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English MA

Master of Arts in English

Explore traditional and innovative areas of literary criticism with the Master of Arts in English in the College of Liberal Arts at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø. Hone the skills needed to conduct thorough research, formulate nuanced arguments, and approach writing with a creative and critical eye. Lay the groundwork for doctoral study in English, or become a more competitive candidate for professional work in editing, publishing, journalism, teaching or any field that values writing and critical thinking.

In the English MA program, you will focus on a foundational area of literary scholarship—such as British and American literature, modernism, or contemporary literature—or choose one of several areas of intensive study. Areas of study include

  • critical theory,
  • cultural theory,
  • film theory,
  • interdisciplinary methods,
  • minority literature and
  • women’s studies.

Advanced seminars are also offered in the following specialized areas.

  • Critical and cultural theories
  • Ethnic and African American literature
  • Gender and sexuality
  • Literature and visual studies
  • Poetry and poetics
  • Postcolonial and global literatures
  • Theory of genres

You can also explore informationÌýabout the Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing.

A bespectacled student, her face resting in her left hand, smiles during a class lecture.

Our Community

The College of Liberal Arts at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø comprises many academic disciplines and research areas. Now more than ever, an interdisciplinary liberal arts education is invaluable for your future pursuits. It offers the opportunity to further push your drive to create real change in the world, here at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø and beyond. In this graduate program, you’ll work closely with diverse faculty members who are highly esteemed in their field and with a curious, passionate community of peers. .Ìý

Program Format & Curriculum

The 30-credit Master of Arts in English can be completed within twoÌýyears of full-time study. Classes are offered on 51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s Main Campus.

Courses offered in this program include the following.

  • Composition Research Methods
  • Early American Literature
  • Early British Literature
  • History of Critical Theory
  • Special Topics in Creative Writing
  • Translation Study

Students must also demonstrate a reading knowledge of at least one foreign language.ÌýThe culminating event for all English students is a master’s essay of 4,000–6,000 words, which demonstrates a student's ability to write perceptively, lucidlyÌýand at length.Ìý

Learn more about English MA requirements.

Related Graduate Degrees

*Klein College of Media and Communication

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with 51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s commitment to access and affordability, this Master of Arts offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. These tuition costs apply to the 2025–2026 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: $1,148.00 per credit
Out-of-state: $1,577.00 per credit

You can view the full .

Program Contact

With questions regarding the English MA, contact the following staff member.

LaTasha Goodman is the manager of administration.
Phone: 215-204-8516
Email:

The following staff members lead the English Department.

James Salazar is chair of the English Department.
Email:

Steve Newman is the directorÌýof graduate studies.
Phone: 215-204-1796Ìý
Email:Ìý

Student Clubs & Organizations

Supplement your College of Liberal Arts coursework and enhance your graduate education experience through student clubs and organizations. You’ll meet and network with other students, become involved with the community, and build invaluable skills to help you realize your personal and professional goals. 

The following clubs and organizations are available to English MA students.

  • The is open to all graduate students in the English Department. The group makes recommendations to the faculty on departmental issues and enriches the graduate experience with developmental workshops and social events.
  • Through a partnership with , 51³Ô¹ÏÍø's MFA program is able to offer its students the chance to take a course in Literary Editing and Publishing with Barrelhouse co-founder Mike Ingram. During this course, students will conceive of, edit, and produce one online issue of Barrelhouse. Student names will appear on the issue's masthead!

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Study Away

51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s study away programs offer you the opportunity to spend an academic year, semester or summer abroad. Complete coursework, participate in internships or collaborate in research while immersing yourself in the culture, history and people of your host city.Ìý

Enrich your experience in the English department by immersing yourself in the Rome Seminar in Art and Culture at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s Rome campus, the Villa Caproni. This six-credit seminar explores the human sciences as well as current trends of thought in postmodern culture. The seminar combines classwork, field trips and guest lectures. The city of Rome is used extensively as a resource. For more information, contactÌý
Miles Orvell, director of graduate studies.
Phone:Ìý215-204-7365
Email:Ìý

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Accreditation

51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s departments and programs are accredited by the .

Additional Program Information