Online Master of Arts in English

Master of Arts in English (MA) is a graduate degree that advances study of literature, writing, and critical analysis.

A Master of Arts in English is a graduate degree that deepens your study of literature, writing, and literary analysis at an advanced level. This program is generally designed for people who want to pursue further education in English and related fields, whether for personal intellectual development or professional reasons. The curriculum typically explores the field of English comprehensively, often including historical periods, genres, critical theory, and writing practices. An online format allows students to complete most or all of their coursework remotely from their own location. However, some programs may include components that require in-person attendance, such as intensives, practicums, or clinical experiences, so it is important to review specific program requirements before enrolling.

What you typically study

An online Master of Arts in English usually builds on a foundation in English and then lets you specialize. Exact courses differ by university, but programs in this field commonly include coursework such as:

Many programs finish with a capstone project, thesis, comprehensive exam, or applied experience. Course lists, credit requirements, and any in-person components vary by school, so always check the official curriculum before applying.

How online study works

Online master's programs are typically delivered through a learning management system, with a mix of recorded lectures, live online sessions, readings, discussion boards, and assignments. Some run on a set weekly schedule (synchronous), while others let you work on your own time (asynchronous); many combine both.

• Pace: full-time or part-time, with part-time options that suit working students.
• In-person components: some fields (for example nursing, counseling, social work, or lab sciences) include practicum, clinical hours, or short on-campus residencies even when the degree is mostly online.
• Accreditation: an accredited online degree is generally regarded the same as its on-campus equivalent. Confirm a school's accreditation through the U.S. Department of Education accreditation database before enrolling.

Where graduates may work

A master's in English can support a range of roles. Career paths depend on your background, experience, licensure where required, and the job market — a degree alone does not guarantee any particular job or salary. Some roles graduates in this field may pursue include:

• Editor
• Technical writer
• Content writer
• Instructor (with credentials)
• Communications specialist

Some careers require additional licensure, certification, or supervised experience beyond the degree. For neutral, government-published information on what different occupations involve and their typical entry requirements, see the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook. Career outcomes vary by individual and are not guaranteed.

General admission notes

Admission requirements differ by university, but online master's programs in most fields commonly ask for some combination of the following. Check each program's official requirements, as these are general patterns, not rules:

• A completed bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
• Official transcripts (some programs set a minimum GPA)
• A statement of purpose or personal essay
• Letters of recommendation
• A current résumé (especially for professional programs)
• Standardized tests (GRE/GMAT) where required — many programs are now test-optional
• Relevant prerequisites, licensure, or work experience for certain fields

For neutral facts on cost and how to research a program, the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard lets you compare schools, and NCES publishes independent education statistics.

Other arts, humanities & communication degrees