The graduate program at UWM has earned a national reputation because of its commitment to exploring innovative alternatives in English studies. Through its structure of concentrations and course offerings the Department promotes original approaches to a broad scope of topics in literature, language, writing, and visual culture. Students are encouraged to investigate various theoretical perspectives in depth and to research new or previously marginalized fields. A strong emphasis on pedagogical theory and practice is closely interwoven with every area of the program's intellectual research and creative activity. Through close collaboration with UWM's Center for Twentieth Century Studies, students have the opportunity to hear and meet leading scholars and critics who are challenging the boundaries of the humanities.

The Department continues to recruit an outstanding faculty of scholars and writers, leading to the recent high ranking given the program by the National Research Council. Students enrolling in the program come from around the nation and abroad. Many have degrees in disciplines outside of English, for the program is serious in its support of interdisciplinary work. We urge students to take classes in other disciplines, and the English Graduate Faculty includes members from other departments. 

Students may elect one of five concentrations, though each has many areas of interest within it: Literary Studies, Rhetoric and Composition, Creative Writing, Linguistics, and Modern Studies.  The concentrations are ways of providing a foundation for the student's plan of study. Most students take courses in more than one concentration, and most faculty work in more than one concentration. Exams are individually designed by the student and his or her committee. All Teaching Assistants offer at least one course in their field of specialization. Recent graduates haved fared very well in a difficult job market. 

Though competition for financial aid is notable, every effort is made to provide some assistance to most students during at least part if not all of their time in the program. TAs at UWM are unionized and receive good packages that include health care.  Students may also apply for non-teaching fellowships, project assistantships, and non-resident tuition wavers. 

For more information, explore this Web site or contact the appropriate coordinator, Graduate Program Assistant, or Graduate Coordinator by email or at (414) 229-5913.  See also the home page and online bulletin for The Graduate School and the Milwaukee Graduate Assistants Association. 

The Award for Teaching Excellence Jill Zellmer

Frederick J. Hoffman Award (two winners)           Andrea Deacon and Suzanne Leonard

Academy of American Poets Award Karen Auvinen

Faculty Fiction Award           Stephen McCabe, with award presented by Tom Blontly

Waldslaw Cieszynski Memorial Award           Karen Boren, with award presented by Tom Blontly

Tinsley Helton Dissertation Fellowship Jennifer Driscoll