MA in English- Book History and Textual Studies in University Park United States | Pennsylvania State University

Pennsylvania State University | University Park United States
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Qualification
Masters Degree
Languages
English
Delivery Mode
On-Campus
Tuition (2025)
USD 43,266
Attendance
Full-time
Full-time Duration
12 months

Penn State's faculty explore book history and textual studies through diverse methodological approaches and critical inquiries. Beyond extensive editorial initiatives, professors, graduate students, and undergraduates investigate print culture, digital media and literacy research, literary networks, manuscript traditions, and the evolution of authorship, publishing, and readership. A key highlight is the Penn State Center for the History of the Book, an interdisciplinary hub advancing the examination of literary culture. The Center organizes graduate seminars, hosts visiting scholars, curates exhibitions, and collaborates with Penn State Press on a publication series. It maintains partnerships with the Library of Congress's Center for the Book and joins a network of comparable institutions at the British Library, Sorbonne, University of London, and various U.S. universities. Additionally, it connects with academic groups including the American Antiquarian Society, the Society for the History of Authorship, Reading, and Publishing, and the Society for Textual Scholarship. Under the leadership of James L. W. West III, the Center operates within the English Department while maintaining strong ties to Pattee Library's Special Collections. Support comes from the English Department, College of the Liberal Arts, Penn State Press, University Libraries, and the Pennsylvania Center for the Book.


Destination of Study

Subjects of Study

Language Requirements

English
IELTS 6.5

Qualification Requirements

The GRE is not a requirement for admission to our graduate program.

Both MA and PhD applicants should submit the following items with their online application:

Statement of purpose for graduate study (1-3 pages double-spaced).
The English Graduate Program welcomes a statement of purpose that discusses your intellectual development and the goals you might wish to pursue in graduate school. What kinds of questions do you hope to explore during your graduate studies? How have your previous studies, or your personal background, or your work experience prepared you for graduate school?
Current Curriculum Vitae.
Article-length (15-20 pages double-spaced) critical writing sample.
An unofficial transcript, which you should request from each institution attended and upload to the admission form. If you are admitted to the program, the Graduate School will then request an official transcript directly from your institution(s). Submit 3 Letters of Reference
All international applicants must take and submit scores for the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or the IELTS (International English Language Testing System), with the exceptions noted below. The minimum acceptable score for the TOEFL is 550 for the paper-based test, 213 for the computer-based test, or a total score of 80 with a 19 on the speaking section for the Internet-based test (iBT). Applicants with iBT speaking scores between 15 and 18 may be considered for provisional admission, with Graduate School approval, which requires an institutional test of English proficiency upon the first semester of enrollment and, if necessary, remedial course work. The minimum composite score for the IELTS is 6.5.

Tuition USD 43,266

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