English
Master's
The Master of Arts in English 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.
Program overview
Intensive study
The Master of Arts in English 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.
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.
The Master of Arts in English 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.
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.
- 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; and writing and rhetoric
- Students can take full advantage of the opportunities that the greater Boston area affords as the site of rich cultural and educational resources
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.
Admissions
Apply to the program
A graduate degree or certificate from Northeastern can accelerate your career through rigorous academic coursework and real-world professional experience in your area of interest. Apply to take your career to the next level.
A graduate degree or certificate from Northeastern can accelerate your career through rigorous academic coursework and real-world professional experience in your area of interest. Apply to take your career to the next level.
Fall 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 |
Spring Term
| 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 |
Application
Application fee
Personal statement
Resumé
Three letters of recommendation
Unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended
The Foreign Credential Evaluation (FCE) is a required assessment of all transcripts and documents from non-U.S. accredited post-secondary education institutions. (Review the
by country.)
English proficiency for international applicants
Writing sample
Program objectives
Prepare for success
The 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.
Study all areas of English and American literature, encompassing a spectrum of traditional literary fields from the medieval period to postmodernism, 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.
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Cost of attendance
Tuition and financial aid
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$44,576 - $47,362Tuition in USD
Estimated Total Tuition
This is an estimate based on the tuition rates for Academic Year 2025-2026 and does not include any fees or other expenses. Some courses and labs have tuition rates that may increase or decrease total tuition. Tuition and fees are subject to revision by the president and Board of Trustees at any time. Select programs at select campuses offer additional scholarships of up to 25% off the listed price for domestic students studying on campus. For more detailed information, please visit Student Financial Services.
For students interested in pursuing financial assistance or educational loans, additional educational costs, known as Cost of Attendance (COA) components, can be included in the calculation of aid and loan eligibility. Components may include food, housing, books, course materials, supplies, equipment, transportation, personal expenses, and the cost of obtaining a first professional licensure. You can find comprehensive details on the Student Financial Services website. Please keep in mind that COA can vary significantly depending on academic program, enrollment intensity, and individual circumstances.
There are many ways to pay for your education, including scholarships, financial aid, and more. Connect with a financial counselor to learn about your options and make your dream a reality.
Visit tuition & financial aidTotal Cost of Attendance: This figure reflects the cost-per-credit pricing for the current academic year. The total cost of attendance is dependent on the pace at which students complete the program. Please visit the Student Financial Services site for a more detailed breakdown of pricing per credit and other program fees.
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