20 Best Online Masters Degree In English In | Programs, Requirements, Cost

If you are interested in further and getting a higher degree, then you should consider a career in English. However, earning a master’s degree in English from one of the best online schools is the first step in getting a pleasant position in any school or organization. In other words, we have put together the list of the best schools that offers an online master’s degree program in English.

However, Online master’s in English programs generally prepare students for careers as community college instructors, high school teachers, or trade-specific jobs like editors, journalists, or publishers.

Enrolling in a master’s degree in English online offers graduate students the chance to fine-tune their education and specialize their skills in their chosen profession. The advanced skills obtained in research, critical analysis, and writing give students various career options after graduation.

So, take your time and carefully read through the article, we have put down every detail you need to know about the online master degree in English and the list of best schools that offer English.

So, before we continue, let’s go through the table of contents below to get an overview of what the article entails.

Why Choose an Online Masters Degree in English Program?

There are many reasons why we choose online degree in English Program. The truth is that opportunities for English degree holders are even more prevalent than before in our ever-changing culture and environment. 

According to Forbes, the explosion of technology has increased the availability of career possibilities for English majors.

Three areas of specific opportunities for Master’s of English degree candidates include corporate communications, digital content, and education.  

The business world still relies on clear communication within and without the corporate structure.  Communications directors and public relations directors are positions where English majors can succeed and provide a vital service to their employer. 

Digital content, including technical writing, journalism, and marketing is a newer area open to English majors.

Also, English education has always been a need; today, it has expanded its application to a wider audience who did not grow up speaking the language.

How Long Does it Take to Earn a Master’s Degree in English Online?

Typically, a Master in Education program will take around 2 years to complete as a full-time student. For part-time students, it can take anywhere from 3 to 4 years.

Some schools make offer accelerated programs that can be completed in as little as 12 to 18 months. These accelerated programs go at an intensive pace that can be difficult for employed students to keep up with.

You can check this 15 Best Technical Colleges in Massachusetts | Ranking 2024

What is the Online Masters in English Admission Requirements?

Each school that offers online English master’s program has its own set of prerequisites, so you can contact your accredited institution for detailed information on their policies/admission requirements.

In other words, here is an example of things that could be required in an application for an online master in English program.

Transcripts

Request transcripts before the application deadline and download an official copy of each transcript from the post-secondary schools you have attended.

 Applicants need a grade point average of “B” (3.0) or higher in the final two years of work leading to the bachelor’s degree.

Online Application

Complete a first application, which you will find on the website of the accredited institution of your choice. Choose “online” for the campus.  Choose “English Studies” for specialization. Paper and online forms are generally accepted.

Bachelor Degree in English

You must have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent from an accredited institution before applying for an MA English program.

Personal Statement

Write a personal statement, which usually takes the form of an essay. This document explains how the applicant’s academic and professional interests fit with our online MA English program. for example:

• Your main academic and personal interests.
• School or work experiences that helped you prepare for this program of study
• Why do you want to study for the program you have chosen?
• Why do you want to study at the university?
• Your plans for the future after graduation

CV/Resume

Download a copy of your most recent CV or Resume as part of your application. This document should convey important experiences for degree success.

Letter Of Recommendation

Send your letters of recommendation. The number of letters required varies by school. Be sure to request them well in advance of the deadline.

Test Result

Many schools require general GRE or TOEFL / IELTS scores for international students; however, some programs do not require test results.

20 Best Online Master’s Degree in English In 2024

Enrolling in a master’s degree in English online offers graduate students the chance to fine-tune their education and specialize their skills in a profession of their choice. 

Ranking Methodology: In selecting the Best Online Master’s in English in 2024, we will be considering different ranking factors. They include: Ranking score, graduation rate, No of program, and Financial aid %

However, below is the list of the best online master’s degree in English

• IU International University of Applied Sciences
• University of Washington-Seattle Campus
•  Northern Arizona University
• Harvard University
• University of Southern California
• University of Arizona
• Syracuse University
•  University of North Texas
• The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
• Wayne State University
• LIU Post
• Rutgers University-New Brunswick
• University of Kentucky
• Heritage University
• St John’s University-New York
• University of Wisconsin-Madison
• University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus
• National University
• The University of Alabama
• Miami University-Oxford
•  Arcadia University

IU International University of Applied Sciences

Ranking Score: 99.65, Financial aid%: 85%, Total Programs :10, Graduate Rate: 94%

IU Online wants to make it possible for anyone to take their chance in life. That’s why it offers strong regional scholarships that can vary in terms of cultural, social, educational, or work experience background. Save study costs up to 85%. You will get a fully accredited German degree in English.

Also, you can study comfortably at home with digital learning materials, decide for yourself when and where to visit a lecture online and take your exams online on-demand 24/7.

Again, you can watch a video lecture on your couch at home, listen to a podcast on your way to work, or read through an eBook on your iPad during lunch.

But that doesn’t mean you will be studying all by yourself. Use our online campus to interact with your fellow classmates, tutors, or student services to get all the support you need.

Additional Benefits: Placement services: Yes, Counseling services: Yes, Credit for Experience: Yes

School Website

University of Washington-Seattle Campus

Ranking Score: 99.48, Financial aid%: 34%, Total Programs :9, Graduate Rate: 81%

The master of arts in English will either lead students into successful careers or into a doctoral program.

So, both master’s and doctoral students will be able to develop their knowledge by taking charge of a classroom setting and teaching certain courses as they complete their curriculum.

Also, graduate students can stay on top of their academic schedule by utilizing UW’s academic advisement staff members.

Additional Benefits: Placement services: Yes, Counseling services: Yes, Credit for Experience: No

School Website

 Northern Arizona University

Ranking Score: 99.65, Financial aid%: 66%, Total Programs :8, Graduate Rate: 49%

The goal for graduate-level English students at NAU is to develop compositional and literary analysis skills further, allowing for a greater understanding of language and writing relate to people on a cultural level.

Students who finish their graduate program in English literature can pursue careers in higher education, editing, publishing, or public relations.

Additional Benefits: Placement services: Yes, Counseling services: Yes, Credit for Experience: No

School Website

Harvard University

Ranking Score: 99.53, Financial aid%: 56%, Total Programs: 6, Graduate Rate: 97%

From the view of things, Harvard only permits students intending to finish their Ph.D. to enter into the master’s program; all accepted students can be certain that they will be studying alongside peers with similar aspirations, creating a productive and like-minded academic environment.

In other words, Students working through these programs will develop a broad understanding of English composition, literature, and cultural theory.

In addition, the English department’s faculty members have several years of experience in an academic environment and are ready to help students achieve an enjoyable.

Additional Benefits: Placement services: Yes, Counseling services: Yes, Credit for Experience: No

School Website

University of Southern California

Ranking Score: 99.34, Financial aid%: 59%, Total Programs: 8, Graduate Rate: 90%

Graduate students attending the University of Southern California may continue their education in either English writing or English literature programs.

Both programs will allow students to hone their knowledge of the English language in terms of interpretation and composition.

Graduate students will also have the chance to become the teacher of one or more lower-level undergraduate courses, allowing them to prepare for a possible career in higher education. 

Additional Benefits: Placement services: Yes, Counseling services: Yes, Credit for Experience: No

School Website

University of Arizona

Ranking Score: 98.63, Financial aid%: 77%, Total Programs:7, Graduate Rate: 61%

The English master’s degree is in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Arizona. Part-time and full-time students taking classes in-person connect with instructors at the Tucson, Arizona, campus.

In addition to majoring in a graduate English degree, students can earn a master’s degree or graduate certificate in fields like creative writing, literature, teaching post-secondary English, or English applied linguistics.

Additional Benefits: Placement services: Yes, Counseling services: Yes, Credit for Experience: No

School Website

Syracuse University

Ranking Score: 97.46, Financial aid%: 66%, Total Programs: 6, Graduate Rate: 82%

Syracuse University confers a Master of Arts in English through its College of Arts and Sciences. Literature, English, film, novels, video games and screen studies are key areas that instructors delve into.

However, these interactions between students and instructors are made possible via seminars, class discussions, advanced seminars, and watching films.

In addition, to exploring and examining modern literature and film, students learn about classical and historic literature. To graduate, students must complete three papers and at least 30 credit hours of study.

Additional Benefits: Placement services: Yes, Counseling services: Yes, Credit for Experience: No

School Website

University of North Texas

Ranking Score: 97.54, Financial aid%: 54%, Total Programs:7, Graduate Rate: 48%

The University of North Texas awards master’s degrees in English. Adults who want to work in communications can also earn a master’s degree in creative writing at the university.

The Master of Arts in Philosophy has built-in concentrations in American, British, and Anglophone literature.

However, students who have majored in English at the university have had works published in the area and national journals. Master’s degrees take 30 to 33 credits to finish.

Additional Benefits: Placement services: Yes, Counseling services: Yes, Credit for Experience: No

School Website

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Ranking Score: 97.38, Financial aid%: 42%, Total Programs:7, Graduate Rate: 84%

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign study areas in the English master’s degree program is committed to are in British literature, American literature, and Anglophone literature.

Also, English majors study American, British, and Anglophone films. Research and criticism are expected of students. 

In addition, Students could also get their work published in one or more of the university’s scholarly journals.

Additional Benefits: Placement services: Yes, Counseling services: Yes, Credit for Experience: No

School Website

Wayne State University

Ranking Score: 96.91, Financial aid%: 80%, Total Programs :5, Graduate Rate: 28%

The Master of English degree at Wayne State University uses criticism, research, analysis, and theory to teach adults how to examine literature, poetry, and film.

Also, students are encouraged to develop during the program is strong communication, oral and written ability.

Graduates can step into education, creative arts, business, and law career fields. Within the English department, graduate students can major in African American literature, composition, creative writing, rhetoric, film and media studies, and related fields.

In addition, to graduate with a Master of Arts in English degree, students must complete at least 33 credit hours.

Additional Benefits: Placement services: Yes, Counseling services: Yes, Credit for Experience: No

School Website

LIU Post

Ranking Score: 96.88, Financial aid%: 92%, Total Programs:5, Graduate Rate: 42%

LIU Post’s Master of Arts in English degree is a 36 credit hour program that combines the exploration of American and British literature. Critical reading and writing skills are developed and sharpened during classes.

In addition to a thesis, students must take a course in research and criticism, texts in context, and the critical tradition.

Adults who graduate with a master’s English degree can teach English at elementary and secondary levels. They might also work in corporate or nonprofit communications. Creative arts is another area that graduates enter.

Additional Benefits: Placement services: Yes, Counseling services: Yes, Credit for Experience: Yes

School Website

Rutgers University-New Brunswick

Ranking Score: 96.86, Financial aid%: 47%, Total Programs:6, Graduate Rate: 79%

Rutgers English trains more than seven hundred undergraduate majors, minors in literature, and nearly a hundred active graduate students.

Through the composition requirement offered by its Writing Program, Rutgers English provides gateway instruction in reading and writing practices to more than 17,000 students annually.

Of course, no matter the topic, every English class is rooted in the challenges and pleasures of reading, writing, and thinking.

The English major is designed to cultivate both historical understanding and critical skills. In addition to the basic set of requirements, English majors can choose from a great selection of electives and specialized options.

Additional Benefits: Placement services: Yes, Counseling services: Yes, Credit for Experience: No

School Website

University of Kentucky

Ranking Score: 96.82, Financial aid%: 59%, Total Programs :5, Graduate Rate: 58%

The Graduate Program in English at the University of Kentucky is widely regarded as among the best in the country.

However, the Graduate Program in English at the University of Kentucky currently offers three graduate degrees: a Master of Arts in English, a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing, and a Doctor of Philosophy in English.

In addition, the department of English offers a range of courses in British, American, African-American, and Women’s Literature, Creative Writing, Film, and Literary Theory.

Additional Benefits: Placement services: Yes, Counseling services: Yes, Credit for Experience: Yes

School Website

Heritage University

Ranking Score: 96.68, Financial aid%: 95%, Total Programs 4, Graduate Rate: 16%

Heritage University’s Master of Arts in English program is for students teaching or seeking to teach at the secondary or college level,

As well as for those who wish to prepare for Ph.D. studies in English literature, linguistics or composition theory.

Also, their graduate programs will enrich your knowledge and expand your critical analysis and communication skills. You’ll explore the great works of literature, gender, and multi-ethnic studies.

Additional Benefits: Placement services: Yes, Counseling services: Yes, Credit for Experience: Yes.

School Website

St John’s University-New York

Ranking Score: 96.68, Financial aid%: 98%, Total Programs 5, Graduate Rate: 59%

The Master of Arts (M.A.) in English at St. John’s offers broad and intensive engagement with literary, cultural, and writing studies.

Its distinguished faculty teach courses in traditional and emerging fields of literature, cultural studies, critical theory, writing, and composition studies.

However, the 33-credit program features the option to write a three-credit master’s thesis in place of one course. 

Most importantly, Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are optional for this program.

Additional Benefits: Placement services: Yes, Counseling services: Yes, Credit for Experience: Yes

School Website

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Ranking Score: 96.68, Financial aid%: 36%, Total Programs 6, Graduate Rate: 82%

The University of Wisconsin is Consistently ranked as one of the top graduate programs in English in the U.S., our Department offers numerous rigorous and rewarding programs in a collegial setting.

However, Graduate study in English at UW-Madison provides students with exceptional graduate instruction and mentorship to prepare them for high-level research, writing, and teaching. 

Additional Benefits: Placement services: Yes, Counseling services: Yes, Credit for Experience: No

School Website

If you want to study English in Japan, read this Top 3 Places to Study in Japan in English.

University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus

Ranking Score: 96.34, Financial aid%: 38%, Total Programs 5, Graduate Rate: 79%

University of Pittsburgh MA in English program is a two-year Master of Arts degree based on a commitment to ground the study of texts and discourses in a serious engagement with the theoretical and critical debates.

However, they encourage students to think across and beyond disciplinary and programmatic boundaries.

Also, to engage with issues in cultural history, knowledge formation, creative intellectual practice, media studies, and critical pedagogy.

Additional Benefits: Placement services: Yes, Counseling services: Yes, Credit for Experience: No

School Website

National University

Ranking Score: 96.27, Financial aid%: 1%, Total Programs 6, Graduate Rate: 23%

National university studies language and literature with a Master of Arts in English.

However, you can develop the advanced critical reading, writing, and research skills necessary to participate confidently and meaningfully with other English studies scholars and professionals and to apply disciplinary knowledge beyond the field of English studies.

Also, The master’s in English is offered entirely online with small and interactive courses. 

Additional Benefits: Placement services: Yes, Counseling services: Yes, Credit for Experience: Yes

School Website

The University of Alabama

Ranking Score: 96.14, Financial aid%: 53%, Total Programs 4, Graduate Rate: 67%

The Department offers MAs and PhDs in Literature, Renaissance Studies, and Composition/Rhetoric at the graduate level.

Department faculty mentor students at all stages of their graduate experience, from coursework to teaching to examinations and the writing of master’s theses and doctoral dissertations.

Additional Benefits: Placement services: Yes, Counseling services: Yes, Credit for Experience: Yes

School Website

Miami University-Oxford

Ranking Score: 96.11, Financial aid%: 64%, Total Programs 4, Graduate Rate: 80%

Miami University Department of English has a national reputation for graduating top-rate scholars who are excellent researchers, teachers, writers, and editors. 

However, their graduate program is designed to be large enough to provide nationally competitive scholars and writers but small enough to ensure that each individual receives mentoring and involved interaction with our award-winning faculty.

For this reason, They maintain a very high placement rate for our MA students into PhD or MFA programs or professional positions related to their degree.

Additional Benefits: Placement services: Yes, Counseling services: Yes, Credit for Experience: Yes

School Website

Arcadia University

Ranking Score: 96.06, Financial aid%: 100%, Total Programs 4, Graduate Rate: 65%

Arcadia University Prepares for a career teaching creative writing, literature, and composition at the college level in the dual-degree full-time program in Creative Writing and English.

Here, you’ll earn two degrees—a Master of Fine Arts and a Master of Arts—in just three years.

So, you’ll take M.F.A. and M.A. courses concurrently for the first two years. Once you complete the M.F.A. coursework in your second year, you will focus on the remaining MA courses.

Additional Benefits: Placement services: Yes, Counseling services: Yes, Credit for Experience: No

School Website

What Are The Careers I Can Get With An Online Master’s in English?

After completing an online MA program, the next step is to get a job and a license. This certification will allow you to work in your chosen field officially. Most importantly, you need to know that each state has its own licensing requirements to become a school teacher.

However, an English graduate with a MA can work anywhere. So, take a look at the career prospects for English graduates.

• Journalism
• Creative Writing
• Copy Writing
• Business Communications and Technical Writing
• Education and Tutoring
• human resources 
• market research
• sales
• public relations
• customer service
• film and television 

What Can I Do with an Online Master’s degree in English?

As a graduate and an online master’s degree in English can do anything and can fit in any job. for example

People holding a master’s degree in English can choose to teach in colleges and high schools. Depending on the areas studied during graduate school, they might teach English, writing, and literature classes. 

English teachers are responsible for planning lessons, giving lectures and grading papers.

While writers work in many industries, such as publishing, technology, business, not-for-profit, advertising, and media. They might write technical manuals, website copy, company newsletters, or magazine articles. Like editors, some writers choose to freelance as a source of income.

Furthermore, Editors are found in many sectors, including newspapers, magazines, publishing companies, businesses, and organizations.

These professionals edit writers’ work, help develops content for a publication, and may even do some writing themselves. Typically, editors work with a production team to make sure articles and content are completed on schedule. Some editors freelance, working with one or more companies or organizations.

How Much Can You Make With An Online Master’s in English?

A lot of factors can affect a worker’s income, such as experience, location, education, and employer. 

Your salary will vary based on the occupation and industry in which you choose to work. In May 2018, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported the median annual pay for several professions.

For example, college-level English language and literature teachers earned $66,590 per year, secondary school teachers earned $60,320, and those teaching adult English classes earned $53,630 annually.

Also, for technical writers and creative writers, the BLS estimated the median annual wages of technical writers were $71,850, while writers and authors earned $62,170 during the same period. Because freelance writers tend to work irregular assignments, their earnings can vary considerably.

In addition, based on BLS data. Salaried editors working for colleges, universities, and professional schools had an average salary of $64,550 and editors in all fields received an annual median salary of $59,480.

Also, editors in the newspaper, periodicals, book, and directory publishers averaged $31.68 an hour. Freelance editors typically acquire income through many companies and might be paid on a project-basis, which can vary depending on the organization or the project.

You can read this 13 Best Schools For English Majors In The World

Certifications and Licenses a Master’s in English Prepares For

Certification programs ensure teachers can handle leading a classroom, creating a curriculum, or working with foreign language speakers. Each state has its own set of requirements for ESL teachers. 

Teaching English as a foreign language

TEFL certification is meant for ESL instructors working in non-English speaking countries. It prepares teachers to instruct non-English speaking students and teach English as a foreign language.

Teaching English as a second language (TESOL)

This is designed for Instructors teaching English in a native-English speaking country. So, they should apply for this certification. TESOL certification provides them with the knowledge they’ll need to lead non-English speaking students and help them improve their conversational skills.

Conclusion

In conclusion, An online degree program provides the flexibility and convenience ESL teachers need. However, Online master’s in English programs generally prepare students for careers as community college instructors, high school teachers, or trade-specific jobs like editors, journalists, or publishers.

References

• Accreditedschoolsonline.org
• https://english.asu.edu/admission/graduate-admission/ma-english-online
• bestcolleges.com
• Study.com

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