How long does it take to complete your master’s in English: education emphasis?

The time required to complete a master’s degree varies based on your course load, scheduling preferences and individual factors related to your chosen program. Since each academic path is distinct, there is no universal answer. Fill out the form on this page to learn how long it might take to earn your degree.

Master’s in English: Education Emphasis – Online

Overview

Prepare To Become an English Teacher

The Master of Arts in English with an Emphasis in Education at Grand Canyon University can prepare you to pursue a teaching career at some two- and four-year institutions of higher learning. If you enjoy rhetoric, literature and pedagogy, this graduate-level study in English will teach you the skills to become an educational leader in a world of undergraduate English education. College-level teaching typically requires a PhD or doctoral degree, though some community college instructors may qualify with a master’s degree and relevant work experience.^{(See disclaimer 1)}

$78,130

Median annual wage for postsecondary English language and literature teachers as of May 2023^{(See disclaimer 2)}

Master of Arts in English with an Emphasis in Education

Offered By

College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Class Settings

Online

Tuition Rate

Online: $600 per credit [More Info]

Cost of Attendance

Course Information

Credits: 34

Online: 8 weeks

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Transfer Credits

Up to 12 credits or 1/3 of the total program requirements in transfer (whichever is less)

Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer

Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements (Master's)

Undergraduate Degree*
2.8+ GPA

OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and

GMAT: 500
GRE: 300 combined**

Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission. Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
* Degree must be from an accredited college or program that has been approved by GCU.
** Combined verbal/quantitative, after August 2011 (1,000 combined verbal and quantitative, prior to August 2011).

Why GCU

Transform Into an Educational Leader at GCU

Prepare to share your passion for language and literature with postsecondary students and inspire them to achieve their full potential. This online MA degree in English with an education emphasis combines both literature and pedagogy, incorporating various teaching approaches and techniques that can help promote student engagement, critical thinking and a deeper understanding of literary texts and writing.

English Training and Techniques

Offered by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, this master’s in English with an education emphasis offers advanced training in the discipline of English.

This training uses various techniques and strategies, such as:

Logical reasoning

Emotional appeals

Ethical arguments

Critical thinking

Educational research methods

Best practices in teaching

Techniques for writing and composition

Coursework

Online Master’s in English: Education Emphasis Coursework

This program covers essential topics that provide a strong foundation for professional growth in teaching English. Courses and topics in these areas work together to teach core competencies that can support your future work. These topics may also teach proficiencies and knowledge that may be applied to other areas of your life.

This master’s degree is built around four important domains:

Pedagogy

Teaching Writing and Literature

Practice of Professional Writing

Theories of Writing a Rhetoric

Develop Transferable Skills

By pursuing this online MA degree in English, you can acquire professional skills relevant across multiple fields. These skills are transferable, offering flexibility to apply your knowledge in various professional settings.

Skills you will be taught in this program include the following:

Apply research-based adult learning theories and instructional practices to enhance student engagement and achievement
Craft effective grant proposals by understanding funders’ needs and mastering electronic communication techniques
Employ advanced methods for analyzing and teaching literature, using master texts to enhance reading and writing skills
Integrate a Christian worldview into your teaching, emphasizing ethical leadership and faith-based principles
Analyze theories and their impact on digital writing artifacts like memes and viral videos

Careers

Career Pathways for Master’s in English: Education Emphasis Graduates

You have a range of career pathways available to you, including opportunities to influence educational practices and contribute to the field in impactful ways. You will be taught the skills needed to teach English at secondary and postsecondary levels, where you can impart your knowledge in literature, composition and language arts.

Some graduates may become postsecondary English and literature teachers at local colleges and universities. Others may find work in the research and publishing industries, as well as other higher education institutions.^{(See disclaimer 3)} Be sure to check your state and college teaching requirements, as teaching at the college level usually requires a doctoral degree, but some community colleges may accept instructors with a master’s degree and relevant experience.^{(See disclaimer 1)}

8%

Estimated job growth rate for postsecondary teachers from 2023 to 2033^{(See disclaimer 4)}

FAQ

English Degree FAQs

To help you make an informed decision about your academic and professional goals, we’ve gathered a few frequently asked questions. These insights can help provide clarity on the program’s structure, benefits and how it aligns with your career aspirations.

What is a master’s in English degree?

A master’s degree that focuses on English language and literature is a graduate-level program that takes an in-depth look at topics such as writing theory, rhetoric, composition and the social contexts of written language. At GCU, you can earn this degree coupled with an emphasis on education. This emphasis structure is designed for students who aspire to become postsecondary English teachers.^{(See disclaimer 1)}

Is a master’s degree in English with an education emphasis worth it?

If you have a strong personal interest in English with a passion for teaching, this degree may be worth your consideration. You’ll explore competencies in writing and composition, along with instructional methods and pedagogy to build your teaching skills and classroom management strategies. Those who desire to turn their passion for literature into a career may indeed find this degree program to be beneficial.

Is GCU’s online master’s in English with an education emphasis a hard degree?

This graduate program is rigorous and may be demanding, particularly for students without a strong background in English or teaching. The program requires the development of lesson plans, engaging in in-depth research and mastering advanced topics such as literature, composition, linguistics and pedagogy. While it is designed to be challenging, the support of knowledgeable faculty and the structured curriculum is aimed at helping you build the necessary skills and knowledge for a career in education. The difficulty level often depends on your prior experience and commitment to the coursework.

Courses

Program Curriculum

Credit Summary

Major34 credits

Degree Requirements34 credits

Core Courses

UNV-503

2 Total Credits

ENG-503

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This course provides historical, theoretical, and practical knowledge in rhetoric and writing. By studying classical and modern theories of rhetoric, contemporary theories of writing, and relationships between the two, students develop an understanding of key ways to think about writing today. To that end, this course emphasizes praxis: the relationship between practical and theoretical ways of knowing in the discipline. This course also offers an opportunity to practice rhetorical analysis, which is an important skill that will help students become effective, dynamic writers in their professions of choice.

ENG-506

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This course covers theoretical and practical scholarship about the social and technological dimensions of writing practices. At its core, this course explores writing as a situated social and technological act. To that end, students explore important theories of writing and technology that have impacted the discipline. This course demonstrates the relationship between theory and practice by considering how disparate peoples may think about the strategies and agendas embodied in various technologies and the artifacts that they produce. Electronic media are considered, as well as the artifacts individuals and organizations produce with them, such as Internet memes and viral videos. Students apply theories discussed in this course to analyze the sociotechnological contexts that give rise to artifacts from their professions.

EDU-534

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This course covers adult learning theory and instructional practices that are research-based and proven effective in higher education. Technology, online learning, and effective instructional methods for online and traditional instruction are emphasized. Participants research learning models, personalized learning and andragogy and apply their knowledge to improve student engagement and achievement in higher education.

ENG-507

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This course examines the process, purpose, and practicalities of grant writing with emphasis on the electronic nature of current communication between funding foundations and grant seekers. Students will learn about funders and their concerns, the parts of grant proposals, and techniques for successful grant research and writing. The course will culminate in the student's completion of a grant proposal.

ENG-505

4 Total Credits

EDU-548

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This course applies learning theories to classroom instructional methods and strategies. Effective communication, creating learning goals, developing student outcomes and assessments, and giving effective feedback are emphasized. Participants are asked to develop activities, assessments, and lesson plans that would be appropriate for a course taught at a community college or university. Prerequisite: EDU-534.

ENG-510

4 Total Credits

ENG-580

4 Total Credits

GCU cannot and will not promise job placement, a job, graduate school placement, transfer of GCU program credits to another institution, promotion, salary, or salary increase. Please see the Career Services Policy in the University Policy Handbook.
Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change

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Financial

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Information

Admission

Build a Solid Educational Foundation

Prepare to empower students at the postsecondary level. Build an academic framework in teaching English with a master's degree from GCU.

Apply Now

If you are seeking licensure/certification, please refer to the "Accreditation and Compliance/State Disclosures” link for the specific program of interest’s website for your location and/or employment state’s licensure requirements, per 34 CFR 668.14(b)32 and 668.43(c).

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024, April 17). How To Become a Postsecondary Teacher. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved Aug. 7, 2024.
The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Postsecondary English Language and Literature Teachers, as of May 2023, retrieved on Aug. 7, 2024. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as postsecondary English language and literature teachers, nor does it reflect the earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024, April 17). What Postsecondary Teachers Do. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved Aug. 7, 2024.
COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective September 2024, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Postsecondary Teachers, retrieved on Sept. 5, 2024.

Online Master’s in English: Education Emphasis

Prepare To Become an English Teacher

Transform Into an Educational Leader at GCU