Masters in Language & Literature in USA

Today’s student bodies are linguistically diverse, with English language learners in three out of every four classrooms. With a license in English as a Second Language, you’ll prepare to teach effectively in multilingual classrooms. You’ll increase your marketability in this high-need area. And you’ll gain an edge as a culturally competent teacher who can put learning and language into context. 

You'll apply what you've learned in diverse classroom settings through your student teaching experience. Throughout every step of your experience, you’ll receive personalized attention and feedback from faculty who are experienced practitioners, engaged in work at the intersection of policy and practice, and members of professional literacy organizations.

MA TESOL students gain theoretical and practical knowledge about those factors that constitute a sound ESL program; for example, human language learning, language in its sociocultural settings and uses, language program structures, and support for achievement of learner objectives. Students pursuing a degree or certificate in TESOL divide their class time between theory and practice. All UT Arlington TESOL students acquire not only a working knowledge of how to be an effective teacher of English to speakers of other languages, but also a sense of how other languages operate. As a part of the curriculum, students complete 36 credit hours and engage in a minimum of 60 clock hours of classroom practice.

The teacher education program offers a curricular option that leads to an EdM degree from the University at Buffalo, and a recommendation for initial and/or professional teacher certificates in English for speakers of other languages (ESOL). Teacher certification in ESOL allows one to teach in public, PreK through grade 12 schools in New York State; plus, other states, as well as schools in other countries, often hire program completers from the University at Buffalo. Therefore, this degree and the associated certification are marketable throughout New York State, nationally and internationally.

The English department emphasizes preparation for Ph.D. work and advanced training both for secondary education teachers and those for whom an M.A. in English would enhance career options. We welcome students who, for whatever reasons, are eager to read literature on an advanced level, who enjoy research and writing, and who appreciate the responsibilities and pleasures of pursuing one's intellectual goals within an academic community.

The M.A. in English at ULL addresses the professional needs of a variety of students: those who plan to continue in a Ph.D. program, those who want to teach at the high school or college levels, and those who wish to acquire professional training in writing or research. All doctorates in English have a foundation in British and American language and literature, thus students receive a broad education in the discipline that prepares them for teaching, further research, and a diverse range of careers. Both thesis and non-thesis options are available.

M.A. students choose one of the following areas of concentration:

• Literary and Cultural Studies 
• Folklore 
• Linguistics
• Rhetoric & Composition
• Creative Writing
• Professional Writing
• TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages)

The mission of the Department of African Cultural Studies is to provide research and teaching in the languages and expressive cultures of Africa and Africans around the world.

The department is the only one of its kind in the United States. It offers curricula leading to both the master of arts degree and the doctor of philosophy degree. Its students come from all over the world, including many African countries.

Literacy education in the 21st century includes so much more than reading and writing. The School of Education at SUNY New Paltz is preparing a new generation of literacy specialists for rewarding careers, helping children of all ages discover new ways of understanding the world and expressing themselves.

The Department, within the College of Arts and Sciences, offers a wide variety of programs emphasizing study of the European languages, literatures, and cultures, courses in pedagogical methodology, supervised teaching experience, and advanced training for careers related to international affairs. The Department is committed to providing the best possible graduate education: two of its members have been named Distinguished Professors, and four have received the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching. The proximity of numerous cultural institutions such as the Center for Italian Studies on campus, the Goethe House in New York, Alliance Française, the Kosciuszko Foundation, the New York Public Library, and the Harriman Institute of Columbia University, enhance the quality of graduate study in the Department.

The programs have been designed with today’s career opportunities in mind. Students are encouraged to shape a personal curriculum, drawing on other Departments engaged in issues pertinent to European cultural history and pedagogy such as Comparative Studies, History, Linguistics, Music, Philosophy, Political Science, and Theater Arts. The Department supports exchange programs with European universities, in France, Germany, Russia, Poland, and Italy.

More detailed program information is available from the Department office and on the Internet at www.sunysb.edu/eurolangs. Part-time study is permitted; most graduate courses are offered during the late afternoons or evenings. Our advisors work closely with students in designing a program to meet individual needs and interests.

This 33 credits research and standards-based graduate program is intended for those educators who wish to obtain a Master’s of Science Degree in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages). This program addresses the needs of educators interested in working with linguistically and culturally diverse learners. The focus is on creative and critical pedagogy and best teaching practices with socially just awareness as well as multi-modal curriculum design and planning for ENL (English as a New Language) students. Coursework addresses many critical areas and major policies and program models such as the dual language approach, the psychology and sociology of teaching linguistically diverse students, appropriate assessment instruments for planning instruction and ensuring progress, individualizing instruction for special education and all students, incorporating technology and creative classroom applications, exemplary clinical/field experiences to develop reflective teaching and planning practices. Our 11-course sequence prepares candidates to become professional, competent, caring and multicultural educators of English Language Learners (ELLs).

The Master of Arts in English offers students opportunities to pursue advanced training in one of three areas of concentration: Literary and Cultural Studies, Creative Writing, and Composition/Rhetoric. The program will prepare students for careers in a variety of fields, including secondary and college-level teaching, editing and publishing, creative writing, research and technical writing in either the private or the public sector. Master of Arts graduates will also be prepared to undertake further study at the doctoral level. Close contact with the department’s excellent graduate faculty allows students to deepen their knowledge of literary study, the teaching of writing and literature, and the use of technology for both scholarly and practical research. Graduate assistantships, internships, mentorships, and some classroom teaching are available and integrated into students’ individualized programs of study.

English majors hone the writing, reading, speaking, and critical thinking skills that are essential for life beyond the university. Graduates with English degrees have the flexibility to compete in a rapidly changing economy and to adapt to working with emerging technologies and new media.

In fact, employers frequently cite good communication, writing, and research skills as top criteria when looking to hire new employees.For example, a recent MetLife survey tell us that over 300 Fortune 1000 Executives rated skills such as critical thinking and the ability to write clearly and persuasively above higher-level knowledge in science and math!

As an English major, you’ll read some of the best works of literature ever written and explore both the classics and the cutting-edge. You’ll receive one-on-one advising from a faculty member who knows you and your interests. You’ll have the flexibility to choose courses from the range of fields that make up English Studies of the 21st century: from literatures and creative writing to business and technical communication, linguistics & teaching of English to speakers of other languages (TESOL), and film studies. In these courses, you'll become a strong writer and critical thinker with the skills to succeed in many different career fields.

The Master of Arts in Latin American Literatures and Cultures (LALC) program critically examines Latin American cultural forms of expression in their socio-historical contexts; develops skills to work with Latin American and US Latina/o populations in linguistically and culturally appropriate ways; and enhances career opportunities in education, government, international business, and the culture industries. Courses are regularly offered during the late afternoon and evening.

The WSU English Department offers three master’s degrees and one graduate certificate program.

Whether you plan on pursuing more education or a career in the field, our graduate programs will help you develop advanced critical thinking, reading, research, and writing skills.

Our graduate programs will also provide you with rigorous coursework in pedagogy and literary studies, composition and rhetoric, and language.

The Master of Arts in Theology program is a well-balanced program of rigorous study in key theological areas, with the possibility of specialization. Courses rely on small-group discussion and close reading of primary texts as key learning strategies. Classes are scheduled to permit participation by working adults. Many classes will include a distance-education option, which will allow students who cannot come to campus to enroll and participate in the same classes with on-campus students via video-conferencing technology. 

We offer several theology master’s degree track options, depending on your specific educational and career objectives. Our Mercy spirituality track is a great fit for students who are involved in Mercy-sponsored work and interested in spiritual formation. We also offer a research seminar track for students who intend to pursue doctoral studies in theology, and a general Master of Arts track. Learn more about theology master’s degree tracks and view course requirements.

The Master of Education with a concentration in Literacy Studies: TESOL and Reading is an integrated program that explores literacy in educational and institutional contexts. The issues of literacy in the K-12 classroom and the relationship of literacy to social mobility and globalization will be explored. This program leads to PA Teacher Certification in Reading Specialist K-12 certification and English as a Second Language  K-12 program specialist certification.

The Master of Arts in English and Writing Studies is designed for students interested in pursuing advanced studies in the related fields of applied linguistics and teaching English as a second language, literature, composition and rhetoric, as well as English pedagogy and public and professional writing.

With its firm grounding in theory, research, and pedagogy, the M. A. in English and Writing Studies prepares students to excel both as professional writers and teachers of writing, literature, and English as a second language. The mission of the graduate program is to engage students in an exploration of how written and spoken texts work rhetorically and stylistically, as well as how historical, cultural, and social conditions affect the ways in which speakers, writers, and readers construct meaning. In addition, the program provides students with a strong foundation for a Ph.D. degree. The M. A. enables students, whatever their career path, to become socially committed, rhetorically flexible scholars, teachers and writers, well-prepared to make significant contributions in their chosen fields and communities, both local and global.  

The Graduate Committee, under the leadership of the coordinator, has general supervision of the program and the work of students. Students are required to consult regularly with the Graduate Coordinator for advising. Petitions for waiver of requirements must be approved by the Graduate Coordinator and the Dean of Graduate Studies when appropriate.

We prepare literacy specialists for careers in teaching, coaching, training, coordinating instructional programs, diagnosing and treating literacy problems, and developing curriculum. Literacy specialists may work one-on-one, in small groups, or with whole classes. They also focus on all aspects of literacy: reading, writing, listening, speaking, and viewing.

Candidates preparing to become literacy specialists study the components of the reading and writing processes and how children and adults develop literacy. Candidates learn diagnostic techniques and strategies that address the many different types of literacy problems struggling readers and writers may have. They learn strategies for working with all students, including special needs students and English language learners.

Whatever the subject matter you teach, knowing how to improve critical thinking, develop students’ articulation of ideas, help them through difficult and new reading materials, and assisting them in writing their thoughts in a clear and interesting manner is essential to helping students succeed in your classrooms.

Morgan State University’s Master’s 30-credit program In English offers training in all traditional fields of literary study, as well as in composition, expository and technical writing, creative writing, screenwriting, visual and digital storytelling, film, and multicultural and gender studies. The program is designed for students who want to pursue graduate work beyond the bachelor’s degree to prepare for advanced careers in secondary school teaching, community college teaching, creative writing, screenwriting and digital story production, and various writing fields, including technical writing. The program also serves students who are seeking a foundation for later Ph.D. degree work. 

At MSU, students benefit from small graduate classes and significant opportunities for interaction with supportive faculty. Furthermore, Morgan’s program is unique among English Master’s programs in that it integrates into its coursework MSU’s mission to explore African diasporic experiences. Thus, a Master’s degree in English from Morgan State University offers students not only a range of applied skills, but also an expanded awareness of the complexities of the contemporary socio-political environments at both the local and global levels. 

The graduate program in Spanish integrates the established fields of Literature and Linguistics. At the M.A. level, the program develops advanced Spanish-language skills for diverse careers and trains students in the exercise of research and pedagogical skills necessary for the pursuit of the Ph.D.