Master of Arts in English

The master of arts in English offers students the opportunity to explore a wide range of critical and creative approaches to language and literature. Students work closely with faculty at the forefront of a changing intellectual and cultural landscape in English and American Literature as well as in comparative literature, creative and professional writing, post-colonial studies, women’s and gender studies, holocaust and genocide studies, digital studies, and writing and rhetoric studies. Courses such as American Romanticism, Native American Literature, and Literature of the Sea explore the literatures of New England. Internships in Digital Humanities and College Pedagogy offer work experience and direct career preparation. For educators, successful completion of this program leads to the fulfillment of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts requirements for professional licensure to teach English at the secondary level.

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Program Requirements

Master of Arts in English

Program Overview

Our master of arts in English provides students the flexibility to concentrate in either literature or writing depending on their interests and professional goals. The concentration in literature focuses on literary texts, scholarly criticism, and research, and is recommended for those who seek professional licensure or are interested in pursuing doctoral studies in English. The concentration in writing is designed for those who want to pursue careers in writing. Learn more about program requirements and courses.

Looking for an MA/MAT dual degree in English? Learn more.

Program highlights include:

  • 30-33 credit curriculum, thesis and non-thesis options. Full-time students can complete the program in 1.5 years. Part-time students may complete the program in up to six years.
  • Concentrated studies in either literature or writing
  • Flexible scheduling to accommodate a wide range of students’ needs and schedules, including online and one-week summer instituted courses.
  • Opportunities to supplement Master’s degree with graduate certificates in Digital Studies, Writing and Rhetoric, or Holocaust and Genocide Studies

Careers

English majors bring highly-valued critical thinking and communication skills to the workplace. Seventy percent of our graduates are employed in the field of education, with forty-four percent teaching middle and high school, and eleven percent teaching as adjunct faculty at institutions of higher education including community colleges. Nine percent of our graduates are employed in marketing, sales, and business management. Others are employed in the fields of writing, editing, and publishing; and several go on to pursue doctoral work in a range of disciplines. 

 

READ THE GRADUATE STUDENT HANDBOOK. 

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