Frequently asked questions

New Orleans has inspired many influential writers, such as William Faulkner, Tennessee Williams, Ernest Hemingway, and Anne Rice. The city is over 300 years old and has a rich history and a diverse culture. Our faculty reflect that diversity and specialize in areas like ecocriticism, African-American literature, and women's literature.

The Department offers unique service-learning opportunities, such as the writing partnership with the Orleans Parish Prison. We also have opportunities to get involved in publication, including the graduate literary journal Beyond the Margins and the UNO Publishing Lab (course ENGL 6153).

Our flexible M.A. programs are great for new bachelor's graduates, returning learners, and working adults. We offer both a traditional onsite degree program at UNO's gorgeous lakeside campus and a fully online degree program.

Before starting your graduate work, you must have a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution in the U.S. or a 4-year degree equivalent from a recognized institution of higher learning abroad. Minimum requirements also include at least a 2.5 grade point average for all undergraduate coursework and (if applicable) a 3.0 grade point average for all graduate coursework.

Yes! However, your admission would be contingent on your graduation.

You may have to take additional English courses; this need is assessed by the Graduate Coordinator on an individual basis.

The complete break-down of graduate tuition and fees can be found here. A typical course is 3 hours; full-time enrollment at the graduate level is 9 hours. Please note that UNO students in online programs are exempt from the non-resident fee.

Graduate students may be eligible for merit-based tuition scholarships awarded by the Graduate School. For scholarship consideration, your application (including transcripts) must be received by March 15.

Financial Aid is available to graduate students through need-based grants and loans as well as merit-based scholarships.

Office of Financial Aid
504-280-6603

Visit the Financial Aid website

We also offer Graduate Assistantships (see below).

Four types of graduate assistantships are available: teaching positions in the Freshman Composition program; tutoring positions in the Writing Center; research assistantships with individual faculty members; and service positions (e.g. administrative support).

To qualify for a teaching position, students must first complete eighteen hours of credit toward the master’s degree. Each first-year teaching assistant receives guidance from a faculty mentor and the Coordinator of First-Year Writing.

At this time, graduate assistantships are only available for onsite students. Normally, they begin in the fall semester and continue through the spring.

For more information on graduate assistantships, visit here.

Students can start in the fall, the spring, or the summer.

The application deadline for fall is July 1.

The application deadline for spring is October 15.

The application deadline for summer is May 1.

To apply, visit the Admissions page here.

In addition to the application, you will need to submit official transcripts from each degree-granting institution and post-baccalaureate institution attended.

Students who have completed their education in a non-English country will also have to provide proof of English proficiency and have transcripts evaluated by an NACES Evaluation Agency. An official course-by-course evaluation must be included.

You will also need to submit a Statement of Purpose (600-900 words) describing your background and goals and a Writing Sample (7-20 pages) demonstrating your skill. Ideally, the Writing Sample will be a piece written in an academic setting. Please do not submit creative writing samples. Click here for more information.

Master’s degree students may transfer in up to one-third of the credit hours required for the degree from another institution only after completing 9 hours at UNO with a 3.0 GPA. Only course work taken at the graduate-level and with a grade of B or above may be transferred.  The Graduate Coordinator will determine transfer credits.

Yes! Many of our students work full-time and pursue degrees by taking courses in the late afternoon and evening. You can also attend part-time by taking one or two classes per semester, instead of the full load of three. Many classes are also available online.

For a full listing of our courses, click here.

Of course! Many of our courses are offered both onsite and online.

Yes! Although you are always welcome to visit, you can complete the entire degree program online.

Yes! Many M.A.s use their degrees to teach at the secondary, community college, and university levels.

• Pursue Ph.D.s in a variety of fields at universities such as the University of Mississippi, Ohio State University, Miami University in Florida, Oxford University, Loyola University at Chicago, Bowling Green State University, University of Houston, and many others.
• Teach at local high schools (such as McGehee, Ben Franklin, Jesuit, Rummel, and Cabrini) and local colleges (such as Nicholls State, Dillard, Delgado, and Southeastern - and of course, UNO!).
• Work as technical writers, journalists, educational administrators, freelance writers and editors, and marketing professionals.