Master of Professional Studies - English (Grades 5-12) & Special Education (Grades 7-12) - Accelerated

Strong reading and writing abilities are essential to nearly every career. It’s true that English majors become writers and teachers. They also become journalists, lawyers, politicians, and corporate executives. English majors gain skills that employers covet: they think critically and analytically, they know how to conduct research, and they can communicate clearly. Those talents are dear. Students will learn them at Manhattanville College. They will take small, participatory classes that develop their ability to analyze and interpret literary works, as well as film, in context. Creative writers hone their craft in workshop courses and contribute to the campus literary magazine, Graffiti, and the campus newspaper, Touchstone. The English Department also hosts the College's annual Creative Writing Awards.

The English Department offers courses in all periods of American, British, and international literature in English, as well as courses in creative and professional writing and in film studies. 

The English Department offers an accelerated BA in English/MFA in Creative Writing program for outstanding undergraduates. Interested candidates apply in March of their Junior year and, if accepted, take two graduate classes toward their MFA in their Senior year.

As an English major, students will take courses that explore literary themes and genres from many different points of view. First, they will build familiarity with the principal periods of English and American literature, giving them an understanding of historical and cultural trends. 

The philosophy of the Special Education program is based on the fundamental belief that all children, regardless of learning and behavioral differences, are entitled to a free, appropriate education and should be provided with meaningful instruction in the least restrictive environment. The purpose is to prepare outstanding teachers who can meet the challenges of today’s 21st century classrooms.