English Graduate Programs

English graduate students typically study topics relating to literature, writing, and language. Graduate studies in English can result in a master’s degree or a Ph.D. Those pursuing a master’s degree generally do so prior to pursuing a Ph.D., but teachers, librarians and editors may also pursue a master’s as a terminal degree in an effort to enhance their knowledge or increase their salary. Many individuals who earn their Ph.D. pursue a career in academia. Graduate school programs in English are diverse, which provides the student with many learning options.

Search our directory of campus English graduate degree programs.

Search our directory of online English graduate degree programs.

English Graduate Programs and Curriculum

The master’s curriculum in English generally focuses on literary analysis. If you’re interested in a doctoral program but lack a strong resume and experience, a master’s degree may make you a better candidate by increasing your breadth of knowledge. A master’s in English can often qualify individuals to obtain teaching positions at the high school and community college level, students considering a master’s for this reason might also look at a Master of Arts for Teachers. Professional M.A. degrees in specialized areas, such as library science, writing, and publishing, are also available. A master’s in English takes approximately two to three years to complete and usually requires many research papers as well as a final thesis.

Earning a Ph.D. in English takes approximately five to seven years. Graduation requirements vary among school programs, typically Ph.D.’s are awarded upon completion of oral and written exams and a final dissertation based on the student’s particular area of focus. Unlike master’s programs, Ph.D. students are usually encouraged to develop an area of expertise. Some Ph.D. programs may offer their students teaching and research assistantships and fellowships, which can help defray the cost of tuition.

English Career Paths

A graduate degree in English can prepare the student for a variety of careers. Some professions for students who have earned their graduate degree in English are listed below:

College Professor (Post-Secondary Teachers)
Teacher (Elementary, Middle, High School)
Librarian
Editor
Journalist
Writer

English Salary and Job Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics post-secondary teachers (college professors) earn a median annual income of $62,050. Median salaries for elementary, middle, and high school teachers are $51,380, $51,960, and $53,230 respectively. Job growth for college professors, elementary and middle school teachers is predicted to grow by 17% between 2010 and 2020 (about equal to the national average); job growth for high school teachers is 7% (below the national average).

The BLS states the median salary for Librarians is $54,500 per year, and the industry growth rate is 7% which is below the national average. On editors earn a median salary of $51,470 in annual wages, this industry is predicted to grow at a rate of 1% from 2010-2020. Journalists who have a bachelor’s degree typically earn median salary of $36,000 annually; this industry is expected to decline at a rate of 6% between 2010 and 2020. The BLS states the average annual salary for a writer is $55,420 and the job growth for this profession is expected to increase at a rate of 6% between 2010 and 2020.

The graph below charts the average annual salaries for each of the professions described above:

Median Salaries for Professions in English

Data according to

http://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/high-school-teachers.htm

http://www.bls.gov/ooh/Education-Training-and-Library/Kindergarten-and-elementary-school-teachers.htm

http://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/middle-school-teachers.htm

http://www.bls.gov/ooh/Education-Training-and-Library/Librarians.htm

http://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/editors.htm

http://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/reporters-correspondents-and-broadcast-news-analysts.htm

http://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/writers-and-authors.htm

Type: Campus

Level: Masters

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Southampton,UK

University of Southampton

MA 20th and 21st Century Literature

This MA is a specialist programme that allows you to focus in literature, culture and thought in the long twentieth century.

This program is offered at multiple campus locations.
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Type: Online
Level: Masters
Union Institute & University
Master of Arts - Literature and Writing
Union Institute & University's online Master of Arts program is designed for working adults.
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Type: Online
Level: Masters
Concordia University, Portland
Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction: English Language Development
Concordia University's one-year, fully-online Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction: English Language Development i...
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Type: Campus
Level: Masters
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Albany,NY
College Of Saint Rose
English
With concentrations in literature and writing, this program can be tailored to meet students' personal and professional needs...
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Type: Campus
Level: Masters
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Chicago,IL
Northwestern University
Master of Arts in Literature
The MALit evening degree program allows students the opportunity to study literature at Northwestern University.
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Type: Campus
Level: Masters
Saint Paul,MN
University of St. Thomas (MN)
English Literature
This Master's program offers exciting evening classes for working adults.
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Type: Campus
Level: Masters
Arlington,VA
Marymount University
Literature, Language and the Humanities
This program prepares students for a variety of options including further advanced study, career development or advancement i...
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Type: Campus
Level: Masters
Coventry,Select State
Coventry University
Academic Writing Theory and Practice MA
The Master’s Degree in Academic Writing Theory and Practice offers a new type of qualification aimed at graduates and
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Level:
Certificate
Masters
Villanova,PA
Villanova University
English
Balances a traditional, historical understanding of literary periods with newer, theoretical study of writing and reading.
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Type: Campus
Level: Masters
Indianapolis,IN
University of Indianapolis
Master of Arts in English
The Master of Arts degree program in English is designed to provide advanced study in literature with attention to critical t...
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Type: Campus
Level: Masters
Brooklyn,NY
Brooklyn College Of The City University Of New York
English
The master of arts in English program immerses students in literature dating from the Middle Ages through the present.
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Type: Campus
Level: Masters
Huntsville,AL
University of Alabama - Huntsville
English
The English Department is committed to excellence in teaching, research, and service in the following disciplines: British...
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Type: Campus
Level: Masters
Portales,NM
Eastern New Mexico University
English
Earning a Master of Arts in English prepares students for careers in teaching and publishing and for entering doctoral progra...
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Type: Campus

Level: Masters

Canterbury,Kent

University of Kent

English and American Literature (Paris Option)

This is an innovative and interdisciplinary MA programme, combining taught modules and a dissertation, which allows you to sh...

This program is offered at multiple campus locations.
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Type: Campus
Level: Masters
Bronxville,NY
Sarah Lawrence College
Writing
The Master of Fine Arts in Writing offers a distinguished faculty who balance lives of imaginative engagement in their own cr...
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English Graduate Programs

University of Southampton

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Union Institute & University

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Concordia University, Portland

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College Of Saint Rose

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Northwestern University

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University of St. Thomas (MN)

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Marymount University

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Coventry University

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Villanova University

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University of Indianapolis

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Brooklyn College Of The City University Of New York

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University of Alabama - Huntsville

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Eastern New Mexico University

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University of Kent

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Sarah Lawrence College

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