Online Master of Arts in English
Are you excited about linguistics, language and literature? Pursuing this Master of Arts in English online from Arizona State University will provide you with opportunities to deepen your knowledge of advanced English studies. Upon graduation, you’ll be equipped to chart new career opportunities with an understanding of the historical, philosophical and cultural contexts of creative work.
Quick facts
Next start date: 08/21/2025
Total classes: 10
Weeks per class: 7.5
Total credit hours: 30
Deepen your knowledge of English studies
This online English MA offers interdisciplinary coursework in English studies, exposing you to contemporary trends and scholarship across the field. You’ll learn how to articulate and translate complex cultural, historical, literary and language-related ideas into accessible material for a general audience. Areas of study you can explore include literature, linguistics, English education, film and media studies, cultural studies and more.
Additionally, you’ll develop transferable skills in critical reading, writing, analysis and communication. These abilities are sought by employers in various industries from education and public humanities to libraries and publishing.
Who’s a good candidate for this English MA?
Ideal candidates are those who want to enhance their knowledge of English studies, including literature, writing, analysis and communication, and apply it to their work in various fields. Suitable backgrounds include secondary education teachers, people teaching English abroad, editors and publishers, military personnel, writers and more. This program is also a great fit for individuals seeking a career change to a position within education, business, media and public service.
Undergraduate degrees that pair well with this online English MA include English, foreign languages, philosophy, liberal studies and other areas of the humanities. This program isn’t a match for students who want to take creative writing courses or complete a thesis. You will, however, have opportunities to improve your writing and rhetorical skills.
Will my diploma say ‘online’?
No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”
Online English MA courses
The customizable curriculum broadens your knowledge of a range of topics from traditional literary and rhetorical analysis and curriculum design to research and multimodal compositions. In addition to building core competencies in linguistics, literature, writing and English education, you’ll also choose electives that support your interests. To culminate the program, you’ll engage in a capstone experience in which you’ll synthesize and create a public-facing display of your work.
What can you do with a master’s in English?
Graduating from this program can serve your work in any artistic endeavor, discipline or profession. Whether you’re interested in editing, marketing, teaching, writing or a related field, this program will support your career aspirations. You can also use your sharpened writing and abilities as a stepping stone toward future doctorate work. Potential career paths include, but aren’t limited to:
Study alongside leading scholars in English studies
From Royal Society and American Academy Fellows to Marshall and Barry Goldwater Scholarship recipients, The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is home to prestigious students and faculty members who include:
- Fulbright American Scholars.
- Guggenheim Fellows.
- MacArthur Fellows.
- Nobel laureates.
Study alongside leading scholars in English studies
From Royal Society and American Academy Fellows to Marshall and Barry Goldwater Scholarship recipients, The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is home to prestigious students and faculty members who include:
- Fulbright American Scholars.
- Guggenheim Fellows.
- MacArthur Fellows.
- Nobel laureates.
How to apply
Applicants to the Master of Arts in English program must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
The largest and most diverse college at ASU
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences takes a transdisciplinary approach to education with a vast spectrum of degrees in the social sciences, natural sciences and humanities. We inspire students to become socially aware critical thinkers and global citizens.
31,572
students enrolled as of fall 2024
$161 million
in research expenditures in FY23
21
interdisciplinary schools and departments
100+
undergraduate degrees
Tuition calculator
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.
Tuition calculator
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.
