The program provides students with the opportunity to study evolving approaches to advanced literary study. A broad offering of courses ensures that each student will be able to design a program to meet her or his interests. A reading knowledge of one foreign language is also required to receive the degree. The program may be completed in one year of full-time study. A student concentrates on a chosen area, a specific period, or a genre.
Students declare an area of focus when they apply to the program.
Each program is designed in consultation with the Program Director. Candidates for the M. Phil degree must pass an oral examination in her or his area of study before the degree is granted. A Writing Option is available in both the M.A. and M.Phil. For graduate students interested in becoming writers or in teaching writing at the secondary level, the writing option at Simmons combines the advanced study of literature with courses in writing and in teaching writing.