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Top Masters Programs in English Language and Literature
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.
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. With two years of coursework and three years of research and teaching, all fully funded, it is possible to complete the degree in five years. We offer multiple opportunities for a fully funded sixth-year, should students need additional time for dissertation completion.
In keeping with the goals of the University at large, the English seeks to cultivate and sustain a diverse, cosmopolitan, and lively intellectual community.
In addition to offering seminars in every major historical field of concentration, from medieval to contemporary literatures, we offer training in fields such as gender and sexuality studies, psychoanalysis, Marxism, American studies, African American studies, Latinx studies, Asian American studies, postcolonial studies, environmental humanities, digital humanities, political and social theory, book history, performance studies, film and media studies, and poetry and poetics. Students may also take courses in cognate departments such as comparative literature, classics, philosophy, linguistics, history, and art history.
The graduate program in English is a five-year program (with multiple opportunities for funding in the sixth year) leading to the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree. Students may not enroll for a Master of Arts degree. During the first two years, students prepare for the General Examination through work in seminars, and directed or independent reading. Through numerous funding opportunities, we are able to offer sixth-year students generous research support.
During the first two years of the program, graduate students normally take an average of three courses per semester, to complete the required 12 courses by the end of the second year.
Our distribution requirements are designed to acquaint each student with a diverse range of historical periods and thematic and methodological concerns. The Department values both historical expertise and theoretical inquiry, and assumes that our discipline includes the study of film, visual culture, and media studies.
Graduate Students in English must take at least one course in each of the following six areas:.
All distribution requirements must be taken for a letter grade. The six-course distribution requirement comprises 50% of the courses required for the degree, leaving sufficient room for intensive coursework in areas of specialization.
Although some graduate seminars may cover than one field, students may not use one course to fulfill two or distribution requirements. For example, a medieval course with a substantial commitment to theory may fulfill either the medieval and Renaissance or the theory requirements.
Students normally qualify for the Master of Arts (M.A.) degree on the way to the Ph.D. by completing the general examination. Students who leave the Ph.D. program for various reasons may also be awarded the M.A. by satisfactorily completing all required course work, the course distribution requirement, and the language requirement.
Although the minimum Department requirement is four hours, most students teach than this. Students may teach in the writing program, conduct sections of large lecture courses, or direct precepts in upper-division courses. The Department and University also offer, on an annual basis, teacher training seminars.
Through numerous funding opportunities, the Department offers sixth year students generous support with time off from teaching to complete their dissertation.
Permanent courses may be offered by the department or program on an ongoing basis, depending on curricular needs, scheduling requirements, and student interest. Also not listed are graduate-level independent reading and research courses, which may be approved by the Graduate School for individual students.
In this interdisciplinary class, students of race and gender read deeply and broadly in academic journals as a way of learning the debates in their fields and placing their scholarship in relationship to them. Students report each week on the trends in the last five years of any journal of their choice, writing up the articles' arguments and debates, while also revising a paper in relationship to those debates and preparing it for publication. This course enables students to leap forward in their scholarly writing through a better understanding of their fields and the significance of their work to them.
This course provides a critical of the writings of Toni Morrison. Close reading, cultural analysis, intertextuality, social theory and the African American literary tradition are emphasized.
Course explores the dynamic interplay between painting, poetry, and fiction in 19th-century France and England. The focus is twofold: painters and paintings as protagonists in novels and short stories, and paintings inspired by literature. Themes include problems of narrative, translation, and illustration changing theories of the relative strengths of painting and literature as artistic media realism and the importance of descriptive detail the representation of the artist as a social (or anti-social) actor the representation of women as artists and models and the artist studio as a literary trope.
In this class, students of literature, art, and music read deeply and broadly in peer-reviewed journals in their disciplines and fields as a way of learning current scholarly debates and placing their scholarship in relationship to them. Students report each week on the trends in the last five years of any journal of their choice, writing up the articles' arguments and debates, while also revising a paper in relationship to those debates and preparing it for publication. This course enables students to leap forward in their scholarly writing through a better understanding of their fields and the significance of their work to them.
A study of major topics current in the field of English early modern and renaissance studies.
A study of development, form, and content in Tudor and Stuart drama.
This course examines a range of American texts written over half a century in order to clarify connections between their informing philosophies, narrative strategies, and historical moments.
A study of 19th-century English fiction, emphasizing social contexts, narrative forms, and critical theory.
ENG 566 Studies in the English Novel.
Selected 20th-century English novelists, considered in terms of critical theory, technique, and form.
Course will analyze and apply readings on pedagogical theory and method, and discuss particular problems and successes in precepts, methods of leading discussions obligations and protocols of grading, preparing syllabi and lectures, and writing letters of recommendation. Required of all graduate students in English teaching as AI for the first time. Normally taken in Spring Term of third year.
This topics course offers seminars with a focus on climate change and or biodiversity. Seminars under this topic examine environmental and societal issues associated with two of the key defining challenges of our time: climate change and or biodiversity loss. The course uses a multi-disciplinary combination of perspectives and approaches grounded in the Humanities, Sciences, and Social Sciences.
Graduate School - English
- GRE Required: No
- Research Assistantships: 733
- Teaching Assistantships: 655
- 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
- GRE Required: Yes
- Research Assistantships: 1565
- Teaching Assistantships: 1598
- 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
- GRE Required: Yes
- Research Assistantships: 864
- Teaching Assistantships: 1388
- Financial Aid:
1165 universities offer the Master's program in English Language and Literature.
Which one best suits your need?
The Masters in English program at Stanford University is a rigorous and interdisciplinary program designed to cultivate advanced knowledge and critical thinking in the field of English literature and language. Students engage in in-depth study of various literary genres, periods, and critical theories, while also having the flexibility to pursue their own research interests. The program emphasizes close interaction between students and faculty, encouraging intellectual dialogue and collaborative learning. Students typically complete the program within two years, taking a combination of seminars, workshops, and independent research courses.
The credit requirements vary depending on the individual student's course plan but typically range from 45 to 60 units. Stanford's program offers a wide range of unique courses and features, including the opportunity to work closely with renowned faculty, access to extensive research resources, and participation in literary events and conferences. Graduates of the program emerge with advanced skills in critical analysis, research, and written communication, positioning them for careers in academia, publishing, writing, and other related fields.
Master of Arts in English
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English MA - Program Review
What we liked: The Master's in English program at Stanford University offers a comprehensive and intellectually stimulating curriculum for students pursuing advanced studies in English. The program stands out for its distinguished faculty, renowned for their expertise and commitment to mentoring students. The wide range of courses and seminars allows students to tailor their studies to their interests and explore various literary periods and critical approaches. The program does not require GRE for admission.
The program also benefits from Stanford's location in Silicon Valley, providing opportunities for interdisciplinary exploration and engagement with technology and innovation. The program requires the completion of 45 credit hours, which can typically be accomplished within two years of full-time study. Overall, the program offers a rich academic experience and fosters a vibrant intellectual community.
Major Minor BA MA Option Courses Study Abroad After the BA Honors and Awards For Current Students.
Graduate Joint PhD Programs Admissions Teaching Courses Intellectual Life Career For Current Students.
English Language and Literature
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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
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The University of Pennsylvania offers a comprehensive and dynamic Master in English program that provides students with a deep understanding of literature, critical theory, and advanced research skills. Designed for students with a passion for the written word, the program offers a diverse range of courses spanning different literary periods, genres, and cultural contexts. Students have the opportunity to engage in rigorous scholarly inquiry, develop their analytical and writing abilities, and contribute to the vibrant academic community at Penn. The program typically requires the completion of eight graduate-level courses and the submission of a master's thesis.
The duration of the program varies but is typically completed within two years. Unique features of the program include small seminar-style classes, close faculty mentorship, and access to world-class research libraries and resources. Graduates of the program are well-equipped to pursue advanced academic studies, teaching careers, or enter various professional fields that value strong critical thinking and communication skills.
English, MA
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English MA - Program Review
What we liked: The English MA program at the University of Pennsylvania offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to the study of English literature and language. The program's curriculum provides a strong foundation in literary theory, critical analysis, and research methodologies, allowing students to develop advanced scholarly skills. We appreciate the program's flexibility, as it offers a wide range of elective courses that enable students to tailor their studies according to their specific interests and career goals. The faculty at the University of Pennsylvania are highly accomplished scholars and dedicated mentors, providing students with valuable guidance and support throughout their academic journey.
The program also offers various resources and opportunities for professional development, including research assistantships and teaching assistantships. Additionally, the University of Pennsylvania's location in Philadelphia, a vibrant literary and cultural hub, offers numerous opportunities for engagement with literary events and organizations. Overall, the English MA program at the University of Pennsylvania combines academic rigor, interdisciplinary exploration, and a supportive environment, making it an excellent choice for students seeking to advance their knowledge and expertise in English studies.
Northwestern University's School of Professional Studies offers a Master's in English Literature program that provides students with a comprehensive understanding of literary theory, analysis, and interpretation. This program is designed for individuals who are passionate about literature and seek to deepen their knowledge and critical thinking skills in the field. Students explore a wide range of literary genres, periods, and cultural contexts through a combination of core courses and elective options.
The program offers flexibility, allowing students to choose courses that align with their specific interests and career goals. The program can typically be completed in two to three years on a part-time basis. Through engaging coursework and discussions, students enhance their analytical and research skills, develop a nuanced understanding of literature, and gain the tools to critically analyze and interpret literary texts. The program also offers opportunities for networking and professional development in the field of literature.
Master of Arts in Literature
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Master of Arts in Literature - GRE not required
What we liked: The Master's in Literature program at Northwestern University's School of Professional Studies offers a rich and comprehensive curriculum that allows students to delve into the world of literature and expand their knowledge and critical thinking skills. The program provides a balance between theoretical exploration and practical application, equipping students with the tools to analyze and interpret various literary works across different genres and time periods. We appreciate the flexibility of the program, which allows students to tailor their studies to their specific interests through a range of elective courses.
The faculty at Northwestern are highly knowledgeable and experienced in their respective fields, providing valuable guidance and support to students throughout their academic journey. Additionally, the university's commitment to financial aid and scholarships helps alleviate some of the financial burdens associated with pursuing a master's degree. The program can typically be accomplished within two years of full-time study. Overall, the Master's in Literature program at Northwestern University is an excellent choice for individuals seeking to deepen their understanding of literature and enhance their analytical and critical thinking skills.
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
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The English graduate program at Brown provides specialised instruction in literary theory, criticism, literary research, and the teaching of writing and literature. A variety of theoretical stances are represented among the faculty in the English department. Literary history, novel theory, poetic form, literature and visual arts, African American and Asian American literature, critical race theory, postmodernism, new historicism, feminist theory and criticism, gender and sexuality studies, postcolonial literature, and film studies are just a few of the topics in which faculty regularly publish books and articles.
Graduate Programs
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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
What 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 1147 universities offer Master's programs in English Language and Literature.
Miami University-Oxford: GRE scores are not required for admission to graduate programs offered by the Department of English.
University of Virginia-Main Campus: The English no longer requires the GRE test.
Gre score requirements for Master's program in English Language and LiteratureAre there any one year masters programs in English Language and Literature?
A full-time Master’s program is usually a 2-year program, but there are accredited and Nationally ranked universities that offer 1-year and 18-month Master’s programs. An 18-month program can be completed in one year because if you are able to complete the credit requirements, you can get the degree in 1 year.
9 Universities offer On-campus Masters's Program within One Year - 18 months. The tuition for a Master's can range from $8,349 to $47,730.
On-campus Masters 1 year - 18 months in English Language and LiteratureWhich are the accredited universities that offer phd/doctoral programs offered in English Language and Literature?
21 universities offer graduate PHD program in English Language and Literature
Best English Language and Literature graduate PHD programsAre 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. 1147 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 LiteratureHow much does it cost to get a Master's in English Language and Literature and how to find the most affordable Masters program?
Master's degree in English Language and Literature is offered by 1141 US universities. The tuition for the Master's degree can range from $6,444 per year at Ashland 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.
Most affordable 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.
Are there universities offering online Master's in English Language and Literature?
Online Master's degree in English Language and Literature is offered by 39 US universities. The tuition for the Master's degree can range from $37,200 per year at Harvard University to $37,200 at Harvard University.
Online Master's in English Language and LiteratureHow 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.
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 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 2023
How 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 1165 universities offering Graduate School Programs in English Language and Literature. Compare Graduate School Programs in English Language and Literature
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