Frequently Asked Questions
CSUN English Department Graduate Program
Q: How many units does it take to complete the English MA Program?
A: 30 graduate units with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Note the MA exam is 3 enrolled units but does not carry unit weight towards degree. Students taking MA exams must take 33 units.
Q: What is the average course load?
A: 2-3 courses per semester.
Q: How long does it take to complete the English MA Program?
A: It typically takes students 2-3 years to complete the English MA Program.
Q: What is a Classified student?
A classified student has fulfilled the following criteria:
- A B.A. in English or has already completed 24 upper division-approved English or their equivalent (as determined by their disciplinary relevance) semester units (upper division English GPA minimum required: 3.0).
- A GPA of 3.0 or greater in upper division English and a 3.0 in the last 60 units.
Q: Can I transfer graduate courses into the English MA program from another university?
A: Students may transfer up to 9 semester units of graduate work into the program. Please supply syllabi and course description for Graduate Advisor to evaluate. Please note: courses cannot be older than 7 years when completing program.
Source: CSUN Catalog
Q: When should I seek advisement from the Graduate Advisor?
A: We encourage students to meet with the advisor every semester, however definitely after you have completed 12-15 units of graduate study.
Q: What are the English MA program options?
A: Literature, Creative Writing, and Rhetoric and Composition. Students may pick up a Guideline packet for Creative Writing or Rhetoric and Composition from the English Graduate Office, Sierra Tower 705 or visit http://www.csun.edu/humanities/english/graduate-programs.
Q: How do I apply for the TA program?
A: Notices for application are posted in the English department and announced in graduate classes during each Fall semester. T.A. Program Packets can be obtained from the Composition Secretary, ST 716, or from the English Department Graduate Office, ST 705. For information, you can contact Composition Secretary at (818) 677-4111. Submission packets are due in November. The deadlines can be found on the MA Program Calendar of Important Dates. Please submit application packets to Department of English, Sierra Tower 716.
Q: When should I complete my core requirements?
A: Graduate students are encouraged to complete their core requirements by the time they complete their first 21 units. If students are approaching the final semester of their program and still need to take a required class before they can graduate, the department may be able to reserve space for them in an upcoming section of the course. Students should contact the Graduate Advisor and fill out appropriate paperwork before the last week of the current semester.
Q: When should I apply for Graduation?
A: Students must submit an Application for Graduation with the Office of Admissions & Records one year prior to graduation. If you do not apply for graduation on time your name will not be listed in the commencement ceremony program. Also, graduate students are required to be enrolled during the semester of graduation.
Q: What is the 7-year rule?
A: Courses completed more than seven years prior to the date on which all requirements for the degree are met cannot be counted to meet unit requirements unless the student can show competency in the content of the outdated courses. Course validation requires departmental approval. A maximum of nine units taken in residency at CSUN may be validated in this manner. See the Graduate Programs section of the current catalog for more information.
Source: CSUN Catalog
Q: How do I fulfill my Culminating Experience?
A: Creative Writing option students take the graduate project (698D). Literature and Rhetoric/Composition option students can choose between taking the graduate project (698D) or taking a comprehensive exam (697C).