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English, MA

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  1. Degree Programs
  2. Graduate Degrees
  3. English

At a Glance: program details
  • Location:
    Tempe campus,
    or
    online
  • Second Language Requirement: Yes
Study with an English department that is a national leader in its innovative approach to the discipline. Guided by world-class faculty, you'll gain analytical and communication skills that are valued in academic, industry and nonprofit sectors.

Program Description

Degree Awarded: MA English

The Master of Arts program in English offers multiple pathways of learning and a choice of modalities (in-person and online) so that every student can find the best path through the program. All students have opportunities for internships and professional development.

Online: English studies
Students in the English studies track learn how to interpret complex cultural, historical, literary and language-related materials. The online program includes a capstone course that enables students to review their experience and articulate the skills and knowledge they have gained to current or future employers. This track does not include a thesis option. Instead, in the capstone course, students create projects that can be used for professional and career growth.

Tempe campus
Students at the Tempe campus 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 --- 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 the pedagogies of writing and composition.
Learning Outcomes
  • 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.

Degree Requirements

Curriculum Plan Options

  • 30 credit hours and a thesis - Comparative Literature Track
  • 30 credit hours and a thesis - Literature Track
  • 30 credit hours including the required applied project course (ENG 593) - Literature Track
  • 30 credit hours including the required applied project course (ENG 593) - Writing, Rhetorics and Literacies Track
  • 30 credit hours including the required capstone course (ENG 597) - English Studies Track
  • 30 credit hours and a thesis - Writing, Rhetorics and Literacies Track
  • 30 credit hours including the required applied project course (ENG 593) - Comparative Literature Track

Required Core (3 credit hours)
ENG 501 Approaches to Research (3)

Track Coursework (12-18 credit hours)
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 (3-12 credit hours)

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

Additional Curriculum Information
Students should see the academic unit for the approved lists of track coursework.

Students must choose one of the following tracks: English studies; literature; or writing, rhetorics and literacies. Students complete 12 to 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.

Admission Requirements

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:

  1. graduate admission application and application fee
  2. official transcripts
  3. statement of purpose
  4. resume or curriculum vitae
  5. two letters of recommendation
  6. academic writing sample relevant to the field
  7. proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information
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.

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).


Flexible Degree Options

Accelerated program options

This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years.
It is offered as an accelerated bachelor's and master's degree with:

BA - English (Literature)

Begin your adventure --- deepen your understanding of the human experience as you read and analyze classic and modern texts. The study of literature introduces you to new cultures and perspectives while encouraging you to consider your own place within the history and future of humanity.

Website | Locations: TEMPE

BA - English (Writing, Rhetorics and Literacies)

Learn to create compelling arguments, engage in collaborative problem-solving and transform words into action. This program is for those who want to use technology, language and design to make a lasting impact.

Website | Locations: TEMPE


Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. During their junior year, eligible students will be advised by their academic departments to apply.



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Application Deadlines

Fall

Session
Modality
Deadline
Type
Session A/C
In Person
July 22nd
Final
Session A/C
Online
July 23rd
Final
Session B
Online
September 16th
Final

Spring

Session
Modality
Deadline
Type
Session A/C
In Person
December 14th
Final
Session A/C
Online
December 15th
Final
Session B
Online
February 16th
Final

Summer

Session
Modality
Deadline
Type
Session A/C
Online
April 20th
Final
Session B
Online
June 3rd
Final


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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 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

Attend Online

ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program description and request more information.

Learn about online options

Program Contact Information

If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.

  • [email protected]
  • 480/965-3168


Concurrent degree programs are specially designed academic programs which provide high-achieving undergraduate students the opportunity to complete two distinct but complementary bachelor degrees at the same time. Students must meet minimum admissions standards for both programs and be accepted individually by both colleges offering the concurrent program.
Students pursuing concurrent degrees earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. ASU offers students two ways to earn concurrent degrees: by choosing a predetermined combination or creating their own combination. Predetermined combinations have a single admissions application and one easy to follow major map. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor. Either way, concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests.
Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
ASU students may accelerate their studies by earning a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years (for some programs) or by earning a bachelor's degree in 2.5 or 3 years.

Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs, featuring the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty, allow students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years.

Accelerated bachelor's degree programs allow students to choose either a 2.5- or a 3-year path while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students can opt to fast-track their studies after acceptance into a participating program by connecting with their academic advisor.
This is only the first required math course. This program may contain additional math courses; See Major Map for details.
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required.
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the General level: MAT 142
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the Moderate level: MAT 117, MAT 119, MAT 170, MAT 210, SOS 101, CPI 200
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the Substantial level: MAT 251, MAT 265. MAT 266, MAT 267, MAT 270, MAT 271, MAT 272, MAT 274, MAT 275
A rolling deadline means that applications will continue to be reviewed on a regular basis until the semester begins. International students should be mindful of visa deadlines to ensure there is time to produce necessary visa documents. Applicants are encouraged to complete and submit application materials as soon as possible for consideration.
A final deadline means that all applications and application materials must be received by Graduate Admissions 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.
A priority deadline means that applications submitted and completed before the priority deadline will receive priority consideration. Applications submitted after the priority deadlines will be reviewed in the order in which they were completed and on a space available basis. An application is complete after all materials are received by Graduate Admissions.
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