The M.A. program admits 25 students each year from around the world. Unlike many other master's programs in English, the McGill M.A. culminates in a major piece of independent research, either a thesis or research paper, which is carried out under the supervision of a faculty member. Approximately half of McGill M.A. graduates go on to Ph.D. programs either at McGill or elsewhere. Other graduates have found employment with foundations, university development offices, publishing houses, consulting firms, and CEGEPs. All students who apply are considered for financial support, normally in the form of a scholarship that can be supplemented by Teaching or Research Assistantships. The Department offers two options toward the M.A. degree; one thesis, and the other non-thesis. Both options consist of 48 credits and are designed to be completed in four terms (of 12 credits each). It is rare for any student pursuing the thesis option to complete the degree in less than two years, although some students do complete the research paper option in one year (Fall, Winter, and Summer terms) or in 16 months (Fall, Winter, Summer, and Fall terms). Master of Arts (M.A.) English (Thesis) (48 credits): In the thesis option, students must successfully complete Graduate Research Seminar (ENGL 694) and five seminars, and write a thesis of 80–100 pages that adheres to the guidelines set under the thesis regulations of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. Students submit a proposal for the thesis to the Graduate Administration Committee in the Department; the proposal must be approved before students begin working on the thesis. When completed, the thesis is submitted to the Thesis Office and is reviewed by an External Examiner. Master of Arts (M.A.) English (Non-Thesis) (48 credits): In the non-thesis option, students must successfully complete Graduate Research Seminar (ENGL 694) and seven seminars, and write a research paper of 40 pages. Students submit a proposal for the research paper to the Graduate Administration Committee in the Department; the proposal must be approved before students begin to write the research paper. The finished paper is evaluated by the supervisor and a second member of the Department. Although the Non-Thesis (research paper) M.A. is designed to be completed in two years, some students complete the program in one year (Fall, Winter, and Summer terms) or in 16 months (Fall, Winter, Summer, and Fall terms).