Expand your voice, sharpen your mind, and launch a global career with a fully online master’s in English built for the modern world.
How to Apply for the Master of Arts in English at NSU
Deepen your understanding of language, literature, and the world around you with NSU’s 100% online M.A. in English. Build critical thinking, writing, reading, and research skills through flexible coursework designed to fit your schedule. The program prepares graduates for careers in education, publishing, professional writing, communications, and more.
Successful applicants generally have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher and must submit official transcripts, a letter of intent, a 10–15-page writing sample, and two letters of recommendation.
MA in English students who can be physically present on NSU’s Natchitoches campus are eligible for a graduate assistantship.
These assistantships provide professional development opportunities for qualified students. Graduate assistants work with a department faculty mentor and contribute to the department’s educational mission in a variety of ways. While completing a MA in English, graduate assistants also teach, with faculty supervision, a semester-long composition class and therefore leave the program with teaching experience higher-education.
What kind of writing sample do you recommend?
The writing sample should demonstrate facility in analysis, argument, research, citation, and coherence. We recommend a researched scholarly essay completed as part of past course, which need not have been an English class. Creative writers are welcome to submit both academic writing and creative work, multiple documents that fit within the 10- to 15-page requirement.
What constitutes a strong letter of intent?
We encourage a statement describing career goals or rationales for pursuing a graduate degree in English. Compelling letters also demonstrate a substantial commitment to graduate study, including specific research interests.
Who is a good candidate to write my letters of recommendation?
Anyone who has supervised you in an academic or similar setting. These recommenders provide the most useful insight into your writing abilities, academic and professional habits, and commitment to graduate study.
Why Choose the Master of Arts in English at NSU
Deepen your understanding of English studies while building skills for careers in education, publishing, writing, communications, and more. Northwestern State University’s 100% online M.A. in English strengthens critical thinking, reading, writing, and research skills through flexible coursework designed to fit your schedule.
The M.A. in English requires 30 credit hours across 10 courses and offers six concentrations:
- Literature
- Composition & Rhetoric
- Folklife & Southern Culture
- Creative Writing
- Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
- Generalist
All graduate English courses are fully online and asynchronous, offering flexible study for working professionals. Most students take one to two courses per semester, with the option to complete the degree more quickly.
Students can also earn a 15-credit-hour Graduate Certificate in TESOL, with coursework that can count toward the M.A. in English.
Concentrations
Deepen your understanding of English studies while building skills for careers in education, publishing, writing, communications, and more. Northwestern State University’s 100% online M.A. in English strengthens critical thinking, reading, writing, and research skills through flexible coursework designed to fit your schedule.
Explore literature across time periods, genres, and cultures while developing advanced skills in critical reading, research, and analysis. This concentration is ideal for students interested in teaching, writing, research, publishing, or pursuing a Ph.D.
Example course: Studies in American Literature
Examine major works, authors, themes, and movements in American literature while developing deeper critical and research skills.
Develop advanced skills in writing, argumentation, and rhetorical analysis while exploring how language shapes communication across academic, professional, and public settings. This concentration is ideal for students interested in teaching, professional writing, communications, or pursuing further graduate study.
Example course: Advanced Composition and Rhetoric
Explore theories and practices of writing and rhetoric while developing strategies for effective communication across a variety of audiences and contexts.
Explore the traditions, stories, customs, and cultural expressions that shape the American South. This concentration combines literary and cultural studies with research methods, making it ideal for students interested in folklore, cultural heritage, writing, education, or research.
Example course: Folklife and Southern Culture
Examine the traditions, beliefs, narratives, and everyday practices that define Southern communities while developing skills in cultural research and analysis.
Develop your voice as a writer through advanced study and practice in fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, and other forms of literary expression. This concentration is ideal for students interested in writing, publishing, editing, teaching, or pursuing further graduate study.
Example course: Creative Writing Workshop
Refine your writing through focused practice, peer feedback, and discussion while exploring the techniques and craft of contemporary creative writing.
Prepare to teach English to multilingual learners in diverse educational and community settings. This concentration develops skills in language instruction, linguistics, curriculum development, and cross-cultural communication, making it ideal for students pursuing careers in ESL/TESOL education, language programs, or international education.
Example course: Methods of Teaching English as a Second Language
Explore effective approaches to teaching English language learners while developing practical strategies for lesson planning, instruction, and assessment.
Build a broad foundation in English studies while tailoring your coursework to your individual academic and professional interests. This flexible concentration allows you to explore literature, writing, rhetoric, cultural studies, and language, making it a strong option for students pursuing careers in education, communications, writing, publishing, or further graduate study.
Example course: Topics in English Studies
Explore a specialized topic in English through advanced reading, research, discussion, and writing while developing a broader perspective across the field.
I was drawn to NSULA’s program because it offered a wide range of composition courses, and I wanted a holistic experience. I absolutely received that, but what truly sold the experience for me were my instructors. Each of my instructors was engaging, supportive, and an expert in their discipline who created some of the most rewarding online courses I have ever taken.
The MA English program at NSULA transformed my pedagogical thinking, focus, and teaching approaches in my high school classroom. I gained immensely valuable knowledge and perspectives, and I sharpened my writing and literature analysis skills. While my own state of Virginia boasted many MA English programs, I know I made the right choice.
Program Highlights
NSU’s fully online M.A. in English combines flexible graduate study with focused coursework, personalized faculty support, and six concentrations to help you build expertise aligned with your goals. Explore the opportunities and resources available to English graduate students at NSU.
Applied Learning
Engage in real-world writing, research, and teaching projects that reflect today’s communication landscape.
Expert Faculty
Learn from award-winning professors and published authors who are passionate about mentoring and your success.
Career Preparation
Gain marketable, real-world skills in writing, analysis, teaching, and cultural literacy—on your own schedule.
