Interesting.  I'm definately doing considerably more work that I ever did as an undergrad.  I'm doing less busy work, but the meat and potatoes labor is definately increased.  The reading load is at least tripled, and the average undergrad english paper (not counting maybe a senior thesis) is probably no more than 10 pages, where as the MA requirements for papers are more in the 20-30 page range with much higher standards in regards to research. 

It's worth it.  And again, Harkius is correct in that it changes your sense of purpose.  We've already lost 3 people from the program who have decided that spending their life doing English was not for them.  Its also a good test of whether or not you can handle a PhD program.  Not only does it test your academic abilities, but also some less commonly considered ones such as:

how well can you manage your tasks with out firm deadlines?
are you prepared to spend *much* of your time alone doing reading/writing?
are you outgoing enough to reach out to your professors outside of class? (There's no coddling here.)

It will also force you to consider your specialization (if you intend to go on for the PhD).  I came in thinking I was going to be studying American frontier literature with a focus on it's implications on gender politics.  Instead I'm now going to be focusing on Composition and Rhetoric with an emphasis on the the role of collaborative pedagogy and Writing Center theory.  You get introduced to so many new topics in grad school that it can blow your mind.  It's wonderful for the person devoted to that particular art or humanity (or science for those with that inclination).

Moxlotus,

I'm currently going to Boston College for my Masters in English and couldn't be happier.  To answer your questions...

The Masters of English at BC is 30 credits, with each course counting as 3 credits (ten classes total).  The majority of people take 2 years to earn the degree usually splitting their course load 3/3, 2/2 or 3/2, 3/2.  Additionally one could do it in 1.5 years if you went 3/3, 1 over the summer, and 3 in your fall semester.  To take more than 3 classes a semester would be a suicide mission.

There is no thesis involved with the BC masters, rather a series of 3 comp exams, one in each of your 2nd, 3rd, and 4th semesters (Close Reading, Historical Placement, Theory).  You also must pass a language comp in one foreign language (brief translation exam).

BC is one of the few MA programs that offers TFs (Teaching Fellowships) to its 2nd Year MAs.  There are 24 TFs available each year (most 2nd years get one).  You teach your own class and you design your own syllabus.  You have to take a composition theory/pedagogy course which really helps you prepare for teaching. 

The TF covers your entire tuition for your 2nd year (you get half in credit and half in cash that you can apply to the rest of your credits).  We have a wonderful faculty, everyone gets along really well, and I'd be happy to offer any additiona info on specific fields of interest. 

In your first year you can work study for the department (I'm doing that right now and if your g/f needed the job I could probably secure it for her).

As to why get the MA before teaching?  I'll give you 5 good reasons.

1)  You'll get better jobs at good private schools who couldn't care less about State certification (several of my friends will be teaching AP English straight out of the program).  And they're going to be paid more than they were when they just had the BA. 
2)  You'll be able to adjunct at local colleges, something you would be unable to do with a BA.
3) You'll have a greater understanding of your field both in terms of historical content and theoretical underpinnings.  You will have a better sense as to how everything fits together.
4) You'll be better prepared to apply for PhD.  Yes some PhD programs take people right out of the BA, but they need to be total superstars or "know somebody" if you get my drift.  The application process is much easier once you've had the extra experience.  I can't even begin to describe how much difference one year has made for me. 

If you or your g/f have any other questions about preparing for grad school in English or about the BC program specifically, I'd be happy to answer any questions.

Name: Chris DiBiase

I'm currently a grad student at Boston College working towards an MA in English and then hopefully a PhD in Comp&Rhet.  I did not begin to play "serious" Magic until my undergrad days (I had played many years ago but stopped for no reason that I can particularly remember).  Primarily an Extended and Limited player, I was introduced to Vintage when I arrived at BC and bumped into Mike Lydon and Jeff Anand.  My first Vintage experience was Grand Prix Samite I, where I placed 11th playing a borrowed Shop Aggro deck and had more fun than any tournament I had previously attended.