Literature
Degrees in Literature: Exploring the Differences Between Poetry, Literature, and English PhD
Delta between obtaining a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in poetry, a Master of Arts (MA) in literature, and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in English can be better understood through the exploration of their unique emphases and academic goals. Each degree path paves a distinct educational pathway, offering students specialized training, in-depth knowledge, and research capabilities tailored to different academic and professional intentions.
MFA in Poetry
Training and Focus
The MFA in poetry is designed to equip writers with the technical skills and creative mindset necessary to excel in the craft of poetry. Unlike the MA in literature, which broadly covers reading and critical analysis, the MFA in poetry singularly focuses on writing.
Learning Outcomes
Candidates typically develop their own poetry portfolio, which can be read, critiqued, and curated during the course of their studies. The MFA also emphasizes workshop environments, where students engage in peer review and constructive feedback. This collaborative atmosphere nurtures the development of a unique poetic voice.
Professional Pathways
Graduates of MFA programs in poetry often seek careers as poets, writers, editors, or teachers in higher education. They are well-prepared to launch literary journals or contribute to the vibrant poetry community through publishing, teaching, and workshops.
MA in Literature
Academic Focus
The MA in literature is a versatile degree that trains students to critically read, interpret, and analyze literary texts. Unlike the MFA, which prioritizes writing, the MA in literature often includes various specializations such as rhetoric, comparative literature, or creative writing, providing students with a broad understanding of literary traditions and critical methods.
Learning Outcomes
Candidates in this program develop strong analytical and written skills, learning to construct persuasive arguments through textual analysis. They also become adept at using various critical approaches such as formalism, deconstruction, and cultural analysis to understand and critique literary works.
Professional Pathways
Graduates of MA in literature programs can enter careers in academia, publishing, journalism, or public relations. They are skilled in communication and analysis, well-suited for roles requiring deep cultural and textual understanding.
PhD in English
Research Focus
While an MA in literature offers a solid foundation in literary analysis, a PhD in English delves even deeper into literary studies, with an emphasis on original research and scholarly contributions. The program is designed to produce scholars who can contribute new insights to the field through original research.
Learning Outcomes
Candidates undergo rigorous training in research methodologies, academic writing, and critical thinking. They complete a dissertation, a significant scholarly work that contributes new knowledge to a specialized area within English literature. The comprehensive examination, which includes a proposal and comprehensive written exams, ensures that graduates are thoroughly prepared to undertake independent research.
Professional Pathways
After completing a PhD in English, graduates can pursue careers in academia, where they can teach, conduct research, and publish scholarly works. They are respected for their extensive knowledge and analytical skills, making them ideal candidates for tenure-track positions at universities and colleges.
Regulating Academic Titles and What They Imply
At Princeton University, recent PhD theses in English offer fascinating insights into the research topics that doctoral candidates explore. These theses reveal the scope and depth of specialized knowledge required for a PhD.
Examples of PhD Dissertations
Terekhov Jessica, 2022: “On Wit in Relation to Self-Division”Lockhart Isabel, 2022: “Storytelling and the Subsurface: Indigenous Fiction Extraction and the Energetic Present”Ashe Nathan, 2022: “Narrative Energy: Physics and the Scientific Real in Victorian Literature”Bartley Scott H., 2022: “Watch it closely: The Poetry and Poetics of Aesthetic Focus in The New Criticism and Middle Generation”Minnen Jennifer, 2021: “The Second Science: Feminist Natural Inquiry in Nineteenth-Century British Literature”
Notably, these titles span from literary analysis and theoretical insights to interdisciplinary explorations. For instance, Terekhov's dissertation delves into the complex relationship between wit and self-division, while Minnen's work examines the intersection of feminist inquiry and natural science in 19th-century literature. Branding a 300-page dissertation as “intriguing” could be an understatement for these scholars!
My own MA thesis in English, “The Devil and Flannery O'Connor,” focused narrowly on the imagery of the devil in her work. While thorough and insightful, it provided a glimpse into the complexities of O'Connor's writing. My other MA in linguistics/Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) also honed my skills in academic writing and critical analysis through a detailed examination of a specific writing method.
Whether in poetry, literature, or English, the path to academic excellence requires dedication, critical thinking, and a passion for literature. For those fascinated by the nuances of language and literature, these degrees offer pathways to both intellectual growth and diverse professional opportunities.
Conclusion
The differences between an MFA in poetry, an MA in literature, and a PhD in English are significant, each representing a unique blend of theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and original research. Whether one aspires to be a poet, a literary critic, or an academic scholar, these degrees provide the necessary foundation for a fulfilling career in the field of English literature.