English, MA
Program Description
Degree Awarded: MA English
The MA program in English allows for a variety of studies within four distinct tracks:
Comparative literature --- Students interpret cultural productions in English and at least one other language, utilizing approaches including textual criticism, critical theory, and translation and cultural studies.
English studies --- Students in this online track learn how to interpret complex cultural, historical, literary and language-related materials, as well as articulate and mobilize this knowledge for general audiences through a series of courses from across disciplinary areas of study.
Literature --- Students develop skills in literary and cultural analysis, explore social and historical contexts, address theoretical issues and pursue interdisciplinary modes of inquiry.
Writing, rhetorics and literacies --- Students engage with various approaches to the history, theory and practices of rhetoric and pedagogies of writing and composition.
For specific information about each degree concentration, see the Degree Track Details section below.
Degree Track Details
Kathleen Hicks, Online Program Director
Ella Burrus, Graduate Academic Advisor
Program Overview: The Master of Arts in English with an Online track in English Studies is a unique master’s degree that provides a selection of representative courses from across our disciplinary areas of study (literature; writing, rhetorics and literacies; linguistics; film and media studies; cultural studies) including some courses that investigate the relationship between our discipline and others across the campus, such as science and English. After completion of this degree, you will be able to articulate and translate complex cultural, historical, literary, and artistic ideas into accessible material for a general audience and prepare yourself for career opportunities in public humanities, libraries, teaching, and museums.
New funding opportunity for MA English (English Studies) online students. For more information, see this webpage.
FAQs
1. How long will it take to complete the degree?
- An ambitious and hardworking student may be able to complete the degree in one academic year. Although, it does depend on several factors: A student would need to take 2 courses per 7.5 week session which is a heavy workload but not undoable if you have enough time every week to devote to studying. Also, some students have done some graduate work before entering the program which they are able to transfer into the program.
2. Can graduates of this program teach at a community college? Can they go on for a PhD?
- Yes, students with a MA in English can teach at the community college level and they can apply for PhD programs.
3. Can I take iCourses as an ASU Online student?
- No, ASU Online students can only take ASU Online classes. iCourses are courses offered to in-person ASU students only.
4. If I am admitted to the MA English online degree, can I count coursework taken prior to admission?
- Yes, with the approval of the advisor, 12 preadmission credits can be used on a graduate plan of study. The courses must be graduate level with a grade of B or better and must not be over three years old. The courses must not have been used on another degree. In order to apply these to the plan of study, ASU must have official transcripts from the accredited transfer institution. The student must have the advisor’s approval for any elective or transfer courses.
5. What if I do not have a degree in a related field?
- If students have experience in literature, rhetoric, writing or linguistics they may apply. This can be through a class they took during their BA. Those without a related degree should have strong scores in upper division undergraduate courses in literature, rhetoric, composition and linguistics, or film and media and proof of ability to complete high level undergraduate work. Also, courses such as Critical Reading and Writing about Literature (ENG 200) provide good background for applicants.
6. Can I be admitted to an in-person graduate certificate while working on my MA English Online degree?
- No, because they are offered on different campuses (Tempe and Online).
Lee Bebout, Director
Samantha Franze, Graduate Academic Advisor
The Department of English offers instruction leading to the Master of Arts in English with a track in literature. Graduate students at ASU work closely with world-class scholars and teachers. This is an academic community that cares about its students and prepares them for successful careers in a variety of paths, including education, publishing, scholarships, and more. Students in the MA Literature program learn how to conduct dynamic new research, sharpen their analytical reading skills, argue persuasively, publicly present their work, and become professional writers. Our faculty offer seminars on exciting topics, such as Victorian Sexuality; Mysticism and the Body; American Shakespeares; Chicano Latino Autobiographies; Jane Austen's Novels, Fans, and Critics; The Sympathetic Republic; Representations of Empire and National Identity; Magical Realism; Faulkner and Morrison; and Science and Literature. In this flexible program, students may choose to write a traditional thesis or they may design creative intellectual projects connected to their individual professional goals through a non-thesis option.
Mark Hannah, Program Director
Samantha Franze, Graduate Academic Advisor
The Department of English offers instruction leading to the Master of Arts in English with a track in writing, rhetorics, and literacies. This program emphasizes rhetorical strategies of oral, written, material, and digital texts through classical and contemporary theories, methods, and contexts. Our degree candidates come into the program with diverse academic backgrounds and interests, and many of our graduates go on to continue scholarly work in rhetoric, English studies, law, communication, and other related fields, and professional careers in teaching, public service, and industry. Students work closely with the director to pursue individual interests in rhetoric and composition – to make connections with other fields such as anthropology, communication, education, linguistics, literature, philosophy, psychology, religious studies, and sociology. Students also may write theses that employ a range of scholarly approaches, such as historical, theoretical, or empirical. A non-thesis option is also available.
Accelerated Degree Option (4 + 1)
Accelerated master's (previously called 4+1) degree programs combining undergraduate and graduate coursework in your senior year for dual credit, you'll save up to an entire year of schooling and receive both degrees in as little as five years.
Degree Requirements
Curriculum Plan Options
- 30 credit hours and a thesis - Comparative Literature Track
- 30 credits hours including the required capstone course (ENG 597) - English Studies Track
- 30 credit hours and a thesis - Literature Track
- 30 credit hours including the required applied project course (ENG 593) - Literature Track
- 30 credit hours including the required applied project course (ENG 593) - Writing, Rhetorics and Literacies Track
- 30 credit hours and a thesis - Writing, Rhetorics and Literacies Track
- 30 credit hours including the required applied project course (ENG 593) - Comparative Literature Track
Required Core (3 credit hours)
ENG 501 Approaches to Research (3)
Track Coursework (12-18 credit hours)
Comparative Literature Track (15 credit hours)
one course in concept and methods (3)
four courses in a language other than English (12)
English Studies Track (18 credit hours)
one course in linguistics (3)
one course in literature (3)
one course in writing, rhetorics and literacies (3)
one course in English education (3)
two additional courses (6)
Literature Track (18 credit hours)
ENG 502 Contemporary Critical Theories (3)
one course in early literatures and cultures (3)
one course in modern and contemporary literatures and cultures (3)
one course in global, ethnic, and transnational literatures and cultures (3)
one course in methods and approaches (3)
one course in language and linguistics (3)
Writing, Rhetorics and Literacies Track (12 credit hours)
one course in composition theory (3)
one course in rhetoric theory (3)
two 600-level courses (6)
Electives (3-12 credit hours)
Culminating Experience (3 or 6 credit hours)
ENG 593 Applied Project (3) or
ENG 597 Graduate Capstone Seminar (3) or
ENG 599 Thesis (6)
Additional Curriculum Information
Students should see the academic unit for the approved lists of track coursework.
Students must choose one of the following tracks: comparative literature, English studies, literature or writing, rhetorics and literacies. Students complete 12 to 18 credit hours of track coursework and 3 to 12 credit hours of Electives depending on their track and culminating experience.
The capstone culminating experience option is available to students in the English studies track only. Students in this track must take the capstone. Students in one of the other tracks must select an applied project or thesis for the culminating experience.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited institution.
Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.
All applicants must submit:
- graduate admission application and application fee
- official transcripts
- statement of purpose
- resume or curriculum vitae
- letters of recommendation
- academic writing sample relevant to the field
- proof of English proficiency
Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency. Students should see the Department of English website for specific details about English proficiency requirements. Your application will not be processed without valid proof of English proficiency. More information about English proficiency requirements can be found here. Please note that official scores must be sent to ASU in order for your application to be processed.
Applicants to the comparative literature track must prove fluency in a foreign language at a level sufficient for graduate study.
The two-page, single-spaced statement of purpose should detail the applicant's background, reasons for wanting to do graduate work in the track to which the applicant is applying and plans for the future.
Three letters of recommendation are required for applicants to the comparative literature, literature, and writing rhetorics and literacies tracks. Applicants to the English studies track are required to submit two academic or professional letters of recommendation; a third recommendation letter is optional.
An academic writing sample is required for applicants to the comparative literature, literature and writing rhetorics and literacies tracks. Applicants to the English studies track are not required to submit a writing sample, as the statement of purpose serves as the writing sample.
Flexible Degree Options
Accelerated program options
This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years.
It is offered as an accelerated bachelor's and master's degree with:
BA - English (Creative Writing)
Website | Locations: TEMPE
BA - English (Literature)
Website | Locations: TEMPE
BA - English (Writing, Rhetorics and Literacies)
Website | Locations: TEMPE
Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. During their junior year, eligible students will be advised by their academic departments to apply.
Next Steps to attend ASU
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Application Deadlines
Fall
Spring
Summer
Learning Outcomes
- Graduates from the MA program in English at ASU will be able to compose a compelling case, argument or creative work relevant to English studies that meets or exceeds standards of rigor in the field.
- Graduates from the MA program in English at ASU will be able to use concepts from a discipline in English studies to analyze (break into constituent parts) a relevant creative, literary, rhetorical or linguistic artifact or other cultural phenomenon according to standards of rigor in the field.
- Graduates of the MA program will be able to use theories, concepts and methods from a discipline in English studies to sustain an evidence-based line of reasoning that makes a grounded, situated and qualified contribution according to standards of rigor in the field.
Career Opportunities
Professionals with expertise in all areas of English studies are able to articulate and translate complex ideas for a general audience and are prepared for career opportunities in public humanities, business, digital media, teaching, museums, nonprofits and arts organizations. In addition, their advanced skills in writing, oral presentation and critical thinking are valuable assets for any career.
Career examples include:
- communications director
- copywriter
- editor or author
- human resources specialist
- instructor
- library or museum administrator
- market research analyst
- publisher
- social media manager
- technical writer
- web content writer or specialist
Global Opportunities
Global Experience
With over 250 programs in more than 65 countries (ranging from one week to one year), study abroad is possible for all ASU students wishing to gain global skills and knowledge in preparation for a 21st-century career. Students earn ASU credit for completed courses, while staying on track for graduation, and may apply financial aid and scholarships toward program costs. https://mystudyabroad.asu.edu
Attend Online
ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program description and request more information here.
Program Contact Information
If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.
- enggrad@asu.edu
- 480/965-3168