English Education, MA
Degree Awarded: MA English Education
The Master of Arts program in English education is a one-year, intensive program designed to prepare practicing and transitioning teachers for careers as exemplary educators, teacher-researchers and leaders in English language arts instruction.
Students in the program develop a deep understanding of the English language arts by learning how to access, analyze and apply research and best practices for teaching secondary students (grades 7--12). This program balances the refining of disciplinary knowledge with pedagogical application of that knowledge in classrooms. Students take a variety of dynamic, contemporary methods courses, including advanced methods courses in research in English education, methods of teaching writing and text, teaching critical approaches to analysis of young adult literature, and teaching writing in an era of standardization.
This innovative course of study culminates with an inquiry project related to English language arts instruction in secondary classrooms. The program empowers students to employ teacher research and inquiry to address questions they have about their own students' learning and their own teaching practice.
*Note: This degree is not TESOL, ESL, or EFL related. If interested in these fields, check out our MTESOL and MA Linguistics and Applied Linguistics programs.
James Blasingame, Director
Arielle Torricelli, Graduate Academic Advisor
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 including the required applied project course (ENG 593)
Required Core (12 credit hours)
ENG 501 Approaches to Research (3)
ENG 506 Methods and Issues in Teaching Language (3)
ENG 507 Methods and Issues in Teaching Composition (3)
ENG 606 Advanced Studies in English Education (3)
Electives or Research (12 credit hours)
Other Requirements (3 credit hours)
ENG 594 Conference and Workshop (3)
Culminating Experience (3 credit hours)
ENG 593 Applied Project (3)
Admission Requirements
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Applicants must have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in English, creative writing, English education, secondary education or secondary curriculum and instruction, or a master's degree in education or a closely related field from a regionally accredited institution. Current certification in secondary English language arts (grades 6--12) or equivalent certification, or a minimum of two years teaching English language arts in a school setting is required.
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
- two letters of recommendation
- proof of English proficiency
Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English and has not graduated from an institution of higher learning in the United States must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency. Applications are not processed without valid proof of English proficiency; official scores must be sent to ASU.
Applicants must submit a well-considered, one- to two-page statement of purpose in which they explain how their experience and training have prepared them for the English education program, their goals in pursuing the MA in English education, and plans for the future.
Two letters of recommendation are required; a third is optional. The letters should provide a clear picture of the applicant's potential for successfully completing a master's degree, so at least one of the letters should be from a university professor who is familiar with the applicant's academic work and with master's-level academic programs.
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 (Secondary Education)
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.
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Application Deadlines
Fall
Learning Outcomes
- Students will be able to interrogate their own pedagogical practices (i.e., curriculum and instruction, differentiation, English language learners, cultural responsiveness, assessment, digital and new literacies) in the teaching of English language arts (reading, writing, speaking, listening, use of language, technology) and make appropriate adaptations to best meet all students' needs.
- Students will be able to locate, analyze and synthesize qualitative or quantitative teacher research studies specific to important issues in their own English language arts classrooms or schools.
- Students will demonstrate the ability to recognize various qualitative and quantitative research methods as appropriate and effective means for pursuing specific lines of classroom-based teacher inquiry and explain the pros and cons of a given methodological approach in terms of their classroom research.
- Students will demonstrate the use of appropriate, effective qualitative or quantitative research methods as they design and implement studies for the purpose of improving curriculum and instruction in their own school districts and sharing their findings in a public forum.
- Students will be able to identify important educational issues they face in teaching English language arts, survey a variety of resources (i.e., research literature, expert opinion and educational policy), and synthesize their learning into plans for best practice.
Career Opportunities
Careers for English education graduates include professions related to the field of secondary language arts and literacy education in secondary schools.
Career examples include:
- dual enrollment teacher
- education and leadership researcher
- faculty member at a college or university
- industry content specialist
- instructional leader
- literacy coach
- middle or high school English teacher
Outside of academia, graduates may become nonprofit public relations managers, event managers and associate directors. They may work for state and federal education departments as content specialists, curriculum developers or professional development providers.
Students who complete the MA program in English education may have the appropriate degree to be qualified to teach dual-credit English education courses.
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
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