An online master’s in English prepares students for professional careers such as creative writing or teaching literary theory. 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 a median annual wage of $75,020 per year. Graduates would also qualify to be college English instructors and can expect a median annual wage of $78,130 per year.
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Best 50 Accredited Online Master’s in English Programs
FiltersInstitution Type
Status
- Intelligent Score
- Alphabetically By University Name
- Acceptance Rate
- Enrollment
- In-state Graduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Graduate Tuition
- In-state Undergraduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Undergraduate Tuition
University of Nebraska at Kearney
Intelligent Score: 99.50In-state: $27,426
Out-of-state: $34,430
In-state: $24,810
Out-of-state: $24,810
SAT: 970-1200
ACT: 19-25
In-State: $326
Out-of-State: $522
Online, On-Campus
Higher Learning Commission
36
Tarleton State University
Intelligent Score: 99.07In-state: $4,951
Out-of-state: $14,123
In-state: $4,248
Out-of-state: $4,248
SAT: 940-1120
ACT: 18-23
In-State: $509
Out-of-State: $775
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
36
Arizona State University
Intelligent Score: 95.99In-state: $10,710
Out-of-state: $28,800
In-state: $11,720
Out-of-state: $11,720
SAT: 1100-1320
ACT: 21-28
$576
Online
Higher Learning Commission
30
University of Louisiana Monroe
Intelligent Score: 95.39In-state: $5,407
Out-of-state: $19,135
In-state: $5,511
Out-of-state: $5,511
SAT: 1000-1210
ACT: 20-26
$500
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
33
Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Intelligent Score: 94.97In-state: $5,180
Out-of-state: $15,968
In-state: $5,738
Out-of-state: $5,738
SAT: 978-1130
ACT: 17-23
$475
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
30
Texas Tech University
Intelligent Score: 94.97In-state: $8,683
Out-of-state: $20,953
In-state: $6,788
Out-of-state: $6,788
SAT: 1070-1240
ACT: 22-27
In-State: $50
Out-of-State: $460
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
36
Southern New Hampshire University
Intelligent Score: 94.78In-state: $9,600
Out-of-state: $9,600
In-state: $18,810
Out-of-state: $18,810
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$637
Online
New England Commission of Higher Education
36
The University of Texas at Tyler
Intelligent Score: 94.68In-state: $11,448
Out-of-state: $40,032
In-state: $12,028
Out-of-state: $12,028
SAT: 1210-1470
ACT: 26-33
In-State: $50
Out-of-State: $460
Online, On-Campus
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
36
University of Central Florida
Intelligent Score: 94.48In-state: $4,478
Out-of-state: $19,810
In-state: $6,916
Out-of-state: $6,916
SAT: 1160-1340
ACT: 25-30
In-State: $369
Out-of-State: $1,194
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
33
Wayland Baptist University
Intelligent Score: 94.24In-state: $19,996
Out-of-state: $19,996
In-state: $13,482
Out-of-state: $13,482
SAT: 900-1090
ACT: 16-23
$538
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
37
National University
Intelligent Score: 93.26In-state: $13,320
Out-of-state: $13,320
In-state: $15,480
Out-of-state: $15,480
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$442
Online
Western Association of Schools and Colleges
45
East Carolina University
Intelligent Score: 93.17In-state: $4,452
Out-of-state: $20,729
In-state: $4,749
Out-of-state: $4,749
SAT: 1020-1170
ACT: 19-24
In-State: $283
Out-of-State: $1,013
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
33
Minnesota State University, Mankato
Intelligent Score: 92.66In-state: $7,504
Out-of-state: $15,922
In-state: $7,994
Out-of-state: $7,994
SAT: N/A
ACT: 19-24
$572
Online
Higher Learning Commission
30
University of West Florida
Intelligent Score: 90.16In-state: $3,735
Out-of-state: $16,004
In-state: $7,088
Out-of-state: $7,088
SAT: 1060-1230
ACT: 21-27
In-State: $377 - $482
Out-of-State: $1,037
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
33-36
Morehead State University
Intelligent Score: 89.45In-state: $8,970
Out-of-state: $13,556
In-state: $10,260
Out-of-state: $10,260
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$570
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
30
Ohio University
Intelligent Score: 88.49In-state: $27,574
Out-of-state: $38,254
In-state: $18,138
Out-of-state: $18,138
SAT: 1070-1290
ACT: 22-27
$505
Online
Higher Learning Commission
32
Mercy University
Intelligent Score: 88.43In-state: $40,712
Out-of-state: $40,712
In-state: $47,865
Out-of-state: $47,865
SAT: 1020-1230
ACT: 23-27
$1,040
Online
Higher Learning Commission
30
The University of Texas Permian Basin
Intelligent Score: 87.71In-state: $11,448
Out-of-state: $40,032
In-state: $12,028
Out-of-state: $12,028
SAT: 1210-1470
ACT: 26-33
$635
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
36
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 (MA). Many online MA programs will allow you to select a concentration and focus your studies on particular academic interests, such as teaching, literary theory, technical writing, creative writing, American literature, or British literature. 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.
Online 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 degree 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, graduate students should consider other factors, including how much the online MA 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 an online master program, as this will help you find a proper work/life/education balance.
To learn more about any online MA programs 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
The admissions process varies by school and program. Some online master’s degree 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. Depending on the program, you may also need to submit a creative writing sample.
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.
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 online courses, which can be completed at your own pace, while others only offer synchronous online 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 online 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 for graduate students). 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.
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 offer online courses on different literary periods and influential writers in the established literary canon, and programs designed for technical writers will offer online courses on digital writing, document design, and management writing.
All of these graduate courses, however, will emphasize the importance of rhetoric and will help students master the art of customizing particular messages for different kinds of audiences. Overall, online students benefit from these programs by developing communication skills, writing skills, research skills, and critical thinking skills.
Typically, such a program takes two years to complete as a full-time student. Online 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 methods 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 develop stronger writing skills.
- 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 doctoral degree. 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.
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