The Master of Arts (M.A.) in English offers students and professionals an opportunity to deepen literary knowledge, sharpen critical skills, and strengthen expository writing by studying a diverse range of literature in English.
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Versatile Degree
Jobs Varying from Teachers to Chief Executives
Source: EMSI, 2020
CAREER OUTLOOK AND OPPORTUNITIES
GVSU students pursuing the M.A. in English degree will have a variety of professions to choose from upon graduation. According to 2020 EMSI data, teaching positions in West Michigan are expected to grow 5% by 2024. Non-teaching occupations such as librarians, multimedia specialists, archivists, writers and authors, broadcast news analysts, and marketers are expected to grow 4%. EMSI reported a median annual wage of $66,352 in 2019 but this varies per job title and region. M.A. in English graduates from GVSU often hold the following job titles:
- K-12 Teachers
- Professors
- Community College Professors
- Librarians
- Archivists
- Directors
- Managers
- Chief Executives
- Legal Assistants
- Litigation Attorneys
- Entrepreneurs
- Editors
- Publishers
- Technical Writers
Source: EMSI, 2020
The Skills Employers Want
The M.A. in English at GVSU will develop the skills you need to land the job you want. Whether the skills are advanced or general, you will build a resume of qualifications that are sure to attract employers. The following skills correlate with those pulled from actual job openings.
Advanced Skills
- Editing
- Writing (Expository, Persuasive, Analytical)
- Research
- Project Management
- Analysis
- Grant Writing
- Presentation
Common Skills
- Written Communication
- Oral Presentation
- Critical Thinking
- Collaboration
- Information Literacy
- Problem Solving
- Research
- Interpersonal Skills
- Coordinating
Source: EMSI, 2020
Other Reasons to Study English at GVSU
- Challenging. The program meets the needs of those who wish to pursue a Ph.D. in literature. Students are urged to contribute to the discipline by doing original research, applying for grants, and presenting at academic conferences.
- Engaging. Seminar format classes of no more than fifteen students assure a highly personal learning experience with opportunities for valuable feedback from exceptional faculty.
- Versatile. Designed with part-time students in mind, the program allows flexible scheduling, which makes it ideal for working professionals and teachers who want to strengthen their content expertise.
CURRICULUM
The M.A. in English at Grand Valley State University offers:
- Two degree tracks
- 33 hours of coursework followed by qualifying examinations or 27 hours of coursework followed by a 6-credit-hour thesis project
- Evening classes (6-9 p.m.)
Visit the online catalog for course offerings and degree requirements.
ADMISSIONS
The English M.A program has a rolling admissions process, so applications will be reviewed as received. However, to be guaranteed consideration for a specific semester, applications must be received by the following dates:
- No later than March 15th for Spring/Summer Semester
- No later than July 15th for Fall Semester
- No later than November 15th for Winter Semester
Visit the online catalog to see the admission requirements for this program.
ARE YOU A GVSU ALUM?
When you became a Laker, you opened up a lifetime of learning, and now alumni like you can use your Laker Lifetime Learning (L3) account for classes that provide greater knowledge and new skills. Your account is waiting for you to use for future classes at GVSU. All you have to do is click on the button below to find out more.
Find Out More About Your Laker Lifetime Learning Account (L3)
COST
For more information on tuition and fees, please visit the costs portion of the GVSU Financial Aid website. For financial support, scholarship search, and filing for FAFSA, please visit the GVSU Financial Support website.
Note: Grand Valley does not charge a higher tuition rate based on residency. Tuition is based on the program in which you chose to enroll.
INTERESTED IN BEING A GRADUATE ASSISTANT?
The English department currently has two G.A. openings available and are looking for hard-working, motivated English students to fill them. This is a half-time position (ten hours per week), with beginning and ending dates corresponding with the academic year, August 29 through April 29.
This assistantship is open only to students who have been admitted to the English M.A. Program and who enroll in a minimum of five credit hours each semester. It includes a tuition waiver for 4.5 graduate credit hours and a stipend of $2,000 for each semester.
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