Elizabethtown College English Department

Taking the necessary steps to receive an advanced degree may seem daunting to any undergraduate student. However, Kimberly Adams, associate professor of English and member of the Women and Gender Studies program, knows what it takes.  She advises students who want to take this path.

Know Your Options

Dr. Adams said that a lot of English Majors, especially literature concentrations, go to law school because of their experience with analyzing texts.

Another popular option for literature concentrations is library science, or a master’s program that allows you to become a librarian or an archivist. Both of these options are not limited to Literature concentrations, however. Any English major would do well in either of these programs, as well as possible programs for a master’s in publishing, journalism, or an MFA (master’s in fine arts) for writing.

Dr. Adams said that in order to go on working in the humanities, many jobs require a master’s and doctoral degrees. For example, a student wishing to become a professor in English themselves would have to earn their PhD in order to go on to teach in higher education.

Research Programs

Elizabethtown College alumni have found success at many different universities programs. Dr. Adams lists George Washington University, Duke, Widener, Drexel, and Temple as some of the law schools where former students have gone.

As for Library Science, Adams recommends programs at Drexel, University of South Carolina, and Simmons College for denominational archives. Another thing to keep in mind with Library Science degrees is that some universities offer their programs completely online. Universities such as Clarion and Rutgers have online Library Science master’s degrees, and are well worth looking into.

For publishing and editing master’s degrees, Dr. Adams mentioned the University of London. More locally, there are also programs at Villanova, Drexel, and Rosemont. West Chester University, the University of Delaware, and many others offer solid programs not far from central Pennsylvania.

In your planning and research, look into scholarships that the schools may offer, as well as the different types of programs that each school has. Some schools have master’s and PhD programs that are combined. However, these programs are often extremely competitive. So, it is necessary to research requirements each program asks of potential students, and how you can make strides towards fulfilling them.

Make A Plan and Stick To It

Dr. Adams said that one of the biggest mistakes that potential graduate students make is “not thinking through the cost in relation to the benefit the student hopes to receive.” In other words, it is crucial to make a financial and educational plan for your journey towards earning your graduate degree.

Research all your options financially, such as possible scholarships that may be available to you. Some employers may even be willing to help put employees through a master’s program. Dr. Adams says that there are many economical ways to earn a master’s in professional English, you just have to put in the effort to research your options.

Lauren Trevino is a junior English major with a literature concentration.  She feels that the department has prepared her for a future master’s in the discipline.

“The English Department has helped me prepare for a master’s by challenging me to grow not only as a writer but as an analyzer. My professors have encouraged me to explore different perspectives to fully develop my argument. English classes here at Etown have deepened my understanding between culture, history and literature, showcasing the multidimensional nature of a text… [and] have inspired me to continue to study literature if I pursue a higher degree.”

Lauren is an example of the many students who have been helped and inspired by the English Department to continue her education. In addition to the wonderful classes here on campus, the professors in the department are a great resource as well.

If you need direction in your journey towards earning your mas ters degree, ask a professor in the English department. Each and every professor, including Dr. Adams, are obviously extremely knowledgeable in the field. They can offer invaluable advice as to how to choose the program you want to enter into, and about their own experiences. Check out our faculty page to read more about our professors and their specialties.

Author bio:

Elizabeth McIlhenney is a senior English major who has been the president of the Creative Writing Club and Sigma Tau Delta Honor Society.  She has also served as aco-editor of Fine Print, the E-town literary magazine.