College of Social Sciences & Humanities

English

Master's: Boston, MA
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The Master of Arts in English launches students into the study of literature, writing, and rhetoric at the graduate level. The program offers two years of intensive study in the major fields of British and American literature, covering the debates and approaches that animate the discipline of English. Our MA graduates are fully prepared to proceed to study at the doctoral level, and their training in critical thinking, language skills, and cultural history has also proven to be fruitful preparation for a range of careers outside of academia.

Boston, MA
Location
Full-Time
Part-Time
Commitment
1.5-2 Years
Duration of Program
Fall, Spring
Entry Terms
Yes *
Meets F1 Visa Requirements
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Overview

The Master of Arts program gives students broad exposure to the current state of literary studies—its history, its methodologies, its ever-changing canon, and its production of new knowledge. The program offers study in all areas of English and American literature, and in rhetorical criticism, the teaching of writing, and the role of rhetorical practices in shaping disciplinary, institutional, and cultural knowledges and identities. The graduate program in English encompasses a spectrum of traditional literary fields from the medieval period to postmodernism, as well as rhetoric and composition, linguistics, and digital humanities. Research and teaching in interdisciplinary areas, including American studies, African-American studies, gender studies, and cultural studies, are also well represented within the program. At Northeastern University, graduate students in English may take full advantage of the opportunities that the greater Boston area affords as the site of rich cultural and educational resources.

Learn more about the Master of Arts in English from the College of Social Sciences and Humanities.

More Details

Unique Features

  • Master’s students may be nominated for scholarships
  • Opportunities for involvement in cutting-edge research in centers including the NULab for Texts, Maps, and Networks; the Writing Center; the Digital Scholarship Group; and the Humanities Center as well as with individual faculty
  • The department has strong graduate faculty in the fields of American literature; transatlantic and Caribbean studies; digital humanities; writing and rhetoric

Graduates of our MA program are able to:

  • Employ primary and secondary materials to analyze critical debates within subfields of English studies
  • Demonstrate expertise in the history, theories, and methods of three chosen subfields of English studies pertinent to the student’s plan of research and teaching
  • Formulate and defend original and critically significant arguments, communicating them effectively in genres relevant to English studies (e.g., research papers, conference presentations, digital projects)
  • Design and conduct sustained, sophisticated, independent research using primary and secondary sources in order to make a critical contribution to subfields within English studies

Career Outlook

Many successful MA English graduates have been accepted to well-regarded PhD programs throughout the country, including Cornell, Loyola University Chicago, Notre Dame, Princeton, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, the State University of New York at Buffalo, the University of California-Davis, the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, University of Minnesota, and the University of Washington. Others have found the program valuable for enhancing their credentials and opening opportunities for advancement in a variety of fields, including teaching, publishing, writing, law, and business.

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Admissions

A graduate degree or certificate from Northeastern—a top-ranked university—can accelerate your career through rigorous academic coursework and hands-on professional experience in the area of your interest. Apply now—and take your career to the next level.

Program Costs

$43.1K *
Tuition

Finance Your Education We offer a variety of resources, including scholarships and assistantships.

How to Apply Learn more about the application process and requirements.

Requirements

  • Application
  • Application fee
  • Personal statement
  • Resume
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended
  • English proficiency for international applicants
  • Writing sample

Are You an International Student? Find out what additional documents are required to apply.

Admissions Details Learn more about the College of Social Sciences and Humanities admissions process, policies, and required materials.

Admissions Dates

Fall Term
Spring Term
Final deadline for international applicants: June 15
Final deadline for domestic applicants (non-international): August 15
Deadline for special student applicants (non-international only): August 15
Final deadline for international applicants: October 1
Final deadline for domestic applicants (non-international): December 15
Final deadline for Special Student applicants (non-international only): December 15
Curriculum

Industry-aligned courses for in-demand careers.


For 100+ years, we’ve designed our programs with one thing in mind—your success. Explore the current program requirements and course descriptions, all designed to meet today’s industry needs and must-have skills.

 

Experiential Learning

Northeastern's signature experience-powered learning model has been at the heart of the university for more than a century. It combines world-class academics with professional practice, allowing you to acquire relevant, real-world skills you can immediately put into action in your current workplace. This makes a Northeastern education a dynamic, transformative experience, giving you countless opportunities to grow as a professional and person.

Faculty

Our Faculty

Northeastern University faculty represents a broad cross-section of professional practices and fields, including finance, education, biomedical science, management, and the U.S. military. They serve as mentors and advisors and collaborate alongside you to solve the most pressing global challenges facing established and emerging markets.

View English Department Faculty...

Students

By enrolling in Northeastern, you’ll gain access to students at 13 campus locations, 300,000+ alumni, and 3,000 employer partners worldwide. Our global university system provides students unique opportunities to think locally and act globally while serving as a platform for scaling ideas, talent, and solutions.

Below is a look at where our Humanities & Social Sciences alumni work, the positions they hold, and the skills they bring to their organization.

 

  • Where They Work

    • Commonwealth of Massachusetts
    • City of Boston
    • Liberty Mutual Insurance
    • Fidelity Investments
    • State Street

  • What They Do

    • Education
    • Business Development
    • Community and Social Services
    • Operations
    • Media and Communication

  • What They're Skilled At

    • Public Speaking
    • Research
    • Social Media
    • Leadership
    • Management

 

Learn more about Northeastern Alumni on Linkedin.

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LOCATION COMMITMENT DURATION TYPE