The Master's in English Program at CSUB:
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply? There is a two-step application
process. A CSU system-wide application form is
available from the Admissions Office. You may also
file your application on-line at http://www.calstate.edu.
When your application is accepted by CSUB, it is
forwarded to the Department of English. You must
also fill out and submit the department's application
form.
What are the admissions requirements? Students
are admitted to the university with a 2.5 average in
the last ninety units of work at an accredited college
or university. If you have an overall undergraduate
GPA of 3.0 and the same in the major, the English
Department will admit you as a Classified Graduate
Student and you will be exempt from the Graduate
Record Exam requirement. Students without a GPA of
at least 3.0 will need to score a total of 1,000 points
on the GRE verbal measure and the Literature in
English examinations.
What if I didn't major in English in college? Before
beginning graduate classes, you will be asked to
complete the equivalent of an undergraduate major in
English, including one course each in criticism and
linguistics. Generally, upper-division courses in
English that you have taken elsewhere count towards
this equivalent.
Do you offer graduate courses in the evening after
work? Yes. Graduate classes are offered only in the
evening, on Monday and Wednesday or Tuesday and
Thursday. Our class times are 6:00 to 8:00 and 8:00
tp 10:00 PM.
What is the normal course load for graduate
students? Ten quarter units or two courses per
quarter.
Do you have a summer program? Summer classes
operate independently of the regular academic
program; since courses "make" only with sufficient
enrollment, summer offerings in graduate courses in
English have been infrequent.
How long will it take me to get my M.A.? Ten
graduate courses are required to complete the MA:
two classes per quarter completes the job in five
quarters. Students usually devote one quarter to the
final requirement--a thesis or a comprehensive
examination. So that totals six quarters or two years.
How large are classes? Most graduate classes
enroll from 12-20 students; the ratio of faculty to
students is high, allowing students to get individual
attention and help on their classes and research
interests.
Do you offer graduate work in creative writing?
Unfortunately, our department is not large enough to
offer separate tracks such as creative writing,
linguistics, or writing. However, we do offer a
Certificate in Writing designed to help students in the
teaching of composition and thus make them more
marketable for jobs.
Do I have to take a comprehensive examination?
After finishing their course work, students either write
a thesis, a prospectus of which must be approved by
the Graduate Committee or take a written
comprehensive exam.
Is there financial aid for graduate students?
Federally backed loans are available from the Office
of Financial Aid (654-3016).