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Master of Arts in English Overview

Loving English and thinking about taking your education to the next level? This flexible and practical program is designed for those who want to continue to develop reading, writing and analytical skills, and those who are interested in gaining credentials to teach dual credit courses in high school classrooms or composition classes, or who want to apply to doctoral programs.

At the University of Southern Indiana, our 100% online master’s program in English offers advanced studies in composition, literary and rhetorical history, and theory and practical applications for teaching English. You’ll increase your knowledge and advance your professional aspirations as you prepare to pursue jobs for master’s in English graduates.

You’ll work alongside experienced faculty members who have expertise that spans American, English and world literature; cultural and literary theory; composition and rhetoric; and creative writing. Faculty within our graduate English programs will also be there to answer your questions and help you find the career path that best fits your interests.

When you graduate from USI, you’ll be prepared to tackle jobs for master’s in English alumni or pursue a terminal degree. Advance your career aspirations today with an English master’s degree online.

The program is comprised of 30 credit hours of coursework leading to a Master of Arts degree in English. The program includes 12 credit hours in English Core Classes, 15 credit hours in Additional English Classes, and 3 credit hours of a Capstone Project including a research paper and presentation at an end-of-semester Capstone Symposium.

Online Learning

USI faculty and staff are dedicated to giving you the support you need no matter the modality for which you're taking classes. Check out our robust resources for online students including what online learning is, technology requirements and frequently asked questions.

Online Student Resources

100% Online
30 Credit Hours
Complete in 2-3 Years

Credits Breakdowns

Master's Credit
Requirements

12
Credits

Electives and Capstone

18
Credits

Total Credits

30
Credits

Admission Requirements

  • Applicants must hold a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited institution. Although applicants do not need to hold an undergraduate degree in English, preference will be given to those applicants with an educational background or work experience in English or a related field. 
    • The MAE includes courses in Literature, Rhetoric and Writing, and Creative Writing. The Graduate Faculty in the English Department prefers to admit those students who appear to have the best chance of successfully completing the Master’s degree, and we assume the most successful students will be those whose educational backgrounds or work experiences indicate that they possess the abilities to examine, analyze, and write critically about a diverse range of texts in English. 
  • Applicants must have an overall undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher. However, applicants with an overall undergraduate GPA between 2.75 and 2.99 may also apply to the program, provided that the student majored in English and has a GPA in the major of 3.25 or higher.

Courses within the MAE are offered entirely online using a learning management system. Some courses will require synchronous learning on either Monday or Tuesday evenings. Access to a reliable computer with internet access is required. 

Course Checksheet View in Bulletin
  1. Submit an online application, $40 application fee, and the name and contact information of a professional reference.
  2. Upload the following to your application account:
    1. A well-written cover letter of approximately 500 words indicating how your education or work experience has prepared you for graduate studies and how the Master of Arts in English degree fits with your personal or professional goals.
    2. A writing sample of approximately 3,500 words. Examples include literary analyses, rhetorical analyses, grant applications, or any other kind of professional writing. If necessary, you may submit two documents totaling 3,500 words.
  3. Submit transcripts to Graduate Studies. 
    • Official transcripts are required only from the institution at which your highest degree was earned. Electronic transcripts are preferred and can be emailed from the previous institution to Graduate.Studies@usi.edu 
    • Unofficial transcripts from other institutions attended can be submitted via email by the applicant to Graduate.Studies@usi.edu 
    • Applicants who wish to seek transfer credit for graduate coursework must submit an official transcript from the institution where that work was completed. 
    • Mailed transcripts can be sent to this address:Graduate Studies
      University of Southern Indiana 
      8600 University Blvd. 
      Evansville, IN 47712
  4. Read the full transcript policy by clicking here.
  5. International applicants may be required to submit additional information.

College & Department Contacts

Dr. Sukanya Gupta
Professor of English
Director of Master of Arts in English

Career Outlook

Evansville Regional Data

Did you know that careers requiring a graduate degree — including a master’s program in English — are expected to grow by nearly 17% over the next decade, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics?

As a graduate of USI’s master’s degree in English online program, you can expect to find positions in K–12 schools or in higher education environments. Jobs for master’s in English graduates may include community college professor, content writer, post-secondary instructor and survey researcher or analyst.

Some of USI’s master’s program in English graduates also go on to doctoral programs. Whether you want to pursue terminal studies with a PhD or consider another career path — such as art or museum studies — our master’s degree in English online program will provide you with the knowledge and abilities to succeed in nearly any area.

Evansville Regional Data

Top Regional Occupations by Income

*income information provided by O*NET Online. Occupation opportunities vary by region and experience.

Related Career Fields

  • English and Language Arts Teaching (K-12)
  • English Teaching (Higher Ed)
  • Professional Writing
  • Creative Writing
  • Editing
  • Marketing
  • Copywriting
  • Public Relations
  • Communications
  • Grant Writing

The University of Southern Indiana is committed to making college accessible to those wishing to further their education by providing numerous scholarships, grants, and financial aid options to assist students in managing tuition expenses.

Tuition and Fees
Scholarships and Aid
Grants

Kathleen Bolander

“As a student in USI’s master’s program in English, I took a wide range of classes — from Teaching Composition to Workshop in Creative Writing. I know that these courses, along with the support I received from faculty and peers, provided me with the skills and confidence to complete the program.” – Kathleen Bolander, USI Master’s Degree in English Online Graduate ’19 Academic Mentor, Purdue University Instructor, University of Southern Indiana

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