Updated November 2022 by Adam Birch
It is puzzling but true that people who have earned one particular master’s degree can be found in almost every company or industry. In addition, these same employees are the ones who fill a wide range of desirable positions. What is that advanced degree and why have these employees managed to staff the working world with their skills?
The degree in question is in English composition and literature. The abilities developed in earning that diploma are useful in a wide variety of contexts. These are the skills to understand, research, analyze, and cite written works. With these skills you can distill and communicate essential information. Such skills are not common, and they are in high demand in business and industry. Skills like creative writing are in high demand in marketing and fundraising positions.
A master’s in English is a great degree for those who love to read widely and in-depth. Few people have the ability to read and analyze texts and then communicate information to others. The school rankings on this website feature great deals. In this article we spotlight the most affordable online master’s in English programs.
A master’s degree in English literature emphasizes reading and analyzing written works using a variety of texts. Students also explore historical elements of literature, including literary criticism. Students will settle on an area of focus–anything from Chaucer or Shakespeare to Russian masterpieces. Whatever subject intrigues the student and is offered by the educational institution. After graduation, students will find job opportunities in a wide range of professions. This includes:
- academia
- business
- non-profit
- government
Potential jobs include:
- writer
- editor
- marketing manager
- publisher
- teacher
- public relations.
Online master’s programs use the same coursework as a traditional master’s program. An online master’s in English literature is flexible. This allows students to complete their program and still meet personal responsibilities.
FAQs About Online Master’s in English Literature Programs
What does an online master’s in English literature do for you?
A 100% online master’s degree in English literature provides you with essential professional skills. The degree emphasizes specific works of literature. The coursework develops essential skills that will be useful in the working world. This includes skills like communication and utilization of historical perspectives. It also includes:
- content analysis
- debate and argumentation
- framing narratives.
What does the degree cover?
Coursework for earning a master’s degree in English literature may cover any known field of written literature. The program will develop your ability to comprehend, communicate, and synthesize material. You will have opportunities to explore literary criticism. You will debate opposing beliefs. You will argue for your own understanding of literary works or the understanding of another writer.
What jobs are available for degree holders, what salaries might I expect, and what is the job outlook?
The median annual salary for those with a master’s degree in English literature in 2015 was $61,990. Here are salaries for a few particular job titles for holders of a master’s degree in English literature (all figures courtesy of Bureau of Labor Statistics):
High School Teacher: $61,820
Editor: $63,350
Technical Writer: $78,060
Public Relations Specialist: $68,800
Marketing Manager: $133,380
The fields with the most significant projected job growth are college professor and technical writing. Employment for postsecondary teachers is projected to grow 13% between 2014-2024. Employment for secondary school teachers is projected to grow 6% in the same time period. Employment of technical writers is expected to grow 10% in that time period. Remember that secondary schools require teaching certificates for employment. Students interested in teaching K-12 can pursue a dual teaching degree.
Why should I study for a master’s in literature online instead of in a traditional face-to-face college?
If you are into your career or dealing with personal obligations, getting your degree online presents many advantages. Online education enables you to move at your own pace and to fulfill your personal obligations at the same time. Many colleges and universities will offer a reduced rate of tuition for online classes. You will save money on gas and parking fees. Some schools offer accelerated courses of study so you can finish your degree in less time. This means an additional savings of money.
How do I find the online master’s degree in English literature that is right for me?
Prospective students should assess online colleges in the same ways as traditional colleges, without needing to travel to a school. Viable institutions of higher education offer accreditation. They have:
- a low faculty/student ratio
- courses that students both need and want
- affordable tuition
Each of these factors may be verified online.
Certain factors are harder to assess, such as whether course offerings meet the student’s own needs. Text materials and format of the coursework also impact student satisfaction. Students also thrive on fast evaluation of their work. Technology support and career resources are vital to student success in an online college. Tech support centers should be available 24/7. Colleges and universities should provide help in finding employment after graduation. Where these services exist, be sure to use them fully.
Does earning an online degree get me a different diploma than people who go to a brick and mortar college?
With an online master’s degrees from these schools, you receive the same diploma as on-campus students. You can even attend the same graduation ceremony. Your diploma will contain no “online” descriptor. In many cases, your instructors will be the same ones you would have had in the brick-and-mortar program.
What kinds of skills does online college require?
Studies in an online program require certain skills of organization and personal discipline. Most online colleges and universities will post a brief online quiz to help determine if it’s a good fit. Many skills you developed while earning your bachelor’s degree will serve you well in online graduate school. Online education also requires a technical component. If you can find an article like this, you likely have the technical abilities needed to complete an online master’s degree in English literature.
Are there other good colleges and universities besides the ones in this ranking?
There are plenty! This ranking simply features the cheapest online master’s in English degrees. If you don’t mind spending more, consider checking out some of these other schools.
- Texas Tech University
- East Carolina University
- Ohio Dominican University
- Northwestern State University
- Emporia State University
- Southern New Hampshire University
Of course there are also liberal arts universities, but most of those don’t offer online programs, and they tend to be very expensive.
Ranking the Best Online Master’s in English Degrees Available
#1 – Minnesota State University-Mankato
Mankato, Minnesota
Master of Arts in Literature and English Studies Online
Website
Tuition: $8,506
This 34-credit online master’s in English literature provides a foundation in British, American, and World Literature. The program also provides the necessary training to begin teaching literature at the college level. This foundation also lays the groundwork for doctoral studies in literature. Courses include:
- teaching college-level literature
- topics in children’s and young adult literature
- gender in literature.
#2 – Arizona State University Online
Scottsdale, Arizona
Online Master of Arts in English
Website
Tuition: $9,774
This master of arts in English online covers the skills you need in a variety of professions, including:
- copywriting and editing
- management
- marketing
- public service
Courses include:
- teaching young adult literature
- magical realism as a global genre
- linguistics
- composition studies
The program examines cultures through linguistics and literature. You will acquire skills in:
- analytical competency
- communication
- creativity
- critical thinking
- reading.
#3 – Gardner-Webb University
Boiling Springs, North Carolina
Master of Arts in English Online
Website
Tuition: $10,080
The online master’s in English at Gardner-Webb University offers concentrations in:
- literature studies
- English education
- writing studies
The program operates on the cohort model. This means students who start together will go through the whole program together. Because of this, there is slightly less flexibility than other online master’s in English programs. However, the benefit is that you can learn and grow with the same group of people the whole time. Because of this, model classes start only in the fall semester. To enter this program, students need a bachelor’s degree with 12-15 credits of upper level English courses.
#4 – Morehead State University
Morehead, Kentucky
Online Master’s in English
Website
Tuition: $10,260
The online master’s in English at Morehead requires students to have completed an undergraduate major or minor in English or equivalent. Applicants must have a 3.0 GPA on undergraduate English courses at sophomore level or above. If you have even better marks, you are guaranteed admission to the program. In this program you will study:
- literature
- creative and technical writing
- poetry
- prose
- linguistics
Details are on the website.
#5 – Louisiana Tech University
Ruston, Louisiana
Online Master’s in English
Website
Tuition: $12,690
Students in the online English MA can also earn a graduate certificate in technical writing online. The greater graduate program provides training that will support a variety of careers. This includes:
- teaching
- publishing
- editing
- journalism
- technical writing
Many students continue their studies at a doctoral level, which this program also prepares you for. Students often go into:
- non-profit writing
- social services
- a variety of other professions.
#6 – Texas A&M University-Central Texas
Killeen, Texas
Master of Arts in Literature and English Studies Online
Website
Tuition: $12,920
Texas A&M University Central Texas offers a 100% synchronous online master’s in English. This MA degree is designed specifically to prepare students for future doctoral studies, and teachers looking for dual credit certification. It’s also a good program for those interested in teaching or administrative jobs at a college or university. The program provides faculty mentorship to help students achieve their professional goals.
#7 – Murray State University
Murray, Kentucky
Online Masters in English
Website
Tuition: $13,644
The online Master’s in English at Murray is a flexible degree comprised of 15 core credits and 15 electives. This gives students the opportunity to choose what areas of English and literature they wish to specialize in. This flexibility is especially useful for future doctoral students. They will be able to design their master’s to complement their doctoral studies. It is possible to combine the MA in English with a DA in English Pedagogy (literature specialization). This cuts down on the overall credits required to earn both degrees separately. This reduces both cost and the time required to earn both degrees.
#8 – University of Memphis
Memphis, Tennessee
Master of Arts in English Online
Website
Tuition: $14,544
The online Master of Arts at the University of Memphis offers the opportunity of extensive study of both British and American literature. African American literature and children’s literature are also available. For students more focused on writing, there are poetry writing and fiction writing courses. There are also poetry and fiction workshops. There is also a concentration in technical communication. This features courses in technical and professional writing and engineering communication.
#9 – Tarleton State University
Stephenville, Texas
Online Master’s in English
Website
Tuition: $15,031
McNeese State University’s online master’s in English offers two concentrations. The literature concentration is focused on students who want to teach at the secondary or university level. The literature concentration is also great for students who wish to earn their doctorate. The technical communication and rhetoric concentration is a professional concentration. The concentration is great for students who want to be professional technical writers.
#10 – Wayland Baptist University
Plainview, Texas
Online Master’s in English
Website
Tuition: $15,232
Wayland Baptist University offers a 37-credit hour MA in English degree. There is a thesis-option track that requires six hours of thesis and an oral defense. The non-thesis includes six additional hours of study instead of the thesis. Both tracks require a comprehensive written exam. The core of the program includes courses like literary theory and advanced research in English studies. The rest is the comprehensive exam, thesis, or electives.
Also of interest:
10 Best Deals on Online MFA in Creative Writing Degrees
20 Great Scholarships for Graduate Degrees in English Literature
20 Great Scholarships for Creative Writing Degrees