Graduate Studies in English
Overview
The Department of English and Philosophy offers two graduate programs leading to the degrees of M.A. in English and Ph.D in English and the Teaching of English. Both programs provide a broad education in literature as well as practical and theoretical training in teaching English at the college level. We also offer a graduate certificate in Teaching English as a Second Language, or TESOL, which may be completed as part of the M.A. or Ph.D. or as a stand-alone credential.
The English Department is a lively intellectual community where faculty members work closely with students. We especially encourage students to take part in on-going departmental activities, including the faculty works-in-progress series, the graduate student thesis- and dissertation-in-progress series, and the English Graduate Student Association (EGSA) meetings, as well as periodic brown bag luncheons and workshops concerning teaching and professional preparation. Combined with a solid education in literature and the teaching of English, participation in these activities has contributed to the success of our graduates in finding jobs at two- and four-year institutions.
For more information about the Ph.D. program, please see the Ph.D. Curriculum, Graduate Research Topics, and Doctoral Job Placement pages.
The M.A. in English
The M.A. is a two-year program that provides intensive training for students who want further background in English, including those who aim to teach at the secondary level or want to prepare for a doctoral program. The degree focuses on literature and students are encouraged as well to take related seminar offerings in the teaching of English, including Teaching Writing, Teaching Literature, Teaching Business and Professional Writing, and TESOL (teaching English for speakers of other languages). Financial aid is available to students in the form of Teaching Assistantships. M.A. TAs participate in an established mentoring program, which involves coursework in the theory and practice of composition studies as well as intensive mentoring with members of the graduate faculty.
For more information, please see the M.A. Curriculum and Graduate Research Topics pages.
The Ph.D in English and the Teaching of English
The Ph.D. is an innovative program that integrates research in literature with practical and theoretical training in the teaching of English. The aim of the program is to prepare students for teaching careers in English at two- and four-year colleges and universities. The Ph.D. is a conversion from the department’s well-established Doctor of Arts (D.A.) in English, a combined degree in English studies and pedagogy, which accepted students from 1971 to 2008.
The Ph.D. builds on the strengths of the D.A., which attracted applicants from around the world and placed over 90% of graduates in tenure-track teaching positions. With the new Ph.D., the department seeks to continue to draw a national and international pool of students and to provide doctoral-level training for teaching-oriented careers at two- and four-year schools.
For more information about the Ph.D. program, please see the Ph.D. Curriculum, Graduate Research Topics, and Doctoral Job Placement pages.
The TESOL Certificate Program
The department also offers a Graduate Certificate in Teaching English for Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), which may be completed as part of the coursework for the M.A. or Ph.D. or as a stand-alone credential. Please note: students applying to or enrolled in the M.A. or Ph.D. need to submit a separate application. For more information, please see the TESOL Certificate Program web page.
Graduate Application Guidelines and Deadlines
For more information about the M.A., Ph.D., and TESOL application and admission process, please see the Graduate Application Information Page.
Graduate Program Costs and Financial Aid
Overview
Idaho State University is one of the least expensive schools in the United States and, compared with other areas in the country, Pocatello’s cost of living is also relatively low (about 15% less than the national average). For more information about costs, please see "How Much Does It Cost to Attend ISU?"
The department has some financial support available in the form of Ph.D. Fellowships and Ph.D. and M.A. TAships. We encourage all students who wish to be considered for these to submit the TA/Fellowship Application Form along with their applications.
Students may be eligible for other forms of aid. M.A. and Ph.D. students who do not receive a TAship or Fellowship and who are residents of Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Hawaii, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming may qualify for in-state fees under the regional graduate studies program of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE). In addition, we recommend that all U.S. citizens file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which will entitle them to apply for other aid, such as federally subsidized loans and work study.
For additional information on financial aid, please see the information below, or contact the Director of Graduate Studies and the ISU Office of Financial Aid.
Ph.D. Fellowships
Ph.D. fellowships are for full-time students and provide a substantial stipend and a tuition and fee scholarship that includes health insurance. These fellowships require no teaching, except for the two teaching internships that are part of the degree program.
M.A. and Ph.D. Teaching Assistantships
Teaching Assistantships are available for full-time M.A. and Ph.D. students and provide a stipend and a tuition and fee scholarship that includes health insurance. M.A. Teaching Assistants participate in the Teaching Assistant Mentoring Program, which involves studying the theory and practice of composition teaching for one full semester and leading a class in the second semester. Ph.D. TAs begin teaching immediately.
Graduate Studies Contact Information
Inquiries
Inquiries regarding the graduate programs in English should be directed to the Director of Graduate Studies. For information about graduate courses in Philosophy, please contact the Director of Philosophy (see contact information below).
Director of Graduate Studies in English
Dr. Jessica Winston
Kegel Liberal Arts Building (LA)
LA 239
phone: 208-282-2478
fax: 208-282-4472
Philosophy Chair
Dr. Russell Wahl
Kegel Liberal Arts Building (LA)
LA 253
phone: 208-282-2392
fax: 208-282-4472
Mailing address
Department of English & Philosophy
Idaho State University
921 S 8th Ave, Stop 8056
Pocatello, ID 83209-8056
Office Staff
Amanda Christensen
Graduate Secretary
LA 238
208-282-4294