MA English (The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences) at Arizona State University

Programme overview

The Master of Arts program in English offers multiple pathways of learning and a choice of modalities (in-person and online) so that you can find the best path through the program. You have opportunities for internships and professional development. Online: English studies In the English studies track, you learn how to interpret complex cultural, historical, literary and language-related materials.

What you will study

30 credit hours and a thesis - Literature Track, or 30 credit hours and a thesis - Writing, Rhetorics and Literacies Track, or 30 credit hours including the required applied project course (ENG 593) - Literature Track, or 30 credit hours including the required applied project course (ENG 593) - Writing, Rhetorics and Literacies Track, or 30 credit hours including the required capstone course (ENG 597) - English Studies Track Required Core (3 credit hours) ENG 501 Approaches to Research (3) Track Coursework (12 or 18 credit hours) English Studies Track (18 credit hours) one course in linguistics (3) one course in literature (3) one course in writing, rhetorics and literacies (3) one course in English education (3) two additional courses (6) Literature Track (18 credit hours) ENG 502 Contemporary Critical Theories (3) one course in early literatures and cultures (3) one course in modern and contemporary literatures and cultures (3) one course in global, ethnic, and transnational literatures and cultures (3) one course in methods and approaches (3) one course in language and linguistics (3) Writing, Rhetorics and Literacies Track (12 credit hours) one course in composition theory (3) one course in rhetoric theory (3) two 600-level courses (6) Electives (3-12 credit hours) Culminating Experience (3 or 6 credit hours) ENG 593 Applied Project (3) or ENG 597 Graduate Capstone Seminar (3) or ENG 599 Thesis (6) Additional Curriculum Information Students should see the academic unit for the approved lists of track coursework.

Career pathways

Professionals with expertise in all areas of English studies are able to articulate and translate complex ideas for a general audience. Graduates are prepared for career opportunities in public humanities, business, digital media, teaching, museums, nonprofits and arts organizations. Career examples: communications specialist, copywriter, editor or author, educator, higher education administration, human resources specialist, market research analyst, publishing.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Applicants must have earned a bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited institution. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program. All applicants must submit: graduate admission application and application fee official transcripts statement of purpose resume or curriculum vitae two letters of recommendation academic writing sample relevant to the field proof of English proficiency Additional Application Information An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency. Applications are not processed without valid proof of English proficiency. Official scores must be sent to ASU for the application to be processed.

Domestic applicants: USD 13,327 a year (2026-27). Arizona resident tuition. Tuition only for the graduate on-campus (Tempe/Downtown Phoenix/Polytechnic/West Valley) rate band in the ASU tuition estimator, 2026-27: Fall 2026 plus Spring 2027 term tuition summed (full-time flat rate; part-time credit loads Source

International applicants: USD 24,780 a year (2026-27). International tuition. Tuition only for the graduate on-campus (Tempe/Downtown Phoenix/Polytechnic/West Valley) rate band in the ASU tuition estimator, 2026-27: Fall 2026 plus Spring 2027 term tuition summed (full-time flat rate; part-time credit loads ar Source

Entry terms: Fall, Spring and Summer; the terms available for each programme are listed in Degree Search.

Graduate application deadlines are set by each programme office and listed in Degree Search; the application opens almost a year before the start term. The nonrefundable application fee is $75 for U.S. citizens, permanent residents, DACA and international online students outside the U.S., and $120 for international students on a nonimmigrant visa studying in the U.S. Apply with ASU's graduate application (Law applicants use the law college's site); GRE/GMAT requirements vary by programme.

Apply through the official page: https://admission.asu.edu/apply/graduate/admission

Explore more study programmes

Arts & Humanities