English Literature Masters Degree Program Information
Numerous career options are available to graduates with a master's degree in English Literature. Some of the most popular career choices can be found in the fields of teaching, writing and journalism. Nearly half of the editors and writers in publishing started their careers as journalists, copywriters or Web content writers.
Master's Degree in English Literature
The master's degree program combines writing with critical analysis of English literature. Students working towards a master's degree will typically focus on one genre or movement in English literature. The focus of the degree is on developing strong writing and analysis skills as well as knowledge of literary theory and history. Most master's degree programs in English literature allow candidates to design and individualize their courses of study based on interests and research topics for the graduate thesis.
Educational Prerequisites
Admission requirements for graduate-level studies in English literature vary from school to school. All applicants, however, require bachelor's degrees, GRE scores and strong writing samples that demonstrate the academic potential of their chosen research topics. Not all programs in English or comparative literature require bachelor's degrees in the same field; some even consider backgrounds in other fields to be assets.
Program Coursework
Master's degree programs are structured around lectures, class discussions and writing. However, a few required courses are shared among English literature programs and include the following:
- Composition theory
- Rhetoric
- Literary theory
- Thesis project
- Topics in English literature
Career and Salary Info
Because many options are open to those with master's degrees in English literature, graduates may have a harder time than most settling into their careers. Some pursue further academic research at the Ph.D. level, while others prefer the steady income of a university professorship; a few make their livings as editors or writers. Business or administrative backgrounds can help graduates land jobs in the publishing industry. Other careers choices open to graduates exist in the fields of human resources, public relations and advertising. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual income for public relations specialists was $51,280 in 2008 (www.bls.gov).
Related to Masters Degree in Literature
- Related
- Recently Updated
- Popular
English Language and Literature Major: Information and Requirements
A bachelor's degree in English language and literature develops the student's ability to understand literature and...
English Literature Major: Career Information for Recent Graduates
The skills acquired by English literature majors are highly desired by employers. Cogent writing, critical thinking...
English Literature: Trade School Diploma Summary
Ever think about seeking a career in English literature? If so, you may want to consider attending a trade school to...
Top Schools for English Language and Literature
Those pursuing a degree in English language and literature read, research and compose essays on literary works. A...
Career Information for a Degree in English Language and Literature
- Online Masters in English Literature: Program Info
- List of Schools with the Best English Masters Programs
- Online PHD in English Literature: Degree Program Summary
- Agricultural Managers: Job Description and Information About a Career in Agricultural Management
- 40 Places for College Students to Find Free Unabridged Books Online
- Top University with School Administration Degrees - Jacksonville, FL
- Top Criminal Justice and Corrections Administration School - Los Angeles, CA
- Online English Literature Courses and Classes
- List of Free Online English Literature Courses and Schools
- Top School for Earning a Teaching Degree - Bakersfield, CA
- Top Bachelor's Degree Program in Computer Information Systems - Houston, TX
- Top Ranked School for Operations Management Degrees - Jacksonville, FL
2 Popular Schools
-
Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
-
Master
-
- MA in Communication
- Master of Arts in English
-
- MEd in Reading & Writing Specialist
- MA in Communication: New Media & Marketing
-
-
Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
- Master
Other Schools:
-
School locations:
- Arizona (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Northern Arizona University include:
-
- Graduate: Doctorate, Master
- Non-Degree: Certificate
- Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Communications and Journalism
- Communication Studies
- Comparative Language Studies and Services
- Digital, Radio, and Television Communication
- English Composition
- English Language and Literature
- Foreign Language and Literature
- Journalism
- Public Relations and Advertising
-
School locations:
- Iowa (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at University of Iowa include:
-
- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Communications and Journalism
- Communication Studies
- Comparative Language Studies and Services
- English Composition
- English Language and Literature
- Foreign Language and Literature
- Journalism
-
School locations:
- Virginia (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Old Dominion University include:
-
- Graduate: Doctorate, Master
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Communications and Journalism
- Communication Studies
- English Composition
- English Language and Literature
- Foreign Language and Literature
-
School locations:
- Michigan (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Eastern Michigan University include:
-
- Graduate: Master
- Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Communications and Journalism
- Communication Studies
- Communication Technology
- Comparative Language Studies and Services
- English Composition
- English Language and Literature
- American Literature
- Foreign Language and Literature
- Journalism
- Public Relations and Advertising
-
School locations:
- Virginia (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at George Mason University include:
-
- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Communications and Journalism
- Communication Studies
- English Composition
- English Language and Literature
- British Literature
- Foreign Language and Literature
-
School locations:
- North Carolina (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at North Carolina A & T State University include:
-
- Graduate: Doctorate, Master
- Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Communications and Journalism
- Communication Studies
- Digital, Radio, and Television Communication
- English Language and Literature
- Foreign Language and Literature
- Journalism
- Public Relations and Advertising
-
School locations:
- Florida (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Florida Gulf Coast University include:
-
- Graduate: Master
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Communications and Journalism
- Communication Studies
- English Language and Literature
-
School locations:
- New York (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at CUNY Hunter College include:
-
- Graduate: Master
- Post Degree Certificate: Post Master's Certificate
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Communications and Journalism
- Communication Studies
- Comparative Language Studies and Services
- English Composition
- English Language and Literature
- British Literature
- Foreign Language and Literature
