Program Overview

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English, MA

The Master of Arts program in English allows for a variety of studies within four distinct tracks, and opportunities for internships and professional development.

Program Description

The program offers four tracks: Comparative Literature, English Studies, Literature, and Writing, Rhetorics and Literacies. Graduates gain analytic and communication skills that are valued in academic, industry, and nonprofit sectors.

Tracks

• Comparative Literature: Students interpret cultural productions in English and at least one other language, using approaches such as textual criticism, critical theory, and translation and cultural studies.
  • Requires fluency in a foreign language at a level sufficient for graduate study.
• English Studies: Students learn how to interpret complex cultural, historical, literary, and language-related materials, as well as articulate and mobilize this knowledge for general audiences.
• 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.

At a Glance

• College/School: The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
• Location: Tempe or Online
• STEM-OPT extension eligible: No

Accelerated Program Options

This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. Accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving students who want the opportunity to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree.

Degree Requirements

• 30 credit hours and a thesis - Comparative Literature Track, or
• 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) - Comparative Literature 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 credits hours including the required capstone course (ENG 597) - English Studies Track

Required Core

• ENG 501 Approaches to Research (3)

Track Coursework

• 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

• Culminating Experience (3 or 6 credit hours)
  • ENG 593 Applied Project (3) or
  • ENG 597 Graduate Capstone Seminar (3) or
  • ENG 599 Thesis (6)

Admission Requirements

• General university admission requirements
• Applicants must have earned a bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited institution
• 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
  • Academic writing sample relevant to the field
  • Proof of English proficiency

Tuition Information

When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.

Attend Online

ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year.

Application Deadlines

• Fall
  • Session A/C: In Person (07/22), Online (07/24)
  • Session B: Online (09/17)
• Spring
  • Session A/C: In Person (12/14), Online (12/15)
  • Session B: Online (02/16)
• Summer
  • Session A/C: Online (04/21)
  • Session B: Online (06/04)

Program Learning Outcomes

Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program’s learning outcomes include the following:

• Graduates from the MA program in English at ASU will be able to use concepts from a discipline in English studies to analyze a relevant creative, literary, rhetorical, or linguistic artifact or other cultural phenomenon according to standards of rigor in the field.
• 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 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. 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

• 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

Department of English

The Department of English is located in RBHL 170.