200 USD/yearTuition FeeBased on the tuition of 37200 USD for the full programme during 12 months.
Living costs for Cambridge
The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.
Financing
Interested in financing your studies? Find a student loan that works for you.
Funding
Studyportals Tip: Students can search online for independent or external scholarships that can help fund their studies. Check the scholarships to see whether you are eligible to apply. Many scholarships are either merit-based or needs-based.