An online master’s in English prepares students for professional careers such as teaching or writing. Such a degree will be required to teach at the college level, and while a graduate diploma is not necessary to enter the writing field, it may help students obtain a more lucrative and prestigious job. An online graduate program in this field typically requires the completion of 32 to 36 credit hours, and full-time students can expect to complete everything in two years (or as little as one year if they enroll in an accelerated program).
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average annual tuition for graduate degrees is $20,513. After earning the degree, you will qualify for a job as an editor, where you can expect an average salary of $75,020 per year. Graduates would also qualify to be college English instructors and can expect an average salary of $78,130 per year.
How to Choose an Online Master’s in English Program
Choose your area of study
This degree is typically offered as a Master of Arts. Many programs will allow you to select a concentration and focus your studies on a particular niche in this field, such as teaching or technical writing. There are also more general programs designed for those who wish to learn more about writing and rhetoric, skills that can help with everything from a career in editing to a later career in law. Students need to consider career plans before deciding on an area of study, especially when the concentrations are as specialized as the ones found in English graduate programs.
Research schools and programs
There are so many online master’s in English programs available that students can afford to be selective.
When researching schools and programs, it’s essential first to make sure that the institution is accredited. Indeed, you should only apply to institutions that have been approved by a DOE-recognized regional accrediting organization, such as the New England Commission of Higher Education or Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. These organizations evaluate schools to ensure they provide students with a high-quality education. Those who attend a school that isn’t regionally accredited may be unable to access financial aid or transfer credits to another institution if needed.
Beyond that, students should consider other factors, including how much the program will cost. In some cases, the choice between different programs means the difference between graduating with significant or little to no debt. Finally, research how flexible the schedule is before enrolling in a program, as this will help you find a proper work/life/education balance.
To learn more about any schools that you’re interested in, you can visit the school’s website, contact an admissions counselor, follow the school on social media, or attend an in-person or virtual open house.
Prepare for tests and applications
Application requirements vary by school and program. Some online master’s in English programs may require students to submit GRE test scores for their application. Students who have never taken the exam may need up to three months to study for the GRE, and it can take up to 15 days to receive the score — this should be accounted for when preparing for application deadlines.
You will likely need to submit additional materials, such as undergraduate transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. Before submitting an application, always contact an admissions counselor to ensure you have the most accurate information regarding requirements and deadlines.
Select your program
After narrowing down the list of online master’s in English graduate programs to a few that sound interesting, students must select the one that best suits their needs.
As before, different factors may influence the decision: in addition to considerations about the cost and schedule of the program, those interested in becoming a teacher or editor after graduation should inquire about the job placement rate of this specific program. It’s also good to research which professors will be teaching the classes. In some cases, teachers who are reputable leaders in their field may be able to help students set up a professional network and begin a successful post-graduate career.
Before making your final decision, review your needs and goals again. Do you plan to attend school full-time or part-time? Do you want your program to be as online as possible, or are you fine with a hybrid program that has a fair amount of in-person requirements? Some programs offer asynchronous courses, which can be completed at your own pace, while others only offer synchronous courses, which involve remotely attending lectures and completing assignments at the same time as other students — which of these two online learning formats do you prefer? Your school should accommodate your scheduling needs and learning preferences.
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
Unless students have enough money to pay for their tuition outright, they may need to borrow cash to help reduce the costs of the degree. Filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is important as it qualifies students for federal loans and for specific grants, scholarships, and assistantships (all of which are, unfortunately, rarer and much more competitive at the graduate level). Contact the financial aid departments of any schools you are interested in and ask about assistance available through the school and the state that may help further defray these costs. Those who already work in the field should see if their employer offers tuition assistance benefits as well.
Best 50 Accredited Online Master’s in English Programs
Discover More Options
How We Rank Schools
This list focuses on graduate programs related to English that offer a master’s degree. Most of these programs award a Master of Arts in english, while others award a Master of Arts in english and literature. We reviewed programs that are offered online and in hybrid formats.
All of the schools on our list are regionally accredited. This ensures that they offer a high-quality educational experience and makes it easier to transfer credits to another institution if needed.
Our team reviewed each program on the basis of cost, coursework, reputation, flexibility, and faculty. We then assigned each program an Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. For a more extensive explanation, check out Our Ranking Methodology.
What Can You Expect from an Online Master’s in English Program?
Exactly what students should expect from an online master’s in English program depends partly on the specific area of study.
For example, programs designed for future teachers will focus more on different literary periods and influential writers in the established literary canon, and programs designed for technical writers will focus more on digital writing, document design, and management writing. All courses, however, will emphasize the importance of rhetoric and will help students master the art of customizing particular messages for different kinds of audiences. In this sense, these programs help make each student a better writer, editor, and critical thinker.
Typically, such a program takes two years to complete as a full-time student. Students who are attending part-time (not uncommon for students balancing school with a full-time job) may take longer, which can cause the degree to be slightly more expensive. Conversely, accelerated one-year programs are available that help students obtain this degree as quickly — and cost-efficiently — as possible.
Potential courses you’ll take in an online master’s in English program
- Approaches to Research. This course focuses on research methodology to help in both academic studies and a post-graduate career. It emphasizes utilizing this skill to better understand modern issues related to scholarship within the humanities.
- Composition Studies. Whether students are hoping to become teachers, editors, or technical writers, understanding how and why we write and how the act of composition helps individuals gain a greater understanding of the world around them helps students become stronger writers.
- Linguistics. This course helps students learn more about the structure of words, sentences, and sounds and how verbal and written interaction between different groups over time can completely change how we communicate.
- Teaching Young Adult Literature. Students develop a better understanding of this genre and how to teach these books to young learners. Students will also learn more about the history of young adult literature and how it has shaped the modern literary canon.
What Can You Do With an Online Master’s in English Degree?
Career outlook
Many graduates of online master’s in English degree programs go on to teach at the undergraduate level, tutor English and writing students, or get their doctorate. But career paths for this degree aren’t limited to teaching or penning novels.
Because of its focus on language and communication, an English degree prepares you for positions in business, administration, public relations, marketing, sales, and many other fields. Common career paths include:
- Writer or author — Develop novels, screenplays, advertisements, and other pieces of writing.
- Median annual salary: $73,690
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 4%
- New job openings projected: 15,500 annually
- Editor — Plan, review, and revise content for publications such as books, newspapers, and websites.
- Median annual salary: $75,020
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): -4%
- New job openings projected: 11,600 annually
- News analyst, reporter, or journalist — Research topics, conduct interviews, and write stories to keep the public updated on noteworthy information.
- Median annual salary: $57,500
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): -3%
- New job openings projected: 6,000 annually
Online Master’s in English Degree Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to an online master’s in English degree program?
Most online master’s in English programs will require students to submit transcripts along with the application. Depending on the school and program in question, students may also need to submit GRE scores, letters of recommendation, and application essays (these are more common with English graduate programs than others).
To help make sure the application paperwork is complete, it’s always a good idea to contact the school’s admission counselor. They can provide a handy application checklist and help answer other questions students may have about the program.
How much does an online master’s in English degree cost?
The National Center for Education Statistics reports that the average annual tuition for graduate degrees is $20,513, but depending on the chosen school, students may end up paying more or less.
Public schools tend to be more affordable than private schools. It’s also worth noting that public schools usually charge in-state students a much lower tuition rate than out-of-state students.
How long does it take to earn an online master’s in English degree?
As with on-campus programs, most online master’s in English programs can be completed in two years by students who are attending full-time. And as with most online graduate degrees, students can find accelerated programs that can be completed in as little as one year. However, for students who can only attend school part-time, it’s essential to find a school that offers flexibility, especially when it comes to when required courses are offered.
Is an online master’s in English degree worth it?
An online master’s in English degree can increase your salary and open up more career opportunities, making it a worthwhile investment. The average salary for someone with a master’s degree is $83,150, according to the BLS.
Earning a master’s in English degree gives you a deeper understanding of how people communicate and the power of the written word. This is an important skill for any job field, as you’ll need to be able to communicate professionally in a variety of circumstances with a wide range of people. You’ll also learn how to analyze language for its direct and indirect meanings and find out how some of the best writers in the world practiced their craft.
An online master’s in English degree gives you experience in a remote environment, which can translate to remote and hybrid jobs. It also allows you to improve your time management, networking, and research skills.