English, MA
Examine texts from every area of literature, including classic, contemporary, speculative, satirical, popular and poetic, deepening literary knowledge for graduate study. Pair coursework with interactive experiences that train you to communicate across print, oral and digital texts.
Quick facts
Locations
Credits
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
International students (F1), this program is not eligible for the STEM-OPT extension.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Degree description
English master's description
The Master of Arts program in English offers multiple pathways of learning and a choice of modalities (in-person and online) so that you can find the best path through the program. You have opportunities for internships and professional development.
Online: English studies
In the English studies track, you learn how to interpret complex cultural, historical, literary and language-related materials. The online program includes a capstone course that enables you to review your experience and articulate the skills and knowledge you've gained to current or future employers. This track doesn't include a thesis option. Instead, in the capstone course, you create projects that can be used for professional and career growth.
Tempe campus
At the Tempe campus, you select one of two tracks: literature; or writing, rhetorics and literacies. The in-person program culminates in the choice between a thesis and an applied project.
- Literature --- You 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 --- You engage with various approaches to the history, theory and practices of rhetoric and the pedagogies of writing and composition.
Why study English at ASU?
ASU's Department of English faculty earns international recognition for innovative research and teaching, exploring the pan-world expression of the English language and its literatures, work that spans the global while connecting directly to the local. Fittingly, the degree suits you whether you are a traditional student, a working professional or a continuing student from an accelerated program.
You can pursue research across established disciplines such as education, film and media studies, linguistics, literature and rhetoric and composition, while also working at the cutting edge of interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary fields, from border studies, digital humanities and material culture to literature and science, sustainability and women's studies.
Additional details
Through the Department of English, you have access to the Glendon and Kathryn Swarthout Awards in Writing, which ranks among the most generous university writing prizes in the U.S.
You also are able to join the Graduate Scholars of English Association, which serves as the official organization representing the Department of English's graduate students.
Curriculum
This graduate degree includes courses focused on a specialized topic, so you can advance your skills for further professional opportunities. Explore all courses below.
30 credit hours and a thesis - Literature Track, or
30 credit hours and a thesis - Writing, Rhetorics and Literacies Track, or
30 credit hours including the required applied project course (ENG 593) - Literature Track, or
30 credit hours including the required applied project course (ENG 593) - Writing, Rhetorics and Literacies Track, or
30 credit hours including the required capstone course (ENG 597) - English Studies Track
Required Core (3 credit hours) Track Coursework (12 or 18 credit hours) Literature Track (18 credit hours) Writing, Rhetorics and Literacies Track (12 credit hours) Electives (3-12 credit hours) Culminating Experience (3 or 6 credit hours) Additional Curriculum Information Students must choose one of the following tracks: English studies; literature; or writing, rhetorics and literacies. Students complete 12 or 18 credit hours of track coursework and three 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.
ENG 501 Approaches to Research (3)
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)
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)
one course in composition theory (3)
one course in rhetoric theory (3)
two 600-level courses (6)
ENG 593 Applied Project (3) or
ENG 597 Graduate Capstone Seminar (3) or
ENG 599 Thesis (6)
Students should see the academic unit for the approved lists of track coursework.
What you'll learn
The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.
- Analyze (break into constituent parts) a relevant creative, literary, rhetorical or linguistic artifact or other cultural phenomenon, using concepts from a discipline in English studies, according to standards of rigor in the field.
- Compose a compelling case or argument relevant to English studies that meets or exceeds standards of rigor in the field.
- 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.
Analyze (break into constituent parts) a relevant creative, literary, rhetorical or linguistic artifact or other cultural phenomenon, using concepts from a discipline in English studies, according to standards of rigor in the field.Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
U.S. applicants (opens in new window) | International applicants (opens in new window) | English proficiency (opens in new window)
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 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: Additional Application Information The two-page, single-spaced statement of purpose should detail the applicant's background, reasons for wanting to pursue graduate work in the specified track, and plans for the future. Two academic letters of recommendation are required, with a third being optional. Applicants to the English studies track can submit academic or professional letters of recommendation. An academic writing sample is required for applicants to the literature; and writing, rhetorics and literacies tracks. Applicants to the English studies track are not required to submit a writing sample (the statement of purpose serves as the writing sample).
An applicant whose native language is not English 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 for the application to be processed.
Application deadlines
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 07/22 | Final* |
| Session A/C | Online | 07/23 | Final* |
| Session B | Online | 09/16 | Final* |
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 12/14 | Final* |
| Session A/C | Online | 12/15 | Final* |
| Session B | Online | 02/16 | Final* |
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | Online | 04/20 | Final* |
| Session B | Online | 06/03 | Final* |
*A final deadline means that all applications and application materials must be received by Admission Services by the deadline date. Applications that are incomplete may not be considered after the final deadline. Applications that are submitted past the final deadline may not be considered.
Explore expanded study opportunities
This program allows you to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. As a high-achieving student, accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for you to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of your master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
This program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:
Approval to pursue the accelerated master's is typically granted during the junior year of your bachelor's degree program. If you are interested, you can learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimateCareer opportunities
Careers this English master's degree prepares you for
Professionals with expertise in all areas of English studies are able to articulate and translate complex ideas for a general audience. Graduates 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 specialist
- copywriter
- editor or author
- educator
- higher education administration
- human resources specialist
- market research analyst
- publishing
- social media manager
- technical writer
- web content writer or specialist
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
Department of English
|
RBHL 170
enggrad@asu.edu
480-965-3168
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.
