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Best Universities offering graduate programs in English Language and Literature
What is a Master’s program in English?
The study of the grammar, syntax, and structure of the English language in its most basic form. Students enrolled in the English Master's degree program learn about and investigate how English has evolved and changed over time to become usable in a wide range of formal and informal circumstances and by a wide range of people. An excellent English language degree from an accredited university can open doors to a variety of opportunities in postgraduate education and the increasingly competitive job market.
A master's degree in English and literature usually takes two to three years to complete. This graduate degree program is available both on-campus and online. The Master's degree in English Language and Literature is offered by US universities, with the lowest tuition of $6,552 at Texas A&M University-College Station and the highest tuition of $54,120 at Northwestern University.
45 universities offer graduate programs in English Language and Literature. San Francisco State University had 7 international graduate students in its 45 program, which is one of the highest counts in the country. San Francisco State University had the most women graduates in this program.

The aim of the Princeton graduate program in English is to produce well-trained and field- transforming scholars, insightful and imaginative critics, and effective and creative teachers. The Ph.D. program is rigorous but also supportive. It is certainly possible to complete the degree in five years, though the department and Graduate School now offer multiple funding opportunities for research fellowships in year six, should students need an additional year for dissertation completion and for the academic job market or for pursuing other career opportunities should they choose to do so.
While a high-powered research institution, Princeton also maintains a feeling of intimacy. In keeping with the goals of the University at large, the Department of English seeks to cultivate and sustain an extremely diverse, cosmopolitan, and lively intellectual community. Because this is a residential university with a tradition emphasizing teaching as well as research, the faculty is easily accessible to students and committed to their progress.
The faculty of the Department of English is notable for its world-renowned scholarly reputation, commitment to teaching, and accessibility. The faculty showcases wide-ranging interdisciplinary interests as well as a diverse range of critical approaches within the discipline. In addition to offering seminars in every major historical field of concentration, from medieval to contemporary literatures, the universityoffer a wide range of theoretical specializations in fields such as feminist theory, gender and sexuality studies, psychoanalysis, Marxism, postcolonialism, environmental studies, political and social theory, and cultural studies. Students may also take courses in cognate departments such as comparative literature, classics, philosophy, linguistics, history, and art history.
English PHD
GRE score required at Princeton University master's degree programs in English Language and Literature- GRE Required: Yes
- Research assistantships: 733
- Teaching assistantships: 655
- Financial Aid:

The Graduate Program in English aims to provide PhD candidates with a broad knowledge of the field of English, including critical and cultural theory. Additional important skills include facility with the tools of scholarship—ancient and modern foreign languages, bibliographic procedures, and textual and editorial methods. The program also emphasizes the ability to write well, to do solid and innovative scholarly and critical work in a specialized field or fields, to teach effectively, and to make articulate presentations at conferences, seminars, and symposia.
The program takes from four to seven years to complete, with the majority of students finishing in five or six years.
The admissions committee carefully examines the overall profile of each applicant, taking all aspects of the application into consideration. The English Department Guidelines for Admissions provide answers to many initial questions and program requirements.
English PHD
Harvard University admission requirements for graduate programs in English Language, Literature and Cultural Studies- GRE Required: Yes
- Research assistantships: 864
- Teaching assistantships: 1388
- Financial Aid:

The Yale English Department offers a broad-ranging program of graduate education, with courses that engage all periods of British literature, American literature since its inception, and many of the contemporary interdisciplines (feminism, media studies, post-colonialism, Black studies, LGBTQIA+ studies, and the environmental humanities).
The Department aims to train future scholars, writers, and teachers of many kinds: our primary focus is on the development of college and university professors, but our alumni also go on to careers as curators, librarians, secondary school teachers, university administrators, journalists, editors, and professional writers. Our faculty believe in the values of pluralism (in what is studied and how it is studied), and they are committed to preparing students to succeed in competitive and demanding professions. To that end, we make the teaching of undergraduates an important part of graduate training, as well as offering a wide array of professional development opportunities at The Yale Review, university libraries and museums, the Digital Humanities Lab, and elsewhere on campus.
Pluralism within the Department is enhanced by relations with other graduate programs. The English Department offers combined PhD programs with African-American Studies, Film and Media Studies, History of Art, Early Modern Studies, and Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, and has strong affiliations with graduate programs in American Studies, Comparative Literature, Medieval Studies, Religious Studies, and other humanistic disciplines. Faculty members are often joint appointees in English and another of these programs, and many courses are cross-listed. The Department encourages its students to design programs of study that combine specialization with wise generalization.
PHD in English
Yale University admission requirements for graduate programs in English Language, Literature and Cultural Studies- GRE Required: Yes
- Research assistantships: 1565
- Teaching assistantships: 1598
- Financial Aid:
1140 universities offer the Master's program in English Language and Literature. Which one best suits your need? We will help make you a decision.

There are two tracks through the M.A. program at Columbia: sequential and free-standing. Sequential students are admitted as potential candidates for the M.Phil. and Ph.D. degrees. Free-standing students are admitted as candidates for the M.A. degree only.
Free-standing M.A. students must register each semester for a Residence Unit (RU) consistent with their full- or part-time status. Free-standing M.A. students may register for a full, half, or quarter RU.
The Department of English and Comparative Literature follows the Graduate School of Arts and Science's policy on transfer credit. Please note, however, that consistent with rules on departmental autonomy, the Department does not offer advanced standing toward the M.A. degree.
Master of Arts in English and Comparartive Literature
Columbia University in the City of New York admission requirements for graduate programs in English Language, Literature and Cultural Studies- GRE Required:
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Students in the major who are interested in further postgraduate work in English may apply for Stanford's coterminal master's program. Candidates for a coterminal master's degree must fulfill all requirements for the M.A. in English (including the graduate language requirement), as well as general and major requirements for the B.A. in English. A minimum GPA of 3.7 in the major is required of those applying for the coterminal master's degree.
Master of Arts in English
GRE score required at Stanford University master's degree programs in English Language and Literature- GRE Required:
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The English doctoral programme is competitive and limited. Every year, normally accept 8–10 new students. The PhD program is vibrant and rigorous within a collegial environment of intellectual interaction, and they are well known for their unique and influential approaches to the study of literature. The Black Atlantic, Irish and other diasporas, multilingual North America, and pan-Pacific literatures are among the many English and American literary genres that students are urged to read widely.
English PHD
GRE score required at Duke University master's degree programs in English Language and Literature- GRE Required:
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The Department provides full-time programmes for the M.A. and Ph.D. These programmes are challenging and intellectually stimulating, offering a wide range of specialities. Our Ph.D. programme equips students for full engagement in the field of scholarship and teaching of English and American literature, broadly construed, while our M.A. programme provides students with a strong foundation in the professional study of literature and culture.
English, MA
GRE score required at University of Pennsylvania master's degree programs in English Language and Literature- GRE Required:
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At Johns Hopkins, the PhD in English literature takes three years to complete after two years of dissertation research and writing. The same amount of financial assistance will be provided to students for the whole five-year period who maintain good standing.
English PHD
Johns Hopkins University admission requirements for graduate programs in English Language, Literature and Cultural Studies- GRE Required:
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Through advanced literary study, students grapple with the thought and creative vision of the world’s most remarkable minds: rediscover and master classic texts while exploring exciting, contemporary works, diverse genres, and cutting-edge ideas in narrative form and interpretation. This broad and stimulating intellectual challenge improves the ability to analyze complex information, challenge assumptions, weigh competing considerations and reach effective conclusions. Graduates of the MALit program are well prepared for application to PhD programs and for success in diverse professional areas from advertising to law. Secondary-school teachers develop a competitive edge by deepening their subject-area knowledge — a key distinction between the MALit program and more general graduate programs in education.
Masters (MA) in English Literature
Northwestern University admission requirements for graduate programs in English Language, Literature and Cultural Studies- GRE Required:
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The English doctoral programme is competitive and limited. Every year, normally accept 8–10 new students. The PhD program is vibrant and rigorous within a collegial environment of intellectual interaction, and they are well known for their unique and influential approaches to the study of literature. The Black Atlantic, Irish and other diasporas, multilingual North America, and pan-Pacific literatures are among the many English and American literary genres that students are urged to read widely.
PhD Program in English Language and Literature
GRE score required at Cornell University master's degree programs in English Language and Literature- GRE Required:
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What kind of scholarships are available for Graduate Programs in English Language and Literature?
We have 3 scholarships awarding up to $9,500 for Masters program in for English Language and Literature, targeting diverse candidates and not restricted to state or school-based programs.
Scholarship name | Amount | Credibility |
---|---|---|
William C. Johnson Distinguished Scholarship | $6,000 | High |
Linda Lentz Hubert Grant | $3,000 | High |
College of Humanities English Department Awards | $500 | High |
Find scholarships and financial aid for English Language and Literature graduate programs
How long does it take to get a master’s degree in English Language and Literature?
The length of time it takes to earn a graduate English degree varies by school, but most graduate English degrees take between two and three years to complete.
What are the benefits of getting a Master’s degree in English Language and Literature?
If you'd like to teach English but don't have a bachelor's degree in secondary education, a master's degree might be able to provide you with the courses you need to meet your state's qualification requirements. Furthermore, since private high schools and public high schools also have different hiring procedures, a master's in English Language and Literature may lead to teaching or administrative roles in these learning environments. A master's degree in English Language and Literature will also train students to teach ESL (English as a second language) classes in the United States or English language and literature courses in other countries. English Language and Literature majors often aspire to a full-time career in writing or publishing. This will suggest pursuing a career as an author in the genre and style of your choosing. Perhaps you'd prefer to work on the other side of the business, in production, acquisitions, or as a copy editor at a publishing house. A writing career, on the other hand, does not have to be limited to the worlds of literary and commercial publishing.
Companies want imagination, persuasion, organization, analytical thinking, and analysis skills, according to LinkedIn and LiveCareer lists. These are all key components of the skills acquired when obtaining an English degree. Communication skills are ranked second on ZipRecruiter's top ten list for tech jobs, and documentation skills are ranked fifth. In other words, a master's degree in English Language and Literature will help students advance their careers beyond teaching, publishing, and editing.
What are the career options with a Master’s degree in English Language and Literature?
A master's degree in English literature could qualify you to teach comparable courses at the college or university level. Many graduates go on to work in the media, journalism, writing, and publishing industries. Work in advertising, public relations, marketing, and a variety of other seemingly unrelated industries is also possible. Graduates may also find work in government or non-profit organizations. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, most top-employing occupations with this degree have a projected growth rate of 4%.Instructional Coordinator, Elementary, Middle, and High School Principal, Editor, Technical Writer, and many other professional options are available in English Language and Literature.
English Language and Literature is projected to grow 8 percent from 2016 to 2026, as fast as average for all occupations. Median pay for English Language and Literature in 2018 was $58,030. The number of jobs were 1003250.
Get more details on Jobs, Salaries and Career after Masters in English Language and Literature.
How to Choose a University for applying to an English Language and Literature Masters Program?
We must first decide which university or college we want to attend before we can pursue a degree. A Master's degree from a reputable university is always a good idea, and CollegeHippo will assist you in finding one.
Each university has its distinct features, price levels, completion times, and course offerings. With this information in mind, you can begin your search for the best college that offers a Master's degree in English Language and Literature. Using the CollegeHippo comparison method to compare the offerings of different colleges.
How much will it Cost to get a Master’s degree in English Language and Literature?
Texas A&M University, with a tuition of $6,552, is the cheapest public university offering a Master’s degree in English Language and Literature, whereas the University of Delaware, with a tuition of $32,886 is the most expensive public university.
The University of Missouri, with a tuition of $78,822, is the cheapest private university offering a Master’s degree in English Language and Literature, while Brown University, with a tuition of $54,320, is the most expensive private university.
Masters’ program in English Literature: Are they hybrid or in person?
Most colleges have suspended classes due to Covid-19, but they are still being taught online. You will attend the class in person as soon as the university reopens.
Are there Universities that don't require GRE for a Master's Program in English Language and Literature?
CollegeHippo has compiled a list of accredited colleges that do not need the GRE for master's degree entry.
What are the admission requirements for the Masters in English Language and Literature program?
A bachelor's degree in English Language and Literature or a closely related field, or a large number of undergraduate English Language and Literature courses, is necessary. University admissions officers may have additional standards that must be completed. Some university programs, although not all, may require GRE scores.
For more details, see Admission, GPA, GRE score percentile for English Language and Literature.
Are there Scholarships and Financial aid available for Graduate students in English Language and Literature?
Scholarships are available for graduate students in English Language and Literature from Universities as well as external agencies. See Scholarships and financial aid for Masters and graduate program in English Language and Literature for more information.
Are there accredited universities that offer Online Masters degrees in English Language and Literature?
Accreditation signifies that a school has met the requirements of an organization that is qualified to assess and verify academic merit. An authorized university offers an online master's degree in English Language and Literature. Numerous universities in the United States offer online master's degrees in English Language and Literature to people who are unable to acquire a degree on campus.
CollegeHippo has listed out the accredited universities that offer online masters programs in English Language and Literature.
Are there Universities that offer Online Master Program for 1 year?
Students who want to earn their master's degree online within less period can go to the universities that offer online master degrees in English Language and Literature within a year or 18 months.
CollegeHippo is helping you with this by listing the accredited Universities offering Online Masters Program within a One Year - 18 months.
How much does it cost to get an Master's in English Language and Literature and how to find Most affordable Masters program?
Master's degree in English Language and Literature is offered by 504 US universities. The tuition for the Master's degree can range from $7,510 per year at Brigham Young University to $57,666 at Boston University.
The tuition at public universities will be lower for in-state students when compared to private universities but you get more financial aid at private universities.
How can CollegeHippo help me find the accredited, most affordable Graduate programs in English Language and Literature?
There are 504 universities that offer Master’s degrees in English Language and Literature. It can be an on-campus, hybrid or online. CollegeHippo’s team collected data from all the trusted sources like IPEDS, colleges website, bls.gov for job and salary information.We have verified and added 700+ Masters’ scholarships which you can avail of with an amount ranging from $1000 - $22,000. We are the only website that has the Graduate programs data from all the US universities and we do not want to sway your opinion through sponsored listing. If there is no data for a college, then it is not an act of omission on purpose. If you let us know, we will be more than happy to fix the mistake.
We have waged a war against the insane high tuition cost.
Our promise is that we will help you find the accredited colleges at an affordable price tag. Use our Graduate School Finder to find the college that fits your needs and is affordable.
Most affordable Master's program in English Language and LiteratureAre there colleges for the English Language and Literature Masters program that do not require GRE/GMAT?
Quite a few accredited universities have waived off the GRE score requirements for admissions to Masters programs. 1141 offer Graduate programs in English Language and Literature. Below are listed 10 universities that do not require GRE/GMAT for admission to Master's program. For viewing the all the schools that have waived off GRE/GMAT for the admission, use Match Me Masters.
No GRE schools for Masters in English Language and LiteratureWhat is the GRE score required for admission to Master's degree in English Language and Literature?
Gre score requirements differ from school to school. Most colleges do not publish the cutoff scores. For example 1141 universities offer Master's programs in English Language and Literature.
Gre score requirements for Master's program in English Language and LiteratureIs it worth getting a master's degree in English Language and Literature?
Before you invest 2-3 years of your life and anywhere between $40,000 - $110,00 of your hard earned money, students do ask as to what is the return on investment on the Master's degree. Here are some of the statistics from bls.gov.
Career Outlook
Overall employment of postsecondary teachers is projected to grow 12 percent from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations. About 139,600 openings for postsecondary teachers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
The median annual wage for postsecondary teachers was $80,560 in May 2020. Number of Jobs in 2020 was 1,276,900.
Career Opportunities with master's degree in English Language and Literature
Job Title | 2020 median Pay | Number of Jobs | Job Outlook | What they do |
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English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary | $80,560 | 1,276,900 | Overall employment of postsecondary teachers is projected to grow 12 percent from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations. About 139,600 openings for postsecondary teachers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. | Postsecondary teachers instruct students in a variety of academic subjects beyond the high school level. |
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | $62,870 | 998,800 | Employment of high school teachers is projected to grow 8 percent from 2020 to 2030, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 77,400 openings for high school teachers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. | High school teachers teach academic lessons and various skills that students will need to attend college and to enter the job market. |
Best paying jobs for English Language and Literature - Updated 2022
Are there universities offering online Master's in English Language and Literature?
47 universities offer graduate masters online program in English Language and Literature
Check out these universities offering on-campus and hybrid master's program program
Online Master's in English Language and LiteratureHow can I compare the English Language and Literature Graduate Programs?
Compare the GRE score requirements, admission details, credit requirements and tuition for the Master's Program, from 1140 universities offering Graduate School Programs in English Language and Literature. Compare Graduate School Programs in English Language and Literature
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