Program Overview

Online Master of Arts in English

The Online Master of Arts in English program from Arizona State University provides opportunities to deepen knowledge of advanced English studies. Upon graduation, students will be equipped to chart new career opportunities with an understanding of the historical, philosophical, and cultural contexts of creative work.

Overview

This online English MA offers interdisciplinary coursework in English studies, exposing students to contemporary trends and scholarship across the field. Students will learn how to articulate and translate complex cultural, historical, literary, and language-related ideas into accessible material for a general audience. Areas of study include literature, linguistics, English education, film and media studies, cultural studies, and more.

Program Details

• Total classes: 10
• Weeks per class: 7.5
• Total credit hours: 30
• Next start date: 01/12/2026

Ideal Candidates

Ideal candidates are those who want to enhance their knowledge of English studies, including literature, writing, analysis, and communication, and apply it to their work in various fields. Suitable backgrounds include secondary education teachers, people teaching English abroad, editors and publishers, military personnel, writers, and more.

Curriculum

The customizable curriculum broadens knowledge of a range of topics from traditional literary and rhetorical analysis and curriculum design to research and multimodal compositions. In addition to building core competencies in linguistics, literature, writing, and English education, students will also choose electives that support their interests.

Courses

• Core: Approaches to Research
• Electives:
  • Composition Studies
  • Linguistics
  • Magical Realism as a Global Genre
  • Teaching Young Adult Literature
• Culminating experience: Graduate Capstone Seminar

Career Opportunities

Graduating from this program can serve work in any artistic endeavor, discipline, or profession. Potential career paths include:

• Advertising copywriter
• Continuity writer
• Corporate communications specialist
• Correspondent
• Editor or editorial assistant
• Freelance writer
• Instructor
• Instructional designer
• Marketing communications director

Faculty and Accreditation

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is home to prestigious students and faculty members, including Fulbright American Scholars, Guggenheim Fellows, MacArthur Fellows, and Nobel laureates.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must have a minimum of a 3.00 cumulative GPA in the last 60 hours of their bachelor's program. Alternatively, applicants must have a minimum of a 3.00 cumulative GPA in an applicable master's program.

• Application requirements:
  • Graduate admission application and application fee
  • Official transcripts
  • Statement of purpose
  • Up-to-date curriculum vitae or resume
  • Two academic or professional letters of recommendation
• Additional admission information:
  • An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency
  • The GRE, GMAT, or related scores are not required for admission

Tuition and Financial Aid

Use the tuition calculator to estimate full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Most students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

The college takes a transdisciplinary approach to education with a vast spectrum of degrees in the social sciences, natural sciences, and humanities. It inspires students to become socially aware critical thinkers and global citizens.

• Students enrolled: 31,572 as of fall 2024
• Research expenditures: $161 million in FY23
• Interdisciplinary schools and departments: 21
• Undergraduate degrees: 100+

Related Programs

• Communication (MA)
• Film and Media Studies (MAS)
• History (MA)
• Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (MTESOL)