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
Discover More Options
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.
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.