Accelerated Master's Program

The Accelerated Master’s Programs in English and in TESOL & Linguistics offer students the opportunity to begin working on their master’s degree while they complete their bachelor’s degree.

The AMP gives students the chance to earn an advanced, two-year MA degree with only one year of graduate tuition. Students completing the AMP will be better positioned by the rigorous graduate-level curriculum and hands-on learning opportunities to move on to further advanced study or to the job market.

Students enrolled in this innovative program can count two (MA English) or three (MA TESOL & Linguistics) graduate courses toward both their bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Once AMP students complete their bachelor’s degree, they go on to earn the MA degree with just one additional year of coursework.

More Information

What You Will Learn

This program is a terrific opportunity for motivated, high-caliber students to build on the excellent preparation they are receiving as undergraduates and to:

  • Hone their craft as writers
  • Investigate literary texts
  • Understand critical frameworks
  • Sharpen rhetorical analysis
  • Explore language and language learning
  • Develop leadership skills
  • Build professional credentials and experience

AMP students can participate in a variety of terrific programs and events, including Compass Advantage, the InPrint Festival of First Books, and Practical Criticism Midwest. They will also enjoy the small class sizes, a strong sense of community, and substantial faculty support afforded by all our graduate programs.

Accelerated Master's Programs in the Department of English

Students completing the AMP in English have the opportunity to complete select graduate courses toward the completion of their bachelor's degree and master's degree. The following course options are available for AMP students.
MA in English offers concentration options in Creative Writing, English Studies, Literature, and Rhetoric and Composition. Students accepted to the AMP for English will be able to count 2 graduate-level courses toward both their bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
MA in TESOL & Linguistics offers concentration options in TESOL, Linguistics, or TESOL & Linguistics. Students accepted to the AMP for TESOL & Linguistics will be able to count 3 graduate-level courses toward both their bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

Ready to Apply?

To apply for either of these AMP options, students must have earned a minimum of 75 credit hours (at least 30 must be earned at Ball State) with an overall GPA of 3.25. Applicants must complete the Graduate School’s application and submit a statement of purpose, writing sample, and three letters of recommendation.

Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to meet with the Assistant Chairperson for Programs to discuss their plans before they apply. Prospective applicants should also be aware that AMP students are ineligible for academic year graduate assistantships in the English Department, though they may be eligible for other assistantship positions on campus.

For more information on how to make your graduate application stand out, see our application guide on the English Department blog.

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