Despite the consequences of the pandemic, the need to adapt to online learning environments has highlighted a new time for learning. English writing, editing, and communication skills are evolving to become central for student and professional success. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), public schools registered approximately five million English language learners (ELL) in 2017.
Outside the education system, demand for English professionals is also on the rise. The technical writing field is projected to grow by 7% from 2019-2029, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which is a faster growth rate than most industries.
An online master's in English degree builds advanced knowledge of the language, literature, and the interpretation of literary texts, such as fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. Emphasizing research, writing, critical thinking, and communications skills, this versatile degree often prepares graduates for teaching careers. However, English students can also apply their skills in writing and editing careers.
BLS reports that high school teachers earned an annual median salary of $61,660 in 2019, with jobs projected to grow about as fast as average between 2019 and 2029. A master's in English typically takes 2-3 years to complete, and most programs require applicants to hold at least some undergraduate credits in English.
This page offers an overview of online master's in English programs, including common courses, career outcomes, and scholarships for English students
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What Are the Goals of English?
At its heart, English focuses on the close study of literary texts. Literary criticism has grown into a diverse and highly specialized field, encompassing a variety of critical approaches and methodologies. Graduate study explores these complex and often contradictory perspectives, encouraging students to critically examine texts while developing their own notions of literary interpretation.
A master's in English builds on the knowledge gained in bachelor's programs, developing more comprehensive knowledge of literary history and theories of interpretation. For students interested in teaching at the college level, a master's degree is often the next step on the path toward a Ph.D., which is required for academic careers.
Why Should I Consider a Master's in English?
An online master's in English often prepares graduates for careers in education. While K-12 teaching positions typically only require a bachelor's degree, earning a master's can help teachers distinguish themselves when applying for jobs. Advanced credentials often result in higher salaries.
To pursue a teaching career, candidates need both a degree and teacher licensure or certification. Educators usually obtain a secondary education credential, which enables them to teach grades 7-12. Many graduate English programs offer preparation for language arts teaching certification as part of their curriculum.
Preparation for Doctoral Study A graduate English program fulfills many of the credit requirements for a Ph.D. in English, and candidates often choose to continue their studies at the doctoral level.
Preparation to Teach English graduates can also pursue teaching careers at the middle or high school level. Many programs lead to teacher certification.
Increased Job Opportunities In addition to education, English graduates can work in many fields, including technical writing and communications.
Increased Salary Potential A graduate degree builds advanced knowledge and skills, which can help candidates command higher salaries.
Research Opportunities Many graduate English programs emphasize academic research. Graduate students can perform original research in a supportive academic environment.
How to Become a Master in English
What are the requirements for an online english masters?
Most master's degrees require that you already have your bachelor's degree and that you maintained at least a 2.75 GPA during your undergrad, though many programs require a 3.0 or above. While applying to get into an online master's in English program, you'll also most likely need to provide not only your transcript and resume but letters of recommendation as well, typically three. You can ask former professors, mentors, and current or former supervisors to write you one. To graduate from a master's program, you will likely need to complete anywhere from 36-60 credit hours which can take between two and four years.
Accreditation for a Master's in English
Whether researching a master's in English online or on campus, students should look for schools with proper accreditation. The accreditation process regulates colleges and universities, ensuring that their programs meet designated academic standards and provide adequate professional preparation.
All reputable colleges hold either national or regional accreditation. In general, national accreditation regulates technical and vocational colleges that offer trade education programs, such as dental hygiene and auto repair. Regional accreditation regulates four-year colleges that offer traditional academic programs, including English degrees. Without exception, only regionally accredited colleges offer online master's in English programs.
Unlike many disciplines, English programs typically lack specific programmatic accreditation. However, programs from regionally accredited colleges are generally reputable. Prospective learners can consult the Council for Higher Education Accreditation's list of the six recognized regional accrediting organizations for more information on regional accreditation.
Courses in an English Master's Program
An online master's in English builds comprehensive skills in textual analysis and interpretation, research, and literary genres and periods.
While most programs focus on the study of literature, others may emphasize rhetoric, linguistics, or professional writing. Candidates typically demonstrate their overall learning through a graduate thesis or capstone project, which synthesizes major program principles.
The list below highlights three common courses in graduate English programs. Keep in mind that specific course titles and content may differ across programs.
What are the concentrations in a masters in English?
An online master's in English degree offers an overall mastery of language, communication, and critical thinking skills, but you can also choose to specialize in a specific area. The following are a few common concentrations that you can study as a graduate student in an English program.
Literature
While focusing your studies on English literature, you'll have to dive into the works of famous authors such as Jane Austen, Geoffrey Chaucer, and Ernest Hemingway. When working on your thesis, you'll need to focus your project on a specific writer or area of literature like ancient literature, children's literature, or British Literature.
Writing
By focusing your studies on writing, you'll be able to express yourself through creative writing with a mastery of the language. You'll study and learn from the greats, participate in writing workshops where you'll get feedback on your work, and work with established writers and authors.
Rhetoric
As a student of rhetoric, you'll study the power and impact of language throughout history as well as how it plays out in a modern setting. You'll study linguistics, history, and psychology to gain full understanding rhetoric.
Career and Salary Outlook for English Majors
English graduates canpursue careers in many different fields, including writing and editing, communications, and education. Many candidates work as teachers in middle school or high school, although some work at community colleges. See below for four of the most popular career paths for English graduates. Advancement for this field depends on what job role you pursue, though most top-employing occupations for this degree hold a projected growth of 4%, according to the BLS.
Instructional Coordinator These professionals work with schools and school districts to develop and implement curriculums and teaching standards. They typically evaluate the effectiveness of curriculum models, review textbooks and other teaching materials, plan and conduct educator training, and assess and recommend new teaching techniques and strategies.
Elementary, Middle, and High School Principal School principals oversee administrative and educational operations at K-12 schools. Responsible for a school's overall administration, principals may manage staff members and activities; develop and assess curriculum standards; observe and evaluate teachers' classroom performance; and meet with students, parents, and teachers.
Editor Editors review and revise written content for various print and digital media. They may edit for both style and content, checking for grammatical and punctuation errors while also helping writers refine and more clearly express their ideas. Editors may also oversee broader administrative functions, determining the overall direction of publications and deciding what to publish.
Technical WriterTechnical writers translate complex ideas and instructions into clear writing for general audiences. They may write instructional manuals, guides, journals, and other supporting documents. These writers often work with technical staff to streamline and simplify specialized or complicated ideas.
| Career | Median Annual Salary | Projected Growth Rate (2019-2029) |
|---|---|---|
| Instructional Coordinator | $66,290 | 6% |
| Elementary, Middle, and High School Principal | $96,400 | 4% |
| Editor | $61,370 | -7% |
| Technical Writer | $72,850 | 7% |
Source: BLS
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Certifications and Licensure for English Majors
Along with a graduate degree, English students can pursue a variety of professional certifications, which build specialized knowledge and prepare recipients for more advanced positions. Most certifications in the English field focus on teaching and instruction in language arts, reading, and ESL. This list highlights three common English certifications:
Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
This certification trains teachers to instruct speakers of other languages in basic English usage, preparing recipients for specialized positions as ESL teachers. Available to both bachelor's and master's degree-holders, the certification stresses topics including second language acquisition, learning theory, and ESL curriculum and materials design.
Reading Specialist
This certification trains teachers for literacy instruction, working with special needs students to improve basic reading and comprehension skills. The certification requires candidates to hold a master's degree and a valid teaching certificate, along with supervised practicum experience in reading or literacy instruction.
Structured Literacy Classroom Teacher Knowledge Certificate
This certificate prepares recipients to serve as general classroom teachers or in support roles, providing reading and language arts instruction to students. Applicants need a bachelor's degree and a minimum of 45 teacher training hours.
How Can a Master's Student Pay for College?
Students enrolled in online master's in English programs can apply for loans, grants, and private scholarships to fund their degree. Many scholarships specifically serve candidates pursuing master's programs. Others serve English students at all levels. This list features five popular scholarships, along with general application requirements and award amounts.
Leo W. and Alberta V. Thomas Utz ScholarshipWho Can Apply: College students pursuing an undergraduate or graduate program in English may apply. The scholarship can be renewed for up to four years as long as recipients maintain a minimum 3.25 GPA.Amount: $4,000
ChLA Hannah Beiter Graduate Student Research GrantsWho Can Apply: Graduate or doctoral candidates in English pursuing research related to children's or young adult literature may apply. The grant funds research activities for a graduate thesis or Ph.D. dissertation.Amount: $500-$1,500
American Copy Editors Society ScholarshipsWho Can Apply: Undergraduate or graduate students who plan to pursue a career in the editing of written material may apply. Applicants must submit a resume, references, and short essay responses to various prompts.Amount: $1,500-$3,500
Bodie McDowell ScholarshipWho Can Apply: Undergraduate or graduate students in English (or a related field) with an interest in the outdoors and nature writing may apply. The award committee considers academic achievement, work examples, and personal recommendations.Amount: $1,000-$5,000
Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley ScholarshipWho Can Apply: Female students enrolled in or planning to enroll in an academic program focused on writing (including English programs) may apply. Applicants must demonstrate an interest in horror writing and provide samples of work in the genre (either fiction or criticism).Amount: $2,500
Professional Organizations for English Students
Association of Writers & Writing Programs
The Association of Writers & Writing Programs supports 50,000 writers, 550 college and university programs, and 150 writers' conferences. This organization is an excellent resource for any master's in English students who want to become professional writers.
The Society of Professional Journalists
The Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) is a nonprofit dedicated to supporting the free press. They have about 13,500 members who are journalists. If you're interested in a career in journalism, you'll want to look into this organization for resources and information.
Academy of American Poets
Founded in 1934, the Academy of American Poets seeks to support poets as well as to keep the appreciation of the art alive. If you're interested in becoming a professional poet, you'll want to follow this organization.
