Program Overview

English, M.A. Online

The online Master of Arts in English program at the University of West Florida is home to a vibrant community of scholars and creative writers who are passionate about the study of literature, creative writing, and discourse.

Program Details

• Next Start Date: May 11
• Credit Hours: 33-36
• Course Length: 16 weeks
• Estimated Program Length: 24 months

Why Study English at UWF?

Graduates of the English M.A. program are highly successful writers, speakers, presenters, leaders, and educators who possess excellent analytical and communication skills. These techniques can be applied to numerous professions, including business, publishing, editing, creative writing, non-profit administration, instructional design, journalism, technical writing, teaching, and many more.

What You Will Learn

By completing this degree, you will be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge of literary theory, British literature, American literature, poetry, and rhetoric
• Practice writing and workshopping fiction, non-fiction, creative non-fiction, and creative writing
• Hone your teaching skills by teaching literature courses and composition and rhetoric courses through the writing program
• Serve as an editor or managing editor for Troubadour, a journal of creative writing by UWF students, or Panhandler Magazine, a national literary journal

Courses & Requirements

The M.A. in English program requires a minimum of 33-36 credit hours of coursework, 18 of which must be 6000-level courses. At the time of admission, students will indicate their choice of a program specializing in literature or creative writing.

Thesis Track

Students completing 18 credit hours of 6000-level coursework with a minimum 3.5 grade-point average are eligible for the thesis track. Students with a lower GPA may petition the chair of the department to be allowed to pursue the thesis track.

Non-Thesis Track

After completing 30 credit hours of graduate-level coursework, M.A. candidates in the non-thesis track must complete an additional 6 credit hours of coursework.

Creative Writing Specialization

• Graduate English Core (6 credit hours):
  • ENG 5009 - Introduction to Advanced Literary Study
  • ENG 6018 - History of Literary Theory
• One of the following (6 credit hours):
  • ENG 6971 - Thesis OR 6 credit hours of approved electives
• Choose four courses from the following (12 credit hours):
  • CRW 6130 - Workshop in Fiction Writing
  • CRW 6236 - Workshop in Creative Non-Fiction Writing
  • CRW 6331 - Workshop in Poetry Writing
  • CRW 6806 - Workshop in Teaching Creative Writing
  • CRW 6934 - Special Topics in Creative Writing

Literature Specialization

• Graduate English Core (21 credit hours):
  • ENG 5009 - Introduction to Advanced Literary Study
  • ENG 6018 - History of Literary Theory
  • ENG 6019 - Topics in Literary Theory
  • AML 6506 - Topics in American Literature to 1900
  • AML 6507 - Topics in American Literature 1900-Present
  • ENL 6297 - Topics in British Literature to the Romantics
  • ENL 6298 - Topics in British Literature from the Romantics to Present
• One of the following (6 credit hours):
  • ENG 6971 - Thesis OR 6 credit hours of approved electives
• Choose three courses from the following (9 credit hours):
  • CRW 6130 - Workshop in Fiction Writing
  • CRW 6236 - Workshop in Creative Non-Fiction Writing
  • CRW 6331 - Workshop in Poetry Writing
  • CRW 6806 - Workshop in Teaching Creative Writing
  • LIT 5018 - Topics in Fiction
  • ENC 5333 - Topics in Rhetoric
  • ENC 5945 - English Internship
  • LIT 5556 - Feminist Theory
  • CRW 6934 - Special Topics in Creative Writing

Admission Requirements

Applicants will submit a portfolio of materials to be reviewed by the department's Graduate Committee. Other criteria for successful admission include:

• An institutional undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale on the last 60 hours of coursework in the baccalaureate degree
• Submission of official transcripts confirming a bachelor's degree from an institution whose accrediting agency is included on the list of UWF approved accrediting agencies
• Submission of a two-page statement of purpose that details intellectual and professional goals and describes how the M.A. in English at UWF will help fulfill those goals
• Submission of three letters of recommendation from instructors or, in certain instances, current employers or colleagues who can speak to the applicant's critical thinking and writing skills
• Submission of an academic writing sample (at least 2500 words of literary analysis)
• For those interested in the creative writing concentration, submission of a creative writing sample (2500 words of fiction
  on-fiction prose or 10 poems)

Careers & Outcomes

A master's degree in English opens the door to a wide range of career opportunities in education, writing, publishing, and communications. Graduates develop advanced skills in critical analysis, creative expression, and effective communication, preparing them for roles in teaching, content development, editorial positions, and more.

Job Titles

• Writers and Authors
• Editors
• Technical Writers
• Postsecondary Teachers
• High School Teachers

Career Outlook

• Employment of technical writers is projected to grow 7% from 2022 to 2032 (faster than average)
• The median annual wage for technical writers was $79,960 in May 2022

Cost & Financial Aid

Tuition Rate Per Credit Hour

English, M.A. Online Graduate Tuition Component | Cost | Total (33-36 credit hours) ---|---|--- In-state Tuition | $384.60 per credit hour | $12,691.80-$13,845.60 Full Out-of-state Tuition | $1,044.24 per credit hour | $34,459.92-$37,592.64 90% Out-of-state Tuition | $478.83 per credit hour | $15,801.39-$17,237.88

Alabama, Military & Financial Aid

• Alabama Differential Out-of-State Tuition: Residents of Alabama are eligible for Alabama Differential Tuition, a reduced out-of-state tuition rate.
• Military & Veterans: The UWF Military & Veterans Resource Center (MVRC) serves as the campus advocate for military, dependents, and veteran students.
• UWF Financial Assistance: The University of West Florida offers various financial aid options for online students, including loans, scholarships, and grants for degree-seeking students.

Featured Courses

A sample of featured courses you will take in UWF's Master of Arts in English program.

• LIT 5018 - Topics in Fiction
• ENC 5333 - Topics in Rhetoric
• ENG 6018 - History of Literary Theory
• ENC 5945 - English Internship

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