english student holding a sign

Master's Degree in English

Master of Arts (M.A.)

Take your study of literature to the next level while also learning how to become an effective teacher of college writing.

The master's in English stresses the importance of gaining breadth in the study of literature and literary periods. Coursework focuses on academic writing conventions and gaining advanced critical tools. You'll develop as an independent scholar with opportunities to practice research and revision.

Program type:
Master's Degree
Format:
On Campus
Est. time to complete:
2 years
Credit hours:
30-32

Why earn a master's degree in English?

Application Deadline
Fall:
Feb. 15* |May 1

*To ensure full consideration for a Graduate Teaching Assistantship, please meet the priority deadline of February 15. Applications received after the priority deadline will be considered.

If you're an international student, refer to the international application process for deadlines.

UND's master's degree in English features:

  • Graduate-level seminars that cover a variety of topics. You will find opportunities to study a wide range of literary genres, periods, and author. Your courses explore literary criticism, research methods, and creative writing.
  • A strong composition program that takes the teaching of writing seriously. You get coursework in teaching English, practical teaching workshops, individualized attention, and hands-on experience.
  • Qualified students earn graduate teaching assistantships that cover most tuition costs and provide stipends, allowing you to focus on your studies.
  • A final degree project with strong mentoring from the faculty leads to timely completion. Your final portfolio is supported through individualized attention from a committee of faculty and by a portfolio workshop course. It is tailored to your individual needs and plans—whether you are seeking further graduate study or a particular career path.

This master's has a thesis (30 credits) and non-thesis (32 credits) option.

English M.A. Programs

  • Work closely with faculty who are internationally recognized scholars and authors.

  • Interact with world-renowned authors at the annual UND Writers Conference.

  • Get involved with Floodwall Magazine, which publishes creative works by UND students.

  • Join the UND English Graduate Student Association.

  • Intern with our long-standing and acclaimed literary journal, North Dakota Quarterly, as well as the recently founded Digital Press.

  • Enjoy individual attention from faculty with an average class size of only eight students.

     

What can you do with a master's degree in English?

78k

Median annual salary for post-secondary english language and literature teachers, 2023

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

4%

Projected job outlook for writers and authors, 2023

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

A master's degree in English is among today's most flexible options, because it provides you with the communication and critical-thinking skills you for a variety of professions. You will graduate prepared to teach college writing at the introductory level and for any career that requires highly developed verbal, analytical, and rhetorical skills. Your M.A. can take you just about anywhere, including:

  • Professional degree programs such as law school or library science
  • Teaching at the high school or community college level
  • Academic administration
  • Publishing
  • Editing
  • Marketing communications
  • Journalism
  • Advertising

Upon completion of the M.A. you may choose to pursue further graduate education in English. Our program prepares you well for continued study in a M.F.A. or Ph.D. program.

Our English master’s students have an impressive placement record into doctoral programs at top universities nationwide, including offers of full financial support for research, as well as graduate teaching assistantships. Our own program also has a strong record of placing our doctoral students in tenure-track positions at two-year and four-year colleges and universities nationally.

Master's Degree in English Courses

ENGL 501. Teaching College English. 3 Credits.

An introduction to theories and methods of teaching college English. Required of Graduate Teaching Assistants in English.

ENGL 510. History of Literary Criticism. 3 Credits.

A history of European criticism from the Classical Greek period to the present day, with emphasis on major texts.

ENGL 524. Studies in Creative Writing. 3 Credits.

Topics vary, such as advanced workshops in different genres and "reading for writers," studying the works of published writers as models for students' own creative work. Prerequisite: ENGL 516 or ENGL 517, or consent of instructor. Repeatable.

ENGL 428. Digital Humanities. 3 Credits.

Examines the growing necessity for digital products in the humanities and moves the concept of publishing from hard copy to electronic copy. Students will have hands-on opportunities to create new knowledge by working on projects across campus such as digitizing materials in the library's special collections department and working directly with professors' research initiatives. S, odd years.

ENGL 521. Studies in American Literature. 1-3 Credits.

The subject of study will vary from semester to semester, and the course may be repeated for credit when the subject of study differs. Repeatable.

ENGL 520. Studies in English Literature. 1-3 Credits.

The subject of study will vary from semester to semester, and the course may be repeated for credit when the subject of study differs. Repeatable.

UND English MS

Best English M.A. Programs

UND's is recognized as a top English master's program in the nation. Our program consistently ranks among the best for educational quality, affordability, and career outcomes. 

U.S. News & World Report Rankings

Leaders in English

Open Mic Night provides students a creative outlet to express themselves.

Explore More Options

Check out the English faculty you'll work with at UND or discover additional education opportunities.

Department Contact
Michael Flynn
Associate Professor
P 701.777.3321
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