Master of Arts in English (MA)

Interested in Pursuing a Career in English?

Our Master of English program prepares students to expand their critical thinking skills, develop knowledge of literature and its history and expand their abilities to think analytically and write effectively through advanced study and research in British, American and other literatures.

The M.A program in English prepares students for:

  • Advanced graduate studies in English (Ph. D)
  • Pre-professional studies (law, business, and administration)
  • Teaching careers
  • Work in related fields (e.g., communications, public relations, publishing, and human resources)

Why Westfield?

The Master of English programs offer three different options designed to meet the various needs of our students, including two licensure in teaching options at the professional or initial level.

Classes are offered in the evenings after 4 p.m.

You can complete the program on a full or part-time basis, with classes being offered year round!

How much will it cost?

We offer affordable programs. Please visit our Tuition and Fees page with up to date costs.

Requirements

Program Description

Students develop knowledge of literature and its history and expand their abilities to think analytically and write effectively through advanced study and research in British, American, and other literatures. The M.A. program in English thus prepares students for advanced graduate studies in English (Ph.D.), for pre-professional studies (law, business, and administration), for teaching careers, and for work in related fields (e.g., communications, public relations, publishing, and human resources).

Program Description

Students develop knowledge of literature and its history and expand their abilities to think analytically and write effectively through advanced study and research in British, American, and other literatures. The M.A. program in English thus prepares students for advanced graduate studies in English (Ph.D.), for pre-professional studies (law, business, and administration), for teaching careers, and for work in related fields (e.g., communications, public relations, publishing, and human resources).

The M.A. in English Licensure Programs prepares students for careers as teachers at the 5-12 level. Students may earn Initial Licensure through an NCTE (National Council of Teachers of English) accredited program or earn Professional Licensure. Candidates may elect the M.A. with Professional Licensure Option, a graduate program designed to allow teachers of English who hold initial licensure to become fully certified according to the educational reforms mandated for Massachusetts by the Board of Education. Candidates for certification complete a program that includes four required courses: ENGL 0539 - Advanced Methods of Teaching English, ENGL 0609 - Contemporary Issues in English Teaching, ENGL 0646 - Pre-Capstone Course, and ENGL 0626 - Seminar in English Education Capstone Experience.

Admission Requirements

Prerequisites for Admission to the Program:

  1. Official transcripts indicating a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
  2. Three professional or academic recommendations.
  3. Narrrative statement
  4. Minimum of 18 hours in English above Composition at the undergraduate level.*
  5. A 3.0 (B) average in all English courses is required, as is a 2.8 overall G.P.A.
  6. A writing sample, preferably a literary essay, is required.

*Students may be required to fulfill undergraduate prerequisites as determined by the Graduate Advisor.

M.A. in English - 33 Credits

A. Course Work - 27 Credits

  • ENGL 0608 - Theories of Literary Criticism
  • One 600-level course in American literature Credits: 3
  • One 600-level course in British Literature Credits: 3
  • Nine additional credits at the 600 level Credits: 9
  • Two additional English courses at either the 500 or 600 level Credits: 6
  • One 500-level or 600-level course in Diverse Literatures Credits: 3

Note:

Up to six graduate credits may be taken in a related discipline (such as history). Written permission from the English Graduate Advisor or the English Department Chair must be obtained before taking these credits.

B. Capstone 6 Credits

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