M.A. in English

Master of Arts in English

Program Overview

The Master of Arts in English program at YSU prepares the writers, storytellers, educators, and skillful communicators of tomorrow. In our graduate classes, you’ll learn to ask good questions, critically analyze answers to those questions, and develop human-centered and data-driven stories that solve problems and create change.

In this program, you’ll develop a deep understanding of the narrative strategies, cultural contexts, and theories of language that shape our world. Whether you’re looking to succeed in an evolving digital landscape, lead in the classroom, or publish your own work, we provide the skills you need to make your voice heard.

The English M.A. prepares graduates for careers in writing and publishing, high school and college teaching in the U.S. and abroad, work in government and business, and further graduate and professional study. You’ll take courses in literary study, film, professional writing, linguistics, and the teaching of writing, literature, and language.

Speak to a Faculty Member
Lucas Hardy
Ph.D.,
Director of Graduate Studies, Department of English and World Languages
lhardy01@ysu.edu

"The English faculty is incredible. They provide excellent instruction to help us achieve academic, professional and personal success."
Lesson of English language
Alex Harless
English Graduate Student

What You’ll Study:

In the Master of Arts in English program, you’ll study language, literature, and writing to develop your critical thinking, writing, and teaching abilities.

Courses offer in-depth study in the areas of:
  • Literary Themes, Genres and Theories
  • Film Studies
  • Professional Writing
  • Linguistics, TESOL, and TEFL
  • Teaching of Literature, Language, and Writing

With small class sizes and close faculty mentoring, you’ll develop strong relationships, cultivate an understanding of research, and experience real-world learning.

Experiential learning opportunities include:
  • community-engaged courses that partner you with real clients
  • local and national internships
  • educational fieldwork
You can also take advantage of opportunities to publish and present your work locally and nationally:
Graduate Certificates in the English M.A.

Program are also available, as a standalone four-course credential or as part of the full degree:

Internships and Jobs:

Our students have interned at:
  • Fathom Online Marketing
  • Lit Youngstown
  • Thomas P. Miller and Associates
  • Youngstown State University
Our Graduates work for:
  • AmeriCorps VISTA
  • Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley
  • Loyola University Chicago
  • NBC
  • Penguin Random House Publishing
  • Rockwell Automation
  • United States Senate
  • Wellesley Free Library
  • Westminster College
  • WFMJ-TV
  • WYSU
Our graduates work as:
  • Content Specialists
  • Directors of Communication
  • Editors (print, film, technical)
  • Grant Writing Specialists
  • Journalists and reporters
  • Librarians
  • Outreach Coordinators
  • Professors and teachers
Some of our graduates continue graduate study in:
  • Literature, rhetoric, composition, or linguistics (Ph.D.)
  • Creative writing (M.F.A.)
  • Law (J.D.)
  • Education (Ed.D.)
  • Library science (M.L.S.)
  • Business (M.B.A.)

Degree Type: Master of Arts

Program Concentrations: 2

Credit Hours: 30

Dedicated Faculty

Admission Requirements:

  • Applicants to the English M.A. program do not need an undergraduate degree in English. We invite applicants from all disciplines.
  • An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher is preferred (though lower GPAs are not disqualifying).
  • Applicants must submit:
    1. A short statement of purpose (1-2 pages) explaining their academic and/or professional interests and goals for seeking the M.A. in English
    2. A sample of academic prose (10-15 pages), preferably an argument-driven, research-based undergraduate paper

*Students may submit a writing sample of similar length from a professional setting.

  • English M.A. applicants seeking consideration for a Graduate Assistantship to fund their degree must submit 3 letters of recommendation (from academic contacts), in addition to the documents listed above