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50 Best Online English Masters Programs

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So, you’ve decided to pursue a Master’s degree in English online. Congratulations!

You’re embarking on an exciting journey of higher education and self-improvement. An online graduate degree in English can open up new career opportunities and make you more marketable in the world of academia.

But with so many online programs out there, how do you choose the right online master’s degrees in English for your needs?

Read on to find out what you need to know about pursuing an online graduate degree in English.

See Also: Best & Cheapest Online Master’s in Education

What Will I Study in an English Degree?

The courses you take as part of your online masters degree English will vary. However, most allow graduate students to specialize in areas of interest.

Some common English courses you might take within your online MA in English include:

  • Public relations
  • Literature around the world
  • Nineteenth century British literature
  • Short stories
  • Technical writing
  • English and American literature
  • Literary history and literary theory
  • Children’s literature
  • Composition theory
  • American literature
  • Communication skills
  • Teaching writing to ESL students
  • Literature writing
  • American Renaissance literature

English majors may even be able to take an online course or two (or three!) in other fields as well. In some cases, you may be able to take electives that focus 100% on one author, like Toni Morrison or Margaret Atwood. An online MA English degree offers lots of flexibility.

See Also: 15 Best Affordable Master’s in History

What to Look for in an Online Degree

When searching for online English masters programs, it’s important to do your research ahead of time. You need to ensure the program is accredited by a reputable source. One such source is Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges is responsible for accrediting over 800 institutions.

Make sure that an online program you are considering is accredited by this agency or another notable organization. When it comes to online, there are often cheaper options out there. But it’s worth spending more if the school provides better support services, instructors with expertise in the field as well as flexible course options that fit your lifestyle.

Admissions Requirements

Applying to a masters program can be a daunting process. This is why it’s important to know what the admissions requirements are.  GRE scores may play into admissions decisions. Some programs require an application fee (the application fee varies depending on the school). Each masters degree in English online will have different requirements.

Applying for a post-graduate program requires many steps. It’s important to familiarize yourself with the institution and their process before you begin your application. Pay close attention to admission requirements and application deadlines while working on your application. It takes time to request undergraduate transcripts and reports of GRE scores. International students may need to submit TOEFL scores in addition to GRE scores.

Some schools waive GRE scores. However, in almost all cases, your official transcripts should show a high undergraduate GPA. This is often an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale. Submit undergraduate transcripts from all schools you have attended. These transcripts will show that you are prepared for rigorous online study in English, even if your bachelor’s degree is in a related field.

Other admission requirements for online English masters programs include:

  • Three letters of recommendation (it’s not always three letters, but this is standard for most master’s programs)
  • Personal statement (the personal statement should be well written and show that you are adept in creative and technical communication)

If you plan to apply for financial aid, be sure to fill out the FAFSA. This is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. It will qualify you not only for aid at your institution of higher learning but also federal and state aid as well.

What Can I Do With an Online English Master Degree?

English masters programs online offer many options. Individuals can pursue career possibilities in various writing fields. For those aiming to become professional writers and create their own content can opt for career opportunities in broadcasting and media outlets.

Many creative writers have the ability to utilize their degree for career prospects as well. They can turn their works into published novels, stories, and other forms of entertainment media. Freelance writing offers career potentials as well. There is the ability to research and write content that is highly demanded by news organizations, media companies, and digital publishing firms. Technical writers communicate information through writing and may be a career to consider.

Of course, you can also work in any of the following fields as well:

  • Multicultural literature studies
  • Rhetoric and composition
  • Research methods
  • Literary traditions
  • Digital media studies
  • Global literature
  • Writing and teaching writing
  • Technical writing and technical communication

English is a broad field that opens up the door to a wide range of professional interests. You can pursue any career path you’d like, including those in other fields such as:

  • Human sciences
  • Natural sciences
  • Social and behavioral sciences
  • Criminal justice
  • Social work
  • Business administration

An English curriculum will give you the skills necessary for clear communication and analytical skills. An English degree will of course produce better writers, too. That’s something that all potential employers in many industries like to see! Many programs even allow for specialization with other online programs, too.

Some degrees offer specializations. There are teaching online masters programs in English as well as online Masters English literature degrees. If you have a passion for one specific type of English master programs, be sure to choose a school that offers that specific field.

50 Best Online English Masters Programs

1. Gardner-Webb University

MA in English

Gardiner Webb

The online MA at Gardner-Webb University is available through the University’s Department of English & Literature. The English masters degree online focuses on communication, critical thinking, and analysis. The online MA in English builds and strengthens these skills while fostering a spirit of collaboration.

The degree follows the cohort model. Students progress through the entire program as a group. The MA in English degree can be completed in as little as six semesters. It requires a total of 30 units. These are divided into four core courses and seven courses in the concentration. Students may choose from three concentration options within the online master’s English degree. These include:

  • Writing Studies
  • Education
  • Literature Studies

2. University of Nebraska at Kearney

MA in English

The University of Nebraska at Kearney

The University of Nebraska’s eCampus offers an MA in English with an emphasis in writing. It has 36 units. This is a focused professional program. The degree consists of seminars, special topic courses, independent reading and workshops.

It features required courses in both literature and literary criticism. UNK designed the MA in English online for individuals interested in obtaining an advanced degree in writing. It is also ideal for students and teachers who are seeking both personal and professional development. The online MA in English’s Writing Emphasis may be completed 100% online. 

3. Harvard University

Master of Liberal Arts in English

Harvard

Harvard University has an online Master of Liberal Arts (ALM) in English. Three of the 12 courses must be taken in face-to-face class settings. But the bulk of the online ALM degree is available through off-campus learning options. This online master degree in English is one of the best.

It is offered through the Harvard Extension School. The ALM online is designed to:

  • cultivate writing, communication and research skills
  • encourage critical thinking and strong reading skills
  • deepen students’ understanding of all types of literature through the interpretation and analyzation of texts

The program concludes with either a thesis or a capstone project. 

4. Texas A&M University Commerce

MA/MS in English

Texas A&M

Texas A&M University-Commerce offers English masters degree online. It leads to either to a Master of Arts or Master of Science. Students can opt to take courses online, as dual-modality (combination of online and in-person classes), or in a traditional face-to-face classroom.

The MA/MS features asynchronous courses. Students can complete each course and assignments on their own schedule. The master of English  degree is available with two options. There is either a 30-semester thesis program option or a 36 semester hour program. The latter concludes with an independent research project. 

5. Ohio University-Main Campus

Ohio University

MA in English for Teachers

Ohio University has an MA for Teachers. It is offered through the College’s Department of English. The online MA in English for teachers is ideal for secondary teachers and those interested in teaching college-level courses. This is in the new College Credit Plus program offered by the state of Ohio.

This MA is a 32-credit hour program. The MA in English online consists of eight seven-week-long courses. 

6. Texas Tech University

MA in English

Texas Tech

Texas Tech University has another one of the best online masters degrees English options through its Department of English. The master’s degree is an affordable and flexible option. It is ideal for motivated students. The MA in English online can be completed in as little as three years. Just take one course per semester for six semesters plus two courses each summer for three summers.

The online MA in English includes 12 courses (totaling 36 hours). These cover topics of:

  • British, American, and Comparative Literature
  • film
  • drama
  • fiction
  • poetry

7. Wayland Baptist University

MA in English

Wayland Baptist

Wayland Baptist University is a private liberal arts university in Plainview, Texas. It is a faith-based institution of higher learning. Wayland Baptist boasts quality academics taught in small class sizes that are informed by a Christian worldview.

The University has over 40 undergraduate majors and specializations. There are more than a dozen graduate programs (including both masters and doctorate) and many pre-professional programs. The MA in English here is one of the best. It allows students to take a wide variety of electives and specializations. 

8. University of Texas at Tyler

MA in English

University of Texas Tyler

The University of Texas at Tyler offers a research-focused online MA in English degree. The MA is available in multiple formats. These include 100% online and as a blended program. The latter online masters programs English degree combines online learning with face-to-face classes.

The MA in English program is designed to:

  • foster critical thinking
  • provide opportunities for advanced research
  • cultivate analytical writing skills
  • improve students’ textual interpretation

The online program can include a thesis or additional courses to complete the degree. 

9. Eastern New Mexico – Main Campus

MA in English

Eastern New Mexico

Eastern New Mexico University provides the online MA in English. It is taught by experienced professors.

The online master’s in English program is available 100% online. The MA in English features a small department size. Students can learn in intimate class settings and enjoy the benefits of one-on-one faculty advising.

The online MA in English features studies in:

  • English literary texts
  • critical and cultural theory
  • film and historical records

10. Heritage University

MA in English

Heritage University

Heritage University is a private institution. The online MA in English is an affordable and flexible option for non-traditional students seeking an advanced degree.

It is designed for teachers and aspiring educators who teach at the secondary or college level. However, the program is also applicable for individuals who are interested in pursuing their doctorate in English.

Students within the online MA in English have their choice of several job opportunities including:

  • teacher
  • communications manager
  • journalist
  • editor
  • researcher
  • public relations

The MA in English at Heritage is available online or in person at the University’s Toppenish site.

11. East Carolina University

MA in English

East Carolina University

East Carolina University is in Greenville, North Carolina. It is a top-ranking, public, comprehensive, research university.

East Carolina University provides an online MA in English available entirely through internet-based learning. ECU was one of the first in the country to offer 100% online diplomas. Each online program features 24/7 access to course materials. It is taught by the same professors who teach on-campus. It is held to the same rigorous standards and requirements as the on-campus counterpart.

The online MA in English has  both a thesis and non-thesis option. The non-thesis option includes a comprehensive assessment project (CAP) worth six semester hour credits. The whole MA in English requires a minimum of 33 semester hours. These are divided into core courses (worth three semester hours, or s.h.), electives (worth 9 s.h.), concentrations (worth 15 s.h.), and the thesis or CAP.

Concentration options include:

  • Linguistics
  • Creative Writing
  • Multicultural and Transnational Literatures
  • Literature
  • TESOL
  • Rhetoric and Composition
  • Technical and Professional Communication

12. Tarleton State University

MA in English

Tarleton State University

Tarleton State University is a member of the Texas A&M University System. Tarleton’s main campus is located in Stephenville, Texas. This is about an hour southwest of Fort Worth. Tarleton State University’s online MA in English program is offered both on-campus and online.

The MA degree is available with both thesis and non-thesis track options. The thesis track option for the online MA in English is intended for individuals who plan to continue onto doctoral work. The non-thesis track option was designed to meet the educational needs of secondary-level educators.

The MA in English requires a total of 36 units and can be completed in as little as 18 months of focused study. Tarleton State University’s Global Campus hosts the online version of the MA in English degree. To be charged as a Distance Learner, students must qualify for distance learner status.

13. Bowling Green State University-Main Campus

MA in English

Bowling Green State

Bowling Green State University is one of Ohio’s premier public institutions. Bowling Green State University’s online MA in English is available through the University’s English Department.

It is offered with three track options. The program is available 100% online with opportunities for local students to supplement online classes with face-to-face learning if they so choose.

It is a self-paced online M.A. Students take on one to two courses per semester (though up to three courses are doable for dedicated students). The M.A. in English is an asynchronous program. It allows students to access coursework 24/7. They can complete assignments on their schedule. Specializations are available in:

  • English Teaching (ideal for middle-, high school, and two-year college English teachers)
  • Writing and Rhetoric (designed for students pursuing professional/technical writing careers)
  • Individualized track (a generalized, student-organized program option)

14. National University

MA in English

National University

National University is the largest private nonprofit university in San Diego, California. National University is proud to be a Yellow Ribbon School. It can offer military tuition discounts and provide dedicated military support.

National University has an online Master of Arts in English program through its College of Letters and Sciences. It is delivered online in interactive classes. The program is taught by faculty who are established creators and scholars within their field. Small class sizes mean that students receive individual attention from their professors. Students can focus on a single subject at a time for a month and finish their degree faster.

The online MA in English is designed to help students develop advanced skills in critical research, reading, and writing. Students have their choice of a variety of elective course offerings including:

  • 17th and 18th-century literature
  • Gothic
  • Romanticism
  • Harlem Renaissance

15. Emporia State University

MA in English

Emporia State University

Emporia State University has the MA in English with an online option. The online Master of Arts in English program meets the unique needs of students whose location or schedule doesn’t allow them to participate in typical on-campus courses and programs. 

The Ma in English features small class sizes, strong mentoring relationships, and careful advising.

Possible careers for graduates of the online MA in English program include:

  • writing
  • corporate and government employment
  • secondary/community college teaching
  • legal studies
  • doctoral work

16. Minnesota State University, Mankato

MA in English

Minnesota State

Minnesota State University, Mankato offers an online MA through its Department of English. The program is ideal for working adults whose schedules or location do not allow them to attend class in person. 

The MA online features coursework that covers theory and teaching college-level literature. It provides students with a solid understanding of British, American, and World Literature. 

17. Mercy College

MA in English Literature

Mercy College

Mercy College opened in 1950. The coeducational college is designated a Hispanic Serving Institution and federally recognized as a “Bright Spot in Hispanic Education.”

Mercy College has an online Master of Arts in English Literature. It is designed to provide a solid foundation for students interested in pursuing:

  • literary careers
  • college-level teaching
  • journalism
  • doctoral work

The MA in English Literature online covers advanced methodologies and theory of literary criticism. This is in British, American, world literature.

Mercy College’s Master of Arts in English offers the same full accreditation as its on-campus counterpart. It requires 30 credits to complete.

18. Tiffin University

MA in English

Tiffin

Tiffin University is located in Tiffin, Ohio.

Tiffin University has an online Master of Humanities with a concentration in English. It is designed to hone teaching skills.

Potential careers include:

  • technical writer
  • search engine marketing
  • public relations
  • advertising
  • educator
  • corporate blogger
  • copywriter
  • author

The MH in English explores both canonical and contemporary literature from around the globe.

Courses within the online MH in English include:

  • The Culture and Literature of Modernity
  • Ethnic Voices
  • Literary Theory

The MH in English features a comprehensive curriculum taught by highly qualified professors. Popular courses within the master’s degree include:

  • the short story
  • the novel
  • creative nonfiction
  • screenwriting
  • poetry

19. Northwestern State University of Louisiana

MA in English

Northwestern

The online MA at Northwestern State University of Louisiana is a 30 credit-hour program. It consists of 24 hours of coursework plus 6 hours for the Degree Completion option.

The MA in English is available with multiple concentration options. This includes the 100% online TESOL concentration. This concentration equips students with the necessary training and knowledge to instruct English at home and abroad to individuals whose native language is not English.

The MA in English TESOL concentration is geared towards students who do not intend to pursue their state teacher certification and instead prefer to teach English in other organizations besides the U.S. public school system. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • community-based programs
  • private schools
  • government agencies
  • businesses
  • other institutions

20. Ohio Dominican University

MA in English 

Ohio Dominican

Ohio Dominican University has the Online Master of Arts in English (online M.A. in English). It is available in a 100% online format. The master’s degree can be completed in as little as 18 to 24 months.

The English degree takes into account the unique needs of educators. It schedules courses in a way which better accommodates junior and senior high school academic calendars. 7th through 12th-grade teachers are also able to earn qualifications.

These lead English courses for college credit/Dual Enrollment. It is a flexible program with start dates in the Fall, Spring, and Summer.

21. University of Texas of the Permian Basin

university of texas at brownsville

The University of Texas at Permian Basin offers a Master of Arts in English degree through the UT Online Consortium.

It is available through the University’s English Department. The online MA in English is designed to provide the knowledge and development of skills for students pursuing a path to a Ph.D. It is also for those interested in a career teaching in four-year and community colleges. The MA in English is valuable for both high school educators and students in or pursuing careers in the fields of editing, publishing, and research.

22. University of New Orleans

University of New Orleans

The University of New Orleans offers an online Master of Arts in English. It is available through the University’s English Department. The online MA in English is designed to provide students with advanced expertise in rhetoric/ writing and literature.

The MA program is divided into 15 hours of five core courses in:

  • writing
  • rhetoric
  • American literature
  • British literature
  • graduate studies in English

Students are then required to concentrate in either Rhetoric and Writing or Literary Studies. They must take four additional elective courses.

23. Arizona State University

Arizona State

Arizona State University has the Online Master of Arts in English through ASU Online. ASU’s online MA in English degree is designed to cultivate advanced communication, critical thinking, and writing skills.

The MA in English features courses from across the English discipline, including:

  • English education
  • writing, rhetorics and literacies
  • literature
  • linguistics
  • elective or research courses

24. Arcadia University

Arcadia

Arcadia University has an online Master of Fine Arts with a low-residency requirement. The online MFA is the only one of its kind in the Philadelphia Area. The program features personalized attention from faculty, online workshops, and study abroad in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Partial funding is available for students up to $3,000 per year. Workshops are held weekly online conducted by faculty members. This provides students the opportunity to connect with both peers and professors.

25. Morehead State University

Morehead University

Morehead State University has an online Master of Arts in English. It is a comprehensive program.

The online MA in English degree provides students with an overview of advanced literary study. This is combined with courses in writing and linguistics. The MA in English requires 30 units for graduation. These can be completed 100% online through Internet-based courses.

26. University of West Florida

University of West Florida

The University of West Florida has an online Master of Art in English.

The MA in English online has specializations in creative writing or literature. A flexible option, the program features synchronous course delivery. Students must attend live lectures via UWF’s online video conferencing system.

Students have the benefit of live interaction with their peers and professors while enjoying the flexibility of online course delivery.

27. Murray State University

Murray State University

The online MA program may be completed either online or on-campus. The 30-hour degree features advanced coursework. The online MA in English is ideal for:

  • school teachers
  • students interested in pursuing their doctoral degree
  • postsecondary instructors
  • individuals who love literature and enjoy studying

The program can be completed in as little as two years. The MA in English is offered with multiple concentrations in:

  • Writing Studies
  • Education
  • English with Modern Languages as a Cognate Discipline
  • Literature

Each concentration requires 15 hours of core courses and 15 hours of electives.

28.University of Central Florida

UCF

The University of Central Florida is a top-ranking research institution. It is one of Florida’s largest universities. UCF offers over 220 programs through more than a dozen colleges and schools.

The University of Central Florida offers the online Master of Arts in English through the College of Arts and Humanities. It is hosted by UCF Online. The MA is offered with a concentration in Technical Communication.

Employment opportunities for graduates include:

  • web content specialist
  • user experience consultant
  • technical writer
  • technical training specialist
  • technical editor
  • publications specialist
  • international communications professor

29. University of Louisiana at Monroe

University of Louisiana at Monroe

The University of Louisiana at Monroe (ULM) is a state-funded, public, comprehensive institution in Monroe, Louisiana.

The University of Louisiana at Monroe offers the online Master of Arts in English through ULM Online and the College of Arts, Education, & Sciences. It is a 33 credit-hour program.

The online MA in English covers literary topics ranging from contemporary works to medieval writings. It features flexible course requirements. The MA in English has specializations in either Creative Writing or Literary Studies.

30. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University has an online Master of Arts in English. The online Masters of English helps to prepare students for a myriad of careers. These include:

  • teaching at secondary levels and community college
  • continuation towards a doctoral degree in literature
  • editing and publishing
  • public relations
  • continuation towards a professional degree in business or law

It is designed to provide students with an enriched knowledge of both American and English literature. The online MA in English from Southern New Hampshire University cultivates valuable communication and critical analysis skills in students.

31. Louisiana Tech University

Louisiana Tech University

Louisiana Tech University has a degree in English through the College of Liberal Arts and the English Department. The online MA in English prepares students for numerous career paths. These include:

  • publishing
  • editing
  • teaching
  • technical writing
  • journalism

It also serves as a launch pad for continued doctoral work in either English or Comparative Literature. That is as well as professional degrees in law, business, and more. The MA in English  offers both non-thesis and thesis track options.

32. Northern Arizona University

NAU

Northern Arizona University has an online master’s degree in English with a concentration in Literature. The online master’s degree in English provides an in-depth understanding of the issues, concepts, periods, and authors essential to the advanced study of English and literature.

It is a flexible program. The MA in English allows students to customize their studies to match their interests. Thirty-six units are required to graduate. A thesis or research project may be needed for the students’ chosen emphasis.

33. Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania

Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania

Slippery Rock University has a master’s degree in English. It is a 30 credit hour program lasting 15 months. The online MA in English’s curriculum covers contemporary literate practices and features extensive research and practical applications.

Specialization in the study of writing is available in any profession or discipline. The MA includes nine required courses including a capstone experience worth six credits.

The MA in English prepares students for work in many fields including:

  • government
  • education
  • business
  • law
  • technical writing
  • translation
  • writing
  • teaching
  • editing and publishing

34. Liberty University

Liberty University

Liberty University has a degree in Professional Writing program. This is through its online learning department. It is a 36 credit-hour program that takes a year and a half to complete. Up to 50% of the Degree Total can be transferred to Liberty.

The online MA degree features 8-week long courses taught 100% online. It is a practical skill-building program. The MA online instills critical writing skills applicable to all industries. Students receive real-world, practical instruction in writing research and publishing process from #1 New York Times bestselling author and Christian novelist Karen Kingsbury.

35. University of Nebraska-Omaha

University of Nebraska at Omaha

The University of Nebraska at Omaha offers a low-residency master’s degree in writing. This is through the College of Communication, Fine Arts and Media. It is available online. The MFA in Writing consists of four 16-week at-home semesters paired with five 10-day conference-style residencies totaling 60 credit hours.

Faculty Mentors play a significant role in assisting students throughout the program. During the at-home portion of the online MFA in Writing, students should expect to dedicate a minimum of 25 hours per week to their studies. The MFA in Writing online is available with four genre options in:

  • Creative Nonfiction
  • State & Screen
  • Poetry
  • Adult or Young Adult Fiction.
UTEP

36. University of Texas at El Paso

The University of Texas at El Paso has an online Master of Fine Arts. It is available through the UTEP Connect Extended University. The program is provided 100% online. It is the only online MFA in the world offered with a bilingual option (English and Spanish).

The MFA online is Ideal for working students who are pursuing a career in teaching at the university level. It is also for serious writers and those interested in going into publishing.

37. Lindenwood University

Lindenwood University

Lindenwood University has an online Master of Fine Arts in Writing. It concentrates on the study and craft of writing. The program features literature classes, craft classes, and writing workshops.

It is an accelerated program. Courses are offered quarterly and are available 100% online on-campus, or in a hybrid (combination of the two) format. It is a terminal degree. The MFA in Writing online is ideal for students who are interested in pursuing careers in:

  • publishing
  • writing
  • university-level teaching

38. University of Arkansas at Monticello

University of Arkansas at Monticello

The University of Arkansas at Monticello offers a non-residency, online program in English.  It is ideal for self-disciplined individuals. The program can be tailored to meet the interests, schedule, and goals of each student.

The online MFA  consists of 48 semester hours. It allows up to nine semester hours of transfer graduate credit to be applied to the program. Students set their own pace and schedule. You can take as many as 12 hours per academic term or as little as three hours. The MFA online is available with three genre concentrations including:

  • creative nonfiction
  • poetry
  • fiction

39. Converse College

Converse

Converse College offers the Master of Fine Arts with low-residency requirements. It is a two-year program. 48 credits are required to graduate. Students have the option of focusing on a number of creative writing styles including:

  • Environmental Writing
  • Young Adult Fiction
  • Poetry
  • Creative Nonfiction
  • Fiction

Students are required to participate in four nine-day residencies held at Converse College offered twice a year. Students learn from visiting writers who bring valuable insight, giving public readings and leading discussions. Past visiting writers have included:

  • Allan Wolf
  • Monika Woods
  • JJ Johnson
  • Gary Jackson
  • Rachel Hall
  • Kerry D’Agostino

40. Wilkes University

Wilkes University

Wilkes University offers the Maslow Family Graduate Program in Creative Writing. It  culminates in a Master of Arts/Master of Fine Arts. The MA/MFA program is provided with two low-residency options:

  • online courses with two eight-day residencies in January and June or
  • online courses with four weekend sessions per semester.

Several areas of focus are available including the areas of:

  • documentary film
  • publishing
  • creative nonfiction
  • playwriting
  • screenwriting
  • poetry
  • fiction

The MA/MFA online requires a final project of each student. This is read and evaluated by an outside reader who is an editor, agent, publisher or producer.

41. Chatham University

Chatham University

Chatham University has a broad-based online Master of Writing. The program has flexible schedule options that allow students to complete the program at their own pace. The online MPW curriculum exposes students to a range of executive, organizational, and technical writing challenges. This is to provide an accurate representation of the realities of the current and changing business world. Concentrations are in Web Content Development and Technical Writing.

42. Union Institute & University

Union Institute & University

Union Institute & University has an online program in Literature and Writing. It is a 36-credit hour program. Start dates are provided in January, May, and August. The program can be completed in as little as 16 months.

Major core courses in the master’s degree online include:

  • Disciplinary Foundations I and II
  • Elements of Scholarship
  • Research Methods.

Potential careers for graduates of the online master’s in Literature and Writing include:

  • roles in radio and television
  • publishing and public relations
  • secondary teaching
  • future doctoral studies.

43. Antioch University-Los Angeles

Antioch University

Antioch University has a low-residency Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing. The program consists of a five-month online project period. This is rounded out by a series of on-campus residencies which feature readings, seminars, and workshops.

The residencies provide a nurturing literary community that helps students balance the solitary discipline that writing requires. The low-residency model also mirror the lives that professional writers live.

Students focus on a single genre such as:

  • young adult fiction
  • creative nonfiction
  • poetry
  • fiction

You are free to study and write more than one style and even challenge the concept of genres.

44. New England College

New England College

New England College offers an accelerated 12-month degree in writing. It is a 36-credit hour program. The online MA can be completed in as little as twelve months. The program focuses on traditional and new writing-based media. It offers individualized student-centered instruction.

45. Western New England University

Western New England University has a degree in English for Teachers.

Western New England University

The MA in English for Teachers online is a practical English degree that addresses the unique needs of educators.

The curriculum concentrates on:

  • grammar
  • literature
  • reading
  • rhetoric

This is in a framework that is tied to pedagogy. The online MA in English for Teachers consists of 10 graduate courses. These equal 30 credit hours including a three-credit capstone seminar.

46. East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania

East Stroudsburg University

East Stroudsburg University has a 100% online Master of Arts in Professional and Digital Media Writing (PDMW).

The MA PDMW online requires 30 credit hours to graduate. Full-time students who take on a study load of nine hours per semester can graduate in as little as four semesters. One of the advantages of the program is that students have the option of choosing between a major project or a thesis.

The online MA program provides a customized educational experience with paths to:

  • administration
  • writing
  • continued doctoral degrees

47. Webster University

Webster

Webster University has an online Master of Arts (MA in TESL) through the School of Education. The online MA in TESL is delivered online, at the St. Louis home campus, and select campuses located across the US and world in two tracks.

The ESL/EFL education emphasis equips aspiring educators to teach around the world. Prior teaching experience is not required for this emphasis. The K-12 English language learner (ELL) education emphasis expands the existing knowledge and skills of active educators who already hold their teaching license.

48. University of Southern California

University of Southern California

The University of Southern California has an online option in Teaching through USC Online. The online MA in Teaching provides comprehensive TESOL training with innovative instruction.

The MA in Teaching online coursework divided into four main categories that provide:

  • theoretical foundations
  • practical teaching strategies and experiences
  • theoretical language and literacy for primary and second language learners
  • a capstone portfolio and field experience.

49. University of Memphis

University of Memphis

The University of Memphis has an online English degree with a concentration in ESL. The MA in English is ranked as one of the best. The ESL concentration is available with online options to equip educators to teach English as a second/foreign language.

The online MA in English in ESL builds skills in:

  • assessing language ability
  • analyzing language
  • planning language instruction

Students can put their learning to use through practical hands-on experiences domestically and abroad. Past graduate students have taught English in the Czech Republic, Korea, China, and Japan. They have presented papers at professional conferences including:

  • NWAVE
  • Tennessee TESOL
  • The Southeastern Conference on Linguistics
  • International TESOL.

50. Hamline University

Hamline University

Hamline University has an online MA through the School of Education. The online MA in TESOL enhances student’s skills in English to promote economic and social equity and access.

The program prepares educators to work either locally or internationally. Online students may focus on teaching adults or teaching K-12.

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Michael Templeton
Managing Editor

Kacey Reynolds Schedler
Contributing Editor