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English Master's Degree (M.A.), Professional

Overview

This program is designed for students who already hold an initial license in middle or secondary English and leads to the professional license in this field. Students will enhance their understanding of educational theory and practices and expand their knowledge of English language, rhetoric, and literature.

Requirements

Program Description

This program is designed for students who already hold an initial license in middle or secondary English and leads to the professional license in this field. Students will enhance their understanding of educational theory and practices and expand their knowledge of English language, rhetoric, and literature.

Program Description

Students develop knowledge of literature and its history and expand their abilities to think analytically and write effectively through advanced study and research in British, American, and other literatures. The M.A. program in English thus prepares students for advanced graduate studies in English (Ph.D.), for pre-professional studies (law, business, and administration), for teaching careers, and for work in related fields (e.g., communications, public relations, publishing, and human resources).

The M.A. in English Licensure Programs prepares students for careers as teachers at the 5-12 level. Students may earn Initial Licensure through an NCTE (National Council of Teachers of English) accredited program or earn Professional Licensure. Candidates may elect the M.A. with Professional Licensure Option, a graduate program designed to allow teachers of English who hold initial licensure to become fully certified according to the educational reforms mandated for Massachusetts by the Board of Education. Candidates for certification complete a program that includes four required courses: ENGL 0539 - Advanced Methods of Teaching English, ENGL 0609 - Contemporary Tensions in English Teaching, ENGL 0646 - Pre-Capstone Course, and ENGL 0626 - Seminar in English Education Capstone Experience.

Admission Requirements
  • Official transcripts indicating a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
  • Three professional or academic recommendations.
  • Narrrative statement
  • Minimum of 18 hours in English above Composition at the undergraduate level.*
  • A 3.0 (B) average in all English courses is required, as is a 2.8 overall G.P.A.
  • A writing sample, preferably a literary essay, is required.

*Students may be required to fulfill undergraduate prerequisites as determined by the Graduate Advisor.

M.A. in English leading to Professional Licensure 5-12 - 33 Credits

Prerequisites: Initial licensure as a teacher of English in Massachusetts or approval of program director. See additional prerequisites for M.A. candidates listed in .

Course Work - 27 Credits

  • One 600-level course in American literature Credits: 3
  • One 600-level course in British literature Credits: 3
  • One 500-level or 600-level course in Diverse Literatures Credits:3
  • One additional course at the 500 or 600 level Credits: 3
  • Six additional credits at the 600 level Credits: 6

Note:

Up to six credits may be taken in a related discipline (such as history). Written permission from the English Graduate Advisor, Director of the program or English Department Chair must be obtained before taking these credits.

Capstone 6 Credits