What Is an Online Master's in English Degree?
Online master's degrees in English offer students a flexible and advanced curriculum in literature perspectives, composition, and theoretical analysis of literary texts. Depending on the school, some programs allow students to select a concentration that emphasizes a particular literary study, such as American literature, comparative literature, or creative writing.
Students interested in pursuing a master's degree in English should already hold a bachelor's degree in English. Most master's-level English degrees are about 30 to 36 credits and take approximately two to three years to complete. These online programs may be delivered fully remotely or in a hybrid setting of digital and in-person coursework. For online courses, students should have access to a computer and internet to utilize digital learning tools, for example, video instruction, classroom forums, assignments, and email communication.
Graduates with master's degrees in English will discover several career options in various industries that may include publishing, marketing, education, and entertainment. Typically, English master's degrees are a Master of Arts (MA), but students who pursue a concentration in creative writing may instead obtain a Master of Fine Arts (MFA). Occasionally, schools may offer a Master of Science (MS) in English, although that tends to be a rare occurrence.
Some students who obtain master's degrees in English choose to continue their education in a doctoral program.
The Best Online Masters Degree Programs in English
| School | Tuition* | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Northern Arizona University | $11121 | 85% | 57% | 95% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE Credits |
| 2 | East Carolina University | $7535 | 79% | 66% | 79% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE Credits |
| 3 | University of Nebraska at Kearney | $7381 | 85% | 56% | 94% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 4 | South Dakota State University | $9217 | 90% | 56% | 93% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 5 | Old Dominion University | $13128 | 89% | 53% | 94% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 6 | Ohio University-Main Campus | $9720 | 82% | 65% | 94% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 7 | Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania | $12659 | 71% | 68% | 92% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 8 | Murray State University | $9114 | 82% | 55% | 99% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 9 | University of Memphis | $10746 | 85% | 53% | 97% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE Credits |
| 10 | Texas Tech University | $8181 | 69% | 61% | 78% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 11 | University of Louisiana at Monroe | $9239 | 80% | 47% | 98% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 12 | Northwestern State University of Louisiana | $9686 | 82% | 44% | 97% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE Credits |
| 13 | University of Central Florida | $8872 | 44% | 72% | 92% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 14 | The University of Texas at Tyler | $7578 | 83% | 42% | 85% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 15 | Morehead State University | $10512 | 78% | 46% | 100% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 16 | Minnesota State University-Mankato | $8474 | 63% | 50% | 88% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 17 | Tarleton State University | $7215 | 56% | 49% | 87% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 18 | Indiana University-East | $7896 | 63% | 40% | 92% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 19 | Texas A & M University-Commerce | $6578 | 43% | 43% | 91% | No | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 20 | The University of West Florida | $9062 | 31% | 46% | 90% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
To get a more in-depth look at our school ranking methodology, please visit Study.com's ranking methodology page.
*Tuition information is based on published tuition and required fees, per data by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
Common Undergraduate Degrees for English
Undergraduate English degrees are available at the associate, bachelor, and certificate level. Associate degrees in English aim to deliver an introduction to collegiate evidence-based writing and critical analysis of literary texts. Students can expect to take about 60 credits of general education requirements, literature and composition-focused courses, and electives. An associate degree is usually an Associate of Arts (AA) in English, Liberal Arts, or a closely related subject area.
Students with an associate degree in English may decide to continue their studies in a four-year bachelor's degree program. Bachelor's degrees in English are typically 120 credits and may offer students the opportunity to concentrate on a specific track, such as literature, creative writing, or English education. Generally, bachelor-level English degrees culminate in a Bachelor of Arts (BA), although some programs may result in a Bachelor of Science (BS), for example, if a student minors or double majors in English and psychology.
Undergraduate certificates are also available in an array of related topics, such as creative writing, children's literature, publishing, comparative literary studies, professional and technical writing, and science and medical writing. Certificates usually comprise 15-18 credits of introductory coursework and students have the potential to gain new skills, enhance their expertise, advance in their careers, or seek entry-level employment.
Post-Graduate Options After Completing a Master's in English
A doctorate in English is the highest level of scholarship students can obtain to become experts in their respective fields. Students enrolled in doctoral English programs undergo rigorous curriculums that emphasize literature and composition studies; a PhD in English can prepare students for careers in academia, management, and research.
Typically, doctoral programs consist of 45 to 60 credits and may take about three to five years to complete. Many colleges and universities require a minimum grade point average of 3.0 to be admitted and students may need to complete teaching apprenticeships, seminars, and a thesis/dissertation and defense. Some programs allow students to develop a unique curriculum based on their academic interests under the guidance of a senior faculty member.
Doctoral English programs are usually a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in English or a similar subject, such as technical communication, linguistics, creative writing, or literature. Students with a master's degree in English may also choose to pursue a doctorate in one of the social sciences, such as psychology or law; the latter would result in a Juris Doctor (JD).
Why Should I Get an Online English Master's Degree?
There are many reasons students pursue an online English master's degree. Students who wish to seek employment in postsecondary academia or research must hold at least a master's degree. Master's degree programs also prepare students for doctoral study in English or a related subject area. Some individuals may gain career advancement or increased pay with a graduate-level degree, including valuable and relevant skill sets, and subject-matter expertise.
Online English master's degree programs typically provide affordable, flexible learning opportunities, particularly for students who work while attending school. Students in online degree programs have the potential to gain several competencies, such as time-management skills, self-discipline, virtual communication, critical thinking, and technical skills that apply to a huge variety of careers.
Curriculum for Online Master's Degree Programs in English
Online master's degree programs in English tend to vary by school, but students can expect to take an array of literature and composition courses that span several eras and genre studies. Curriculums often allow students to concentrate on a particular literary or writing theme, such as American or British literature, professional and technical writing, or comparative literature.
English Foundational Courses
Throughout the majority of online master-level English programs, students can expect to take variations of the following courses:
American Literature
This course typically examines the literary works of American masters. For example, Whitman, Emerson, Fitzgerald, Hemingway, and Faulkner. As a common foundational course in online master's English curriculums, students usually study texts from the onset of American literature to more contemporary times, including the historical, political, cultural, and ideological influences on famous literary works.
British Literature
This course aims to deliver an in-depth study of renowned English literature and poetic texts, spanning the Anglo-Saxon era to the late Twentieth Century. Students can expect to read the works of Shakespeare, Chaucer, Milton, Keats, Shelley, Bronte, and Eliot while interpreting the historical, cultural, political, and ideological contexts found throughout.
Teaching Composition
This course is designed for students to study the various methods, best practices, and difficulties associated with teaching writing. Students can typically expect to research, collaborate, and deliberate aspects of technical communication and rhetoric, in addition to developing their own approach to teaching composition. Most often, course topics are presented through readings, experiential training, and classroom discussions.
English Specialist & Elective Courses
Depending on the program, the following courses may be offered as core topics and electives:
Multi-Ethnic Literature
This course typically examines works by multi-cultural/ethnic authors (e.g., Native American, Jewish, Latinx, Asian American, and Black). Students are likely to read fiction, nonfiction, and poetry that explore several social science themes. For example, class, language, religion, sexuality, and gender. Students usually gain a greater comprehension of how these different perspectives influence the authors' writing and ideas of America. Multi-ethnic courses may be further broken down into course titles like African American Literature, Latin Literature, or Black Women Writers.
Creative Writing Workshop
Creative writing workshops allow students to explore various writing styles, techniques, and genres, including fiction and non-fiction narratives and poetry. This course emphasizes constructive criticism of students' works and the development of their craft. Students may also have the option to enroll in a creative writing workshop that specifically focuses on poetry, fiction, or creative nonfiction/memoir.
Licensure & Certification in English
While licensure and certification are not typically mandatory to work in English-related careers, some individuals may seek credentialing to validate their field expertise. For example, technical writers may obtain the Certified Professional Technical Communicator (CPTC) credential through the Society for Technical Communication (STC). There are three levels of the CPTC (Foundational, Practitioner, and Expert) and candidates must pass an exam that covers several technical writing concepts and practices, such as project analysis, content development, written and visual communication, content management, and editing.
The Medical Writer Certified (MWC) credential is also obtainable and demonstrates proficiency in medical writing and an ability to provide clarity of healthcare topics to the general public. Candidates are eligible for the MWC if they have a bachelor's degree in any field and at least two years of medical communication working experience. The MWC exam entails 125 multiple-choice questions that cover various aspects of medical writing, including information gathering, interpretation, and presentation. MWC holders must recertify every five years.
Graduates employed in other English-related careers may seek additional certifications and licensure. For example, the Social Media Strategist (SMS) Certification or the Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) credential to help them stand out among applicants.
English majors who decide to become secondary teachers will likely need to obtain state licensure and other certifications to do so. Likewise, individuals who wish to obtain a Juris Doctor (JD) will need to pass a state bar exam to practice law.
How to Enroll in an English Online Master's Program
To enroll in an online master's degree program, prospective students should review the program-specific requirements, which we will review below, and submit an online application. Typically, students will be charged a nominal fee to do so.
Admissions criteria vary for each program and it is usually helpful to create a checklist of the specific English program requirements and coinciding deadlines to ensure materials are submitted on time. As soon as the online application is submitted, students should begin requesting official transcripts from their previous schools.
Consideration for entry into master's English programs also tends to vary; however, it is common for a committee of faculty members to review applications for admission. For additional information, students should contact a graduate admissions representative from their prospective schools.
Admissions Requirements for Online English Master's Programs
Online English master's degree programs typically have specific admissions criteria that prospective students must meet. Students interested in applying must hold a bachelor's degree in English or a similar subject for consideration. Some colleges will admit students who hold bachelor's degrees in another field if they meet the program's required number of English-related credits.
Other admissions requirements may include a personal statement describing a student's academic interests and reasons for pursuing a master-level English curriculum, letters of recommendation, a current resume, and writing samples. Additionally, many master's degree programs in English require that students maintain a grade point average of about 3.0 and request that official transcripts be sent directly to the institution from prior schools.
The majority of accredited online master's degree programs do not require students to take a Graduate Record Exam (GRE), although students should inquire with an admissions representative to clarify. Because graduate admissions requirements tend to vary, students should visit their intended program's website to determine if any additional admissions criteria need to be met.
What Can I Do with an English Master's Degree?
Many career options are available to graduates with master's degrees in English These typically cover wide-ranging industries including education, human resources, public relations, government, law, publishing, and even healthcare. Since there is no definitive career path for English majors, graduates are usually able to apply their writing, communication, critical thinking, creativity, planning, and research skills to nearly every field.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in 2019, individuals who worked in English-related careers had a median salary of:
- Writer/Author: $63,200
- Post-Secondary Educator: $79,540
- Public Relations Specialist: $61,150
- Journalist: $46,270
- Editor: $95,380
- Technical Writer: $72,850
Job Outlook for a Master's in English
Because graduates with English degrees work in several different fields, job outlook tends to vary. The BLS anticipates that secondary school teaching positions will increase by 4 percent between 2019 and 2029. Additionally, as more companies and organizations focus on outreach initiatives and customer relations, public relations specialist careers are also expected to increase by 7 percent.
In other careers, such as journalists and editors, job growth is expected to decline by 11 percent and 7 percent, respectively. This is due to the transition of print to digital publishing mediums, as well as the way readers consume content in the modern era. Writers and editors who understand how to use digital tools (computers, content management systems, social media) typically have higher chances of gainful employment.
The BLS notes that individuals seeking English and writing-related careers are likely to experience greater workforce competition. English majors who wish to enhance their marketability and career prospects may pursue credentialing or enroll in continuing education courses in English and writing topics. Individuals may also enroll in several free online composition and literature courses, although these free classes typically do not offer college credit or lead to a degree.
How to Become an English Professor
Postsecondary English literature professors work at colleges and universities and specialize in an area of literary study. English professors typically develop lesson plans and assignments, such as exams, activities, and projects, and teach students literary and composition-specific subject matter.
Graduates who pursue careers as English professors usually possess excellent writing, oratorial, presentation, and interpersonal skills, and must hold at least a master's degree in English or a related subject. Some colleges and universities only hire graduates with a Ph.D. for teaching positions and many full-time professors continue to conduct research and publish works when they're not teaching.
According to the BLS, job growth for postsecondary teachers is expected to increase by 9 percent (2019-2029).
How to Become a Technical Writer
Technical writers are responsible for writing instruction guidelines, manuals, journal articles, and other forms of complex documentation in more straightforward and simplistic terms. Technical writers may find employment in just about every industry and maintain effective writing, communication, interpersonal, analytical thinking, and problem-solving skills that allow them to work closely alongside product developers, engineers, and support specialists.
Technical writers may also serve as editors over previously written content and apply elementary graphic design skills to enhance end-user experience and comprehension. Additionally, technical writers should be adept in research and, increasingly, social media communication.
According to the BLS, job growth for technical writers is expected to increase by 7 percent (2019-2029).
English Professional Organizations
Memberships to English professional organizations typically provide individuals with many benefits that include research opportunities in a specific area of study, networking, career and development resources, and access to peer-reviewed journals.
The mission of the Modern Language Association (MLA) is to promote literary and language education while providing a space for members to share research, foster communication, and advance several components of the humanities field, such as language, writing, literature, and library studies. Membership categories include graduate students, regular, joint (for individuals who live in the same household), and lifetime, and those who are interested in joining may register online and pay the accompanying membership dues.
Additionally, membership to the American Society for Eighteenth-Century Studies (ASECS) is ideal for research scholars of eighteenth-century literature. Individuals may fill out the online application on the ASECS website, select their membership type, and pay the ensuing fees. Members of the ACESC gain access to the Literary Encyclopedia, a repository of literature and cultural resources that can be utilized for teaching and research purposes.
Other English professional organizations may center around a specific literary genre, such as the Science Fiction Research Association (SFRA) whose mission encompasses research of science fiction, fantasy, and speculative literature. Membership types include electronic access or electronic plus print, as well as student, joint, or limited. Benefits include SFRA communication and networking opportunities, the ability to present at annual SFRA conferences, and a year's subscription to three SFRA publications.
Financial Aid, Scholarships & Grants for Online Master's in English Programs
There are several scholarships, grants, and fellowship opportunities for graduate students in English programs. Students may find that these opportunities not only provide financial assistance to pay for school, but offer awards to assist with special writing programs, access to conferences and networking events, or research for projects. Some colleges or master's English programs offer other types of monetary and professional development awards to students, as well.
Students who need help paying for their education may fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine how much financial aid they qualify for. Similar to the eligibility requirements for undergraduate students, graduate students should be enrolled in an accredited school, show proof of citizenship or eligible non-citizen status, and demonstrate financial need. When filling out the FAFSA application, graduate or professional students are recognized as independents, meaning they do not need to include their parents' information.
Other types of aid may include state aid, employer tuition reimbursement programs, military or veteran benefits, or work-study programs. Students can visit their school's financial aid office for additional information regarding paying for college.
Student Writer Scholarship
The annual Student Writer Scholarship is offered through the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators and is available to full-time undergraduate and graduate students at an accredited school who are majoring in English or creative writing. Applicants should submit a five-page manuscript sample as a PDF and a copy of their student identification. Additionally, they should include a brief statement explaining why they would like to attend the annual SCBWI conference and provide a summary of their manuscript.
Two winners (one undergraduate and one graduate student) will be awarded free tuition to the SCBWI Summer Spectacular with special access to all event activities, as well as a free manuscript consultation with an editor or agent. Consultations include written feedback and critical analysis of their work and a consultation phone call with their reviewer or agent. The purpose of this scholarship is to help launch young writers' careers by putting them in contact with industry professionals.
Graduate Student Research Essay Prize
The annual Graduate Student Research Essay Prize is available to graduate students who are members of the American Society for Eighteenth-Century Studies (ASECS). Students should submit a research paper that is 15-30 pages long that has never been published. Papers should be submitted in a Word document or PDF file along with a letter of recommendation from a faculty member that describes how the student's research contributes to the field of eighteenth-century studies. One winner will be presented with an award of $200.
