English, MA, Online
Quick Facts
Credit Hours: 30 | Estimated Time to Completion: As little as 15 months | Cost Per Credit Hour: $500 | Start Dates: Fall, Spring, Summer
Program Details
- Location
- Wayne Campus, Akron Campus
- Level
- graduate
- Academic Pathway
- major
- Degree/Program Type
- MA Master of Arts
- Format
- online
- Course Info
- Course Sequence
- College
- Buchtel College of Arts & Sciences (BCAS)
- School/Department
- Department of English
Program Contact
- Dr. Hillary Nunn
-
Distinguished Professor, Graduate English Advising
330-972-7601
Program Overview
The University of Akron Online offers a Master of Arts (MA) in English for students seeking to deepen their expertise in literature, writing, and rhetoric while preparing for career advancement or further graduate study.
As the Department of English's terminal degree, the MA program offers exceptional faculty mentorship, with individualized support for research, publication, conference presentations, and professional development. Through practical and theoretical coursework, you'll strengthen your research, analytical, and professional writing skills while preparing for careers in education, communications, publishing, or doctoral study.
Students can complete the program in as little as 15 months and may also earn a Graduate Certificate in Composition and/or a Graduate Certificate in Literature alongside their degree.
What You'll Learn
Coursework challenges you to engage with literature, language, and culture through critical analysis, research, and writing. You'll develop the ability to interpret complex texts, construct well-supported arguments, and communicate effectively across academic, educational, and professional contexts.
Skills Gained
Advanced critical reading and analysis
Academic and professional writing
Research design and scholarly inquiry
Argument development and rhetorical analysis
Literary interpretation and cultural analysis
Presentation and communication skills
Core Practice
Conduct original research and scholarly writing
Analyze texts within historical, cultural, and theoretical contexts
Develop evidence-based arguments
Engage with contemporary debates in literature and composition
Produce professional and academic writing for diverse audiences
Key Topics
Literary criticism and theory
Composition studies
Research writing
Professional and grant writing
Cultural and multicultural studies
Rhetoric and communication
Career Outcomes
The online Master of Arts in English develops versatile skills that prepare graduates for specialized roles across education, communications, publishing, nonprofit organizations, government, and beyond.
Job Titles
Postsecondary instructor
English teacher
Professional writer
Technical writer
Communications specialist
Content strategist
Grant writer
Editor
Where You’ll Work
Colleges and universities
K-12 educational institutions
Nonprofit organizations
Government agencies
Publishing and media organizations
Corporate communications departments
Marketing and public relations firms
Additional Program Information
English Curriculum
The 30-credit-hour curriculum combines advanced study in writing, literature, rhetoric, and critical theory with opportunities for specialized coursework and independent research.
Core Courses
Build advanced knowledge through coursework in argument and research writing, composition theory, literary criticism, and English studies. Students also complete a graduate seminar in professional writing or grant writing while strengthening the advanced research, writing, and analytical skills expected of graduate-level scholars and professionals.
→ View core course requirements
Literature and Critical Theory
Explore major approaches to literary analysis and critical interpretation while examining texts within broader historical, cultural, and theoretical contexts. Coursework encourages students to engage deeply with contemporary conversations in literature and the humanities.
→ View literature course requirements
Electives and Specialized Study
Customize your degree by selecting 12 credit hours of English electives at the 500- or 600-level. Elective coursework allows you to pursue areas of interest that align with your professional goals, academic interests, or future doctoral study plans.
Thesis, Capstone, or Independent Research
Complete your degree through a master's thesis, capstone project, or individualized reading experience. Each option provides the opportunity to pursue advanced research, literary analysis, or a substantial scholarly project while working closely with faculty mentors.
Flexible Completion
Finish in as Little as 15 Months
Complete your degree in as little as 15 months while learning online from the same expert faculty who teach English courses on campus.
Faculty Mentorship
Individualized Graduate Support
As the department's terminal degree, the MA program provides personalized faculty mentorship that supports research, professional growth, publication, and conference opportunities.
Rankings
Recognized Among Top Online Universities
UAkron Online has been recognized by Newsweek as one of America’s top online universities, reflecting a strong commitment to quality and student success.
Admissions Information
Review admission requirements, tuition information, and financial aid resources as you prepare to apply to the online MA in English program.
No GRE or other entrance exams required.
To apply to the online MA in English program, you'll need to:
- Submit a graduate application
- Provide official transcripts from all previously attended colleges and universities
- Submit a statement of purpose
- Hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5
Applicants should have a bachelor's degree in English, an English minor, or comparable academic preparation. Students with coursework in other disciplines may be considered and are encouraged to contact the Department of English to discuss eligibility.
Students interested in pursuing a Graduate Certificate in Composition or a Graduate Certificate in Literature must first be admitted to the University as a graduate student.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
If you have questions about the admissions process, write to gradsch@uakron.edu.
Tuition and Cost Considerations
Tuition is charged on a per-credit-hour basis for graduate programs.
- Ohio resident tuition: $500 per credit hour
- Online students benefit from a reduced out-of-state surcharge of $1 per credit hour
→ View tuition and fees for graduate students
→ Estimate your cost of attendance
Financial Aid Options
Students may be eligible for a variety of financial support, including:
- FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
- Federal and state grants
- Graduate student loans
- Work-study opportunities (when available)
- Institutional scholarships
The University of Akron provides financial aid to a significant number of graduate students each year.
→ Learn more about financial aid
Get Help
The Office of Student Financial Aid offers support throughout the process, including assistance with FAFSA completion, understanding your aid package, and planning for educational costs.
No GRE or other entrance exams required.
To apply to the online MA in English program, you'll need to:
- Submit a graduate application
- Provide official transcripts from all previously attended colleges and universities
- Submit a statement of purpose
- Hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5
Applicants should have a bachelor's degree in English, an English minor, or comparable academic preparation. Students with coursework in other disciplines may be considered and are encouraged to contact the Department of English to discuss eligibility.
Students interested in pursuing a Graduate Certificate in Composition or a Graduate Certificate in Literature must first be admitted to the University as a graduate student.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
If you have questions about the admissions process, write to gradsch@uakron.edu.
Tuition and Cost Considerations
Tuition is charged on a per-credit-hour basis for graduate programs.
- Ohio resident tuition: $500 per credit hour
- Online students benefit from a reduced out-of-state surcharge of $1 per credit hour
→ View tuition and fees for graduate students
→ Estimate your cost of attendance
Financial Aid Options
Students may be eligible for a variety of financial support, including:
- FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
- Federal and state grants
- Graduate student loans
- Work-study opportunities (when available)
- Institutional scholarships
The University of Akron provides financial aid to a significant number of graduate students each year.
→ Learn more about financial aid
Get Help
The Office of Student Financial Aid offers support throughout the process, including assistance with FAFSA completion, understanding your aid package, and planning for educational costs.
Online English Faculty & Staff
Learn from the same expert faculty who teach on campus while receiving personalized mentorship in research, writing, and professional development.
Online Master’s in English FAQs
Graduates pursue careers in education, professional writing, communications, publishing, nonprofit leadership, marketing, and research. The degree develops advanced writing, critical thinking, and analytical skills that are valued across industries. Some graduates also continue into doctoral or professional programs. The degree's flexibility allows students to apply their expertise in both academic and non-academic settings.
A master's degree in English may help qualify you for advanced roles in education, communications, writing, publishing, and leadership. Earning potential varies by industry, employer, experience, and geographic location. Many professionals pursue the degree to strengthen their credentials, expand career opportunities, or position themselves for promotion. Additional expertise in writing, communication, and research can be valuable across a variety of professions.
Salary potential varies based on occupation, experience, industry, and location. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, postsecondary English language and literature teachers earn a median annual salary of approximately $78,000, technical writers earn about $91,000, and editors earn about $75,000. Many graduates also pursue careers in communications, publishing, grant writing, and content strategy, where salaries vary by employer and level of responsibility. As professionals gain experience or move into leadership positions, earning potential may increase.
The online MA in English is offered at $500 per credit hour for Ohio residents. Online students outside Ohio benefit from a reduced out-of-state surcharge of just $1 per credit hour. Additional costs may vary depending on fees, books, and other educational expenses. Financial aid and student loan options may be available for eligible students.
Applicants typically have a bachelor's degree in English, an English minor, or comparable academic preparation. Students with degrees in other disciplines may still be considered for admission depending on their coursework and experience. The Department of English reviews applicants individually and can help determine whether previous academic preparation meets program expectations. Prospective students are encouraged to contact the department with questions about eligibility.
Earn Your MA in English Online
Develop the advanced knowledge and practical skills to grow as a writer, educator, researcher, or communications professional with The University of Akron.