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MA Research Project

We are pleased to announce that, starting in August 2022, our English M.A. program will feature an Extended MA Project option that allows students to complete a substantial, year-long research-based project weighted at 12 credits. This new option will be of interest to individuals who:

  • want to explore a topic that is of great personal interest to them;
  • want to complete a substantial graduate-level research project and develop associated higher-level research skills, but do not want to dedicate fives years to a doctoral program;
  • want to prepare specifically for a doctoral program;
  • want to prepare for research-focused career options that also demand well-developed project management skills;
  • want to complete a workplace-related research project that will benefit their employer and clients, and allow them to complete an MA program flexibly.

This Extended MA Project option allows students to:

  • select their own research area and topic and, under the mentorship of our faculty, develop a formal project proposal across the first two semesters/Year 1, alongside their other courses. Students then complete the Extended Project across the second two semesters/Year 2 to complete their MA program;
  • complete the Extended Project, that is, the second two semesters/Year 2 of the MA, online. Supervisory meetings with the Project Chair and Project Committee will be held via Zoom, feedback provided via email, and students will, of course, have full access to the University Library’s electronic resources.
  • The Extended Project may take the following formats:
    • A single ‘traditional’ research project: 17-20,000 words.
    • A digital project, to include a critical/reflective essay: 12,000-15,000 words.
    • An archival project, to include a critical/reflective essay: 12,000-15,000 words.
    • A workplace-based applied project that references the relevant outcomes and appropriate length indications of Options 1, 2, or 3.
    • A pedagogy-focused project that explores teaching practices and curriculum innovation and references the relevant outcomes and appropriate length indications of Options 1, 2, or 3.

Please contact the English Department’s Director of Graduate Studies, Dr Sarah Cornish (sarah.cornish@unco.edu), for further information. Applicants interested in the pedagogy-focused option should contact the Director of English Education, Dr Jeri Kraver (Jeraldine.kraver@unco.edu).