An online master’s in English prepares students for professional careers such as teaching or writing. Such a degree will be required to teach at the college level, and while a graduate diploma is not necessary to enter the writing field, it may help students obtain a more lucrative and prestigious job. An online graduate program in this field typically requires the completion of 32 to 36 hours, and full-time students can expect to complete everything in two years or as little as one year if they enroll in an accelerated program.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average cost for graduate degrees such as this is $19,749. After earning the degree, you will qualify for a job as an editor, where you can expect an average salary of $63,000 per year. Graduates would also qualify to be college English instructors and can expect an average salary of $79,000 per year.
How to Choose an Online Master’s in English Program
Choose your area of study
Many online master’s in English programs have different areas of study for students to choose from, including concentrations designed for future teachers and future technical writers. There are also more general programs designed for those who wish to learn more about writing and rhetoric, skills that can help with everything from a career in editing to a later career in law. Students need to consider career plans before deciding on an area of study, especially when the concentrations are as specialized as the ones found in English graduate programs.
Research schools and programs
There are so many online master’s in English programs available that students can afford to be selective.
When researching schools and programs, it’s essential first to make sure that the institution is accredited. Beyond that, students should consider other factors, including how much the program will cost. In some cases, the choice between different programs means the difference between graduating with significant or little to no debt. Finally, research how flexible the schedule is before enrolling in a program, which helps find an online graduate program that accommodates a proper work/life/education balance.
Prepare for tests and applications
Specific online master’s in English programs may require students to submit GRE test scores for their application. Students who have never taken the exam may need up to three months to study for the GRE, and it can take up to 15 days to receive the score, which may affect certain programs with specific deadlines. Remember, contacting an admissions counselor is always advisable to see if the school requires additional materials, such as letters of recommendation.
Select your program
After narrowing down the list of online master’s in English graduate programs to a few that sound interesting, students must select the one that best suits their needs.
As before, different factors may influence the decision: in addition to considerations about the cost and schedule of the program, those interested in becoming a teacher or editor after graduation should inquire about the job placement rate of this specific program. It’s also good to research which professors will be teaching the classes. In some cases, teachers who are reputable leaders in their field may be able to help students set up a professional network and begin a successful post-graduate career.
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
Unless students have enough money to pay for their tuition outright, they may need to borrow cash to help reduce the costs of the degree. Filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is important as it qualifies students for federal loans and for specific grants, scholarships, and assistantships (all of which are, unfortunately, rarer and much more competitive at the graduate level). Remember that it’s always a good idea to contact schools directly and ask about any financial assistance available through the school and the state that may help further defray these costs.
Best 50 Accredited Online Master’s in English Programs
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How We Rank Schools
This list focuses on graduate programs related to English that offer a master’s degree. Most master’s degree programs award a Master of Arts in English degree. Some programs offer a Master of Arts in English and Literature. We reviewed programs that are offered online and in hybrid formats.
All of the schools on our list are regionally or nationally accredited institutions to ensure all programs meet high quality standards. Several programs are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, which assesses colleges in the central United States based on factors like academic mission, ethics, teaching and learning, and resources.
What Can You Expect from an Online Master’s in English Program?
Exactly what students should expect from an online master’s in English program depends partly on the specific area of study.
For example, programs designed for future teachers will focus more on different literary periods and influential writers in the established literary canon, and programs designed for technical writers will focus more on digital writing, document design, and management writing. All courses, however, will emphasize the importance of rhetoric and will help students master the art of customizing particular messages for different kinds of audiences. In this sense, these programs help make each student a better writer, editor, and critical thinker.
Typically, such a program takes two years to complete as a full-time student. Students who are attending part-time (not uncommon for students balancing school with a full-time job) may take longer, which may cause the degree to be slightly more expensive. Conversely, students may be able to find accelerated one-year programs which help students obtain this degree as quickly — and cost-efficiently — as possible.
Potential courses you’ll take in an online master’s in English program
- Approaches to Research. This course focuses on research methodology to help in both academic studies and a post-graduate career. It emphasizes utilizing this skill to understand better modern issues related to scholarship within the humanities.
- Composition Studies. Whether students are hoping to become teachers, editors, or technical writers, understanding how and why we write and how the act of composition helps individuals gain a greater understanding of the world around them helps students become stronger writers.
- Linguistics. This course helps students learn more about the structure of words, sentences, and sounds and how verbal and written interaction between different groups over time can completely change how we communicate.
- Teaching Young Adult Literature. This course helps students better understand a particular field of literature and how to teach books from this field to young learners. Students will also learn more about the history of young adult literature and how it has shaped the modern literary canon.
What Can You Do With an Online Master’s in English Degree?
Career outlook
A master’s degree in English makes you eligible for a variety of positions, and the career outlook depends on which path you take. For example, job opportunities for college instructors are growing at a faster-than-average rate of 8%. Editing positions, on the other hand, are expected to decline by 4%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Salary expectations also depend on career choice. Graduates who go into teaching can expect to make around $80,840 per year. But a master’s degree in English can also prepare you for other jobs, such as a marketing manager, which has an average yearly salary of $138,730.
Career paths
Many graduates of online master’s in English degree programs go on to teach at the undergraduate level, tutor English and writing, or get their doctorate. But career paths for this degree aren’t limited to teaching or penning novels.
Because of its focus on language and communication, an English degree prepares you for positions in business, administration, public relations, marketing, sales, and many other fields.
- College instructor — teach students in English literature, business writing, technical writing, grant writing, and other writing disciplines
- Editor — edit and improve written works at both the developmental and sentence levels
- Copywriter — create engaging copy that motivates readers and engages potential customers
- Public relations specialist — create and shape an organization’s brand and reputation
- Journalist — report on local, national, and international news stories
College English Instructor
Earning Potential: $47,370-$173,730 annually
Education Required: Master’s degree in English, English Literature, Rhetoric and Composition, or related fieldsEnglish instructors at the undergraduate level teach classes like English Literature, British Literature, Technical Report Writing, Business Writing, and Composition. They may also teach Developmental Writing, Fiction and Poetry Writing, and some narrower classes, such as Grant Writing or Writing for the Web. Responsibilities include creating and maintaining a course calendar, delivering instruction, and grading papers, tests, and projects. Many English instructors are required to continue to research and publish in their fields, and some may work on personal projects, such as novels.
Editor
Earning Potential: $38,400-$145,240 annually
Education Required: Master’s degree in English, Business Writing, Communications, Journalism, or related fieldsEditors review written text for inaccuracies, wordiness, awkward phrasing, and grammatical errors. Some may work for publishing companies helping authors develop and polish their stories, while others may work for marketing companies or other organizations to ensure their content is on brand and free of errors. Editors spend a great deal of time reading copy on a computer screen and need to be proficient with word processing and editing programs and publishing software.
Public Relations Specialist
Earning Potential: $38,630-$128,450 annually
Education Required: Master’s degree in English, Communications, Public Relations, Business, or related fieldsPublic relations specialists focus on managing a brand’s image and reputation. Typical duties include writing press releases, preparing media statements, setting up media interviews, and writing executive speeches. Public relations specialists are also a critical part of dealing with brand image issues. They analyze missteps, such as an executive being awkwardly quoted or involved in a scandal, and create a plan to help the company regain its reputation and customer trust. Public relations specialists must be comfortable working with a team of people, including executives, administrative assistants, marketing team members, and reporters.
Online Master’s in English Degree Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to an online master’s in English degree program?
Most online master’s in English programs will require students to submit transcripts along with the application. Depending on the school and program in question, students may also need to submit GRE scores, letters of recommendation, and application essays (these are more common with English graduate programs than others).
To help make sure the application paperwork is complete, it’s always a good idea to contact the school’s admission counselor. They can provide a handy application checklist and help answer other questions students may have about the program.
How much does an online master’s in English degree cost?
The National Center for Education Statistics reports that the average cost for graduate degrees is $19,749, but depending on the chosen school, students may end up paying more or less.
Public schools tend to be more affordable than private schools, for example, and students almost always pay less for in-state tuition than out-of-state tuition. When pursuing this degree online, students can save significant money compared to taking it on campus. That is because students won’t have to pay lab or campus fees (such as parking passes), and they won’t have to worry about moving to a university town that might have little in the way of affordable housing.
How long does it take to earn an online master’s in English degree?
As with on-campus programs, most online master’s in English programs can be completed in two years by students who are attending full-time. And as with most online graduate degrees, students can find accelerated programs that can be completed in as little as one year. However, for students who can only attend school part-time, it’s essential to find a school that offers flexibility, especially when it comes to when required courses are offered.
Is an online master’s in English degree worth it?
An online master’s in English degree can increase your salary and open up more career opportunities, making it a worthwhile investment. The average salary for someone with a master’s degree is $80,180, according to the BLS.
Earning a master’s in English degree gives you a deeper understanding of how people communicate and the power of the written word. This is an important skill for any job field, as you’ll need to be able to communicate professionally in a variety of circumstances with a wide range of people. You’ll also learn how to analyze language for its direct and indirect meanings and find out how some of the best writers in the world practiced their craft.
An online master’s in English degree gives you experience in a remote environment, which can translate to remote and hybrid jobs. It also allows you to improve your time management, networking, and research skills.