The Master of Arts in English at Southern provides advanced study in literature, composition, and literary theory. With the English MA, you’ll build your writing and research skills for careers in the arts, professional writing, publishing, and the public or non-profit sector. It’s also the ideal graduate degree for already-certified secondary English educators or those looking to build a bridge to the PhD. 

    As a student, you’ll attend hands-on weekly seminars in an array of special topics from the works of Virginia Woolf and James Baldwin to speculative fiction, animal studies, comics, and narrative theory. You’ll also work closely with nationally-recognized faculty who have published, taught, and mentored students across all areas of literature, writing, and rhetoric.   

    Study Options and Funding Opportunities:

    Please see our Departmental Page for detailed descriptions of our funding and study offerings.

    Why Choose Our Programs?

    Career Prospects

    Recent alumni of the English Master’s program at Southern include award-winning teachers in Connecticut’s high schools and community colleges, published writers, and graduates who have gone on to competitive doctoral programs at schools such as Tufts, SUNY-Buffalo, and Ohio State. 

    With an English Master’s, you’ll not only have an advanced degree that opens doors to a variety of creative fields. You can take advantage of our Graduate Teaching Assistantship and other internships to develop a teaching portfolio and professional network in the New Haven area and beyond. 

    Program Highlights

    MA in English 

    This program provides thorough training in literary analysis, critical theory, and scholarly writing. The 30-credit degree can be completed full time in 15 months (three semesters plus summer) or approximately 2-3 years part-time. Coursework includes an introduction to English literary research and critical theory; a choice of area requirements and electives across American, British, and global literatures; and a culminating Master’s thesis or comprehensive exam.  

    MS in English

    Particularly appropriate for those who want to combine advanced training in literary studies with courses in a related field – e.g., education, psychology, Women’s Studies, etc. Many secondary educators pursue the M.S. for this reason, though either master's degree is appropriate for in-service teachers.​​​​​​​

    Diverse Career Opportunities

    The Master’s degree in English does not provide professional certification in one field but instead the advanced training you’ll need for a variety of creative and professional fields. These include:  

    •    English Secondary Education, Grades 7-12 (with teaching certification)
    •    College Writing Instruction
    •    Grant Writing
    •    Cultural Administration (museums, libraries, non-profit organizations, etc)
    •    Professional and Technical Writing
    •    Editing and Publishing 
    Next Steps
         

         
    Contact Us
         
    EnglishGrad@SouthernCT.edu
    College of Arts and Sciences
    Department of English
    Application Requirements

    Application Submission
    Application Fee ($50)
    Official Transcripts
    Statement of Purpose
    Three Letters of Recommendation
    Writing Sample

    Essay Prompt

    500-word statement of purpose explaining why you want to enter the degree program you have selected (including area(s) of interest in English studies, academic background, and future career goals)
    Capstone Requirement (Choose One)

    Comprehensive Examination
    Thesis
    Cost of Program

    Use our Paying for College Calculator to estimate the cost of your program.
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    Join us and see firsthand why our institution is the perfect place to start your graduate journey. Whether you're interested in cutting-edge research or a supportive and inclusive community, our virtual tour has it all.