If you’re passionate about the English language, writing, reading, and literature and want to share this passion with others, then you might consider earning a masters in English education.
In a masters in English education program, you’ll focus on comprehension techniques, learning strategies, curriculum development, educational technology, and more.
Editorial Listing ShortCode:
Being involved in English education can be a rewarding career field, and it can lead to a range of potential positions, many of which involve educating and inspiring younger generations.
Online Masters in English Education Programs
An online master’s in English education program is designed to prepare graduates for entering the field of education with a teaching license. It can also be beneficial for current teachers who want to advance their qualifications and increase their earning potential.
It’s common for graduates to become English teachers in middle school or high school, though professionals with a masters may also be qualified to teach some college courses.
Within a masters program in English education, you’ll be exposed to a number of advanced topics related to education, including:
- Foundational aspects and theories of education
- Current and potential challenges faced by educators
- Assessment strategies
- Methods of literacy
- Instructional planning
- Effective teaching strategies
- Teaching diverse learners and those with learning disabilities
- Classroom technology and its uses within engaging learning environments
- The impact of human development and psychology on the learning process
When studying human development and psychology, you’ll likely explore various linguistic, cognitive, and social influences on learners and educational processes.
Editorial Listing ShortCode:
The effective teaching strategies covered in English education programs are intended to help you increase learners’ skills in a variety of areas, including reading, text structures, genre, and vocabulary. Your program may also include virtual and physical classroom observation opportunities.
Graduate students in an English education program will typically be required to complete a thesis as well as several supervised demonstration teachings. Masters in English education programs are typically designed to lead to teacher licensing, which you can apply for in your state upon completion and certification.
Some graduates go on to work in education administration. English education professionals may also work as curriculum specialists, reading specialists, educational consultants, or corporate trainers.
Common Online Masters Programs in English Education
There are several types of English education master’s degrees to choose from. While most will help graduates become employed as teachers, here are some of the main differences.
- MEd in English Education. A Master of Education (MEd) degree is typically chosen by certified professionals looking to expand their teaching skills in a specific concentration. There is a focus on research methods, the development of instructional material, and the effectiveness of educational material.
- MAEd in English Education. A Master of Arts in Education (MAEd) degree is for professionals looking for various specializations and concentrations in education. Coursework will focus on philosophy of education, education ethics, educational psychology, and more. Students often pursue this degree track with the goal of career advancement inside or outside of a classroom.
- MSEd in English Education. A Master of Science in Education (MSEd) is a strategic option for individuals who are already certified to teach and possess an undergraduate degree. This degree typically prepares individuals for advanced positions in education, such as academic directors and education administrators.
- MAT in English Education. A Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree is beneficial for students who have an undergraduate degree but no background in teaching. This program typically includes licensure for those entering the field of education. This type of degree could also benefit current teachers who are moving to a new concentration.
Each of these programs offers a slight variation in focus. You might consider your current qualifications and professional goals to determine the path that’s best for you.
English Education Careers & Salaries
A master’s in English education is often designed to prepare graduates to enter the field of secondary education as licensed teachers, but there are a variety of careers that may be available to graduates.
In addition to teaching English language arts in middle school and high school, graduates may find opportunities as online tutors, instructional coordinators, curriculum specialists, and educational consultants. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median wage for education, training, and library occupations is $57,220.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Training and Development Managers | $120,130 |
| K-12 Education Administrators | $98,420 |
| Postsecondary Education Administrators | $96,910 |
| Postsecondary Teachers | $79,640 |
| Writers and Authors | $69,510 |
| Instructional Coordinators | $63,740 |
| High School Teachers | $61,820 |
| Middle School Teachers | $61,320 |
| Adult Basic and Secondary Education and ESL Teachers | $59,720 |
| Tutors | $36,470 |
Within the teaching realm, those with a masters degree may also find opportunities in educational administration, such as school principal positions. English education professionals may also be able to move into positions involving writing, including freelance writing, technical writing, and more.
Editorial Listing ShortCode:
Graduates may also find positions related to education outside of the traditional school system. For instance, they may find positions as educational coordinators for museums or zoos. Some even enter the business world as corporate trainers.
English Education Masters Curriculum & Courses
While specific coursework can differ depending on your school, many degree programs in English education focus on in-depth literacy and teaching methods. Here are some course examples:
- English Pedagogy: This course examines pedagogical practices in regard to composition, literature, reading, and more for middle and secondary schools.
- Educational Psychology and Human Development of Children and Adolescents: This course explores facets of educational psychology, along with cognitive development theories as applied to teaching.
- Foundations of Education: This course focuses on foundational knowledge of education, and it also covers the practical application of strategies and theories for effective education.
- Essential Practices for Supporting Diverse Learners: This course is designed to prepare you to identify and support the needs of diverse learners, including but not limited to gifted and dyslexic learners.
- Creating and Managing Engaging Learning Environments: This course outlines research-based strategies for creating effective learning environments, including active learning, self-direction, positive behavior reinforcement, and more.
- Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment: This course focuses on strategies for creating standards-based lessons as well as designing and delivering instruction.
- Assessing Student Learning: This course equips you with the best practices for using assessment to gauge student progress as well as utilizing classroom data to improve instruction.
- Secondary Disciplinary Literacy: This course focuses on teaching strategies to help middle and high school students improve their literacy skills across various academic disciplines.
- Educational Technology for Teaching: This course overviews the use of various technologies in a classroom setting to enhance learning experiences.
- Schools as Communities of Care: This course explores concepts in child and adolescent development and learning, with a focus on how to create culturally inclusive learning environments.
In addition to coursework, many master’s in English education programs require the completion of a thesis as well as supervised demonstration teaching sessions.
Admissions Requirements
While every university is different, below are some common admissions requirements for a master’s program in English education:
- Minimum undergraduate GPA
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field
- Personal statement
- Letters of recommendation
- GMAT or GRE scores (if required)
A growing number of schools no longer require GRE or GMAT scores for graduate applications. Some types of education programs also require applicants to have professional experience. You can verify your school’s specific admissions requirements before applying.
Accreditation
Before pursuing a masters degree in English education online, it’s strategic to make sure your institution is accredited. Accreditation is assurance that your chosen school meets high-quality standards.
Whether or not the school is accredited could affect your future employment opportunities, as some employers only recognize degrees from accredited schools. Plus, attending an accredited school can be an eligibility requirement for receiving financial aid.
Editorial Listing ShortCode:
Regional accreditation is highly valued by both employers and postsecondary institutions. There are only a handful of regional accrediting organizations, and you can visit the Council for Higher Education Accreditation’s website to see if your school is listed with one of them.
English Education Licensure and Certifications
Here is the common process for obtaining your license to become an English teacher:
- Complete a bachelors degree in English or education
- Complete a teacher preparation program, if it wasn’t included in your bachelors
- Complete the required testing for teacher certification in your state
- Apply for a teaching license in your state
For students who hold a bachelor’s degree without having completed a teacher preparation program, earning a master’s in English education is also designed to lead to certification and licensure. Many teachers who want to advance their careers or teach in postsecondary institutions pursue a masters.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Most students pursuing a master’s in English education seek financial assistance. Luckily, there are several financial aid options available to those who qualify. You might start by researching various scholarship and grant opportunities. Both scholarships and grants are available for all types of majors and specific situations.
Another option is to look into federal and state aid programs. These often provide aid in the form of student loans, and your eligibility can vary based on your financial situation and state. To apply for federal financial aid, you can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Some employers also offer aid programs for employees. If you’re currently working, you could talk to your supervisor or HR department to see if this is an option for you.
What Is a Master’s Degree in English Education?
A master’s degree in English education is designed to prepare graduates to become licensed English teachers. It can also help current teachers advance their qualifications and earning potential. This program often covers advanced teaching techniques for middle school, high school, and some college courses.
The curriculum will include courses designed to prepare you for your own classroom. Your masters program may cover topics like assessment strategies, social and emotional learning, educational theories, educational philosophy, and more.
What Can You Do with a Masters in English Education?
Much like with earning a secondary education degree online, earning a masters degree in English education online can help prepare you to become a licensed teacher. Most graduates teach English language arts to middle school or high school students.
Teachers with masters may also teach some college courses. Other related professions in education include curriculum specialist, reading specialist, adult educator, online English tutor, educational consultant, and English tutor.
Masters can also help prepare education professionals for senior or leadership positions, such as school principal and other education administration roles. Some English education graduates may also pursue work as freelance writers or corporate trainers.
What Degree Do You Need to Be an English Teacher?
Licensed English teachers at the middle school or high school level are typically required to hold a bachelor’s degree in English or education and complete a teacher training program. Specific requirements for teachers can vary by state. Public and private schools may also have different criteria.
While a bachelors is often the minimum educational requirement to teach secondary school, a masters is often the minimum requirement to teach at the postsecondary level. Secondary teachers who want to advance their qualifications and earning potential may pursue a masters as well. An EdD or PhD in Education is typical for full-time faculty of a college or university.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Master in English Education Online?
Earning a masters degree can often be completed in 1 to 2 years with full-time enrollment. How long it takes to complete a master in English education online degree program can depend on a number of factors.
Editorial Listing ShortCode:
For instance, a 36-credit hour program with no thesis requirement may be completed in 1 year with full-time, year-round study, including during the summer. A thesis requirement will likely add additional time to completion. Part-time studies could extend your completion time as well.
Is a Masters in English Education Worth It?
Yes, a masters in English education is worth it for many students. This degree path can help prepare graduates for rewarding careers teaching English, literature, reading comprehension, and more.
A master’s degree may also result in higher earning potential and more career opportunities. Related roles include curriculum specialist, educational consultant, education administrator, and secondary teacher. Education professionals with masters may also teach some postsecondary classes.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 7% job growth for education, training, and library occupations over the next ten years, which is as fast as the average for all occupations.
Universities Offering Online Masters in English Education Degree Programs
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.
American College of Education offers a Master of Education in English Education. This program is designed to equip students with the knowledge needed to teach English and literature at the college level. All classes meet entirely online. On average, this 34 credit program can be completed in 16 months.
ACE is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Arizona State University offers a Master of Arts in English Education. This program is intended for educators who want to gain the skills and credentials to teach English in grades 7-12. It requires the completion of 30 credit hours. The degree can typically be completed in just 1 year.
Arizona State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Bowling Green State University offers a Master of Arts in English. This program may be an ideal fit for individuals planning to pursue teaching roles in middle school or high school settings. This program is housed fully online. Specializations are offered in English Teaching, Professional Writing and Rhetoric, and Individualized Studies.
Bowling Green State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The Master of Science in Education program at Capella University offers a concentration in English Language Learning and Teaching. The curriculum aims to provide teachers with the tools needed to develop, deliver, and evaluate English curricula for grades K-12. It consists of 46 credit hours. Potential classes include Digital Citizenship, Applied Linguistics, and Culture and Society.
Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The Master of Education in Secondary Education program at Delta State University offers a concentration in English Education. Classes can be attended fully online. The curriculum consists of 33 credit hours. Courses cover key concepts like canonical literary works, learning methods and research, interdisciplinary writing, and curriculum development.
Delta State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Florida State University offers a Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction with a specialization in English Education. This program is intended for educator’s who already hold a professional certificate. Courses use a blend of online learning, on-campus attendance, and classroom-based field experience to provide students with varied learning opportunities.
Florida State University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Gardner-Webb University offers a Master of Arts in English. Students who already have a bachelor’s in English or a related field can pursue a concentration in Literature, English Education, or Writing Studies. The program requires the completion of 30 credits and culminates in a final thesis or project. On average, the degree requirements can be completed in 5 semesters.
Gardner-Webb University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The Master of Arts in Teaching program at Georgia State University offers an English to Speakers of Other Languages track. Educators who want to develop essential tools for teaching ESOL in grades K-12 may find an excellent next step in this program. The program admits new students three times each year. All classes meet online.
Georgia State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools: Commission on Colleges.
Grand Canyon University offers an online program for a Master of Arts in English Education. The curriculum is designed to provide students with the credentials and skills needed to teach English in higher education settings. It blends key curricular themes like pedagogy, practice of professional writing, theories of writing and rhetoric, and teaching writing and literature.
Grand Canyon University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Illinois State University offers a Master of Arts in Education and a Master of Science in Education that can be earned fully online. Both programs are intended for licensed instructors looking to gain the skills needed to teach secondary English. Potential courses include Teacher Action Research Methods, English Teacher Advocacy, and Theories of Socially Just ELA Instruction.
Illinois State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Liberty University offers a Master of Education in English Education. This program seeks to build on students’ existing educational, critical thinking, leadership, and literacy skills. Classes meet 100% online, and each one is 8 weeks long. The degree program’s 36 required credit hours can typically be completed in 1.5 years of full-time study.
Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Louisiana State University offers a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with an additional concentration in Teaching English as a Second Language. This curriculum consists of 30 credits and covers topics like linguistics, teaching methods, and curriculum in multicultural classrooms. The program combines convenient online courses with practical hands-on experience in the field.
Louisiana State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Murray State University offers a Master of Arts in English with a specialization in English Education. Many graduates teach in secondary educational institutions or continue on to doctoral work in this discipline. Classes meet entirely online. On average, the program’s 30 required credit hours can be completed in 2 years of full-time study.
Murray State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The Master of Arts in Urban Education program at Norfolk State University offers a concentration in English. This program may be an excellent option for educators wanting to pursue administrative, literacy, and English as a Second Language roles. The curriculum consists of 36 credits and is housed 100% online. The program can typically be completed in 12 months.
Norfolk State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Ohio University offers a Master of Arts in English. The curriculum covers essential concepts for English teachers and writers, like literary history, text analysis, composition, rhetoric, and creative writing. The program’s flexible online learning format is designed with working professionals in mind. Each course is 7 to 8 weeks long.
Ohio University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Pennsylvania Western University offers a Master of Education in Advanced Study in Education. This 30 credit curriculum is housed asynchronously online for ultimate convenience. The program offers concentrations in Curriculum and Instruction, Early Childhood, Educational Technology, Mathematics, STEM, Teacher Leadership, and more.
Pennsylvania Western University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Purdue University offers a Master of Science in English Education. Potential courses include Human Growth and Development, Philosophy of Curriculum, and Writing in Middle and Secondary Schools. This program has rolling admission, allowing incoming students to select one of three yearly start dates. A minimum of 30 credit hours must be completed to graduate.
Purdue University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Slippery Rock University offers a Master of Education in Secondary Education with a concentration in English. The program offers specialty tracks for licensed teachers as well as those who still need to obtain teaching certification. The curriculum consists of 36 credit hours. Classes can be attended on campus or online.
Slippery Rock University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Southern New Hampshire University offers a Master of Arts in English. Graduates often pursue careers in technical writing, public relations, English instruction, or marketing. The program utilizes an online format that provides students around-the-clock access to class materials. Students may complete the coursework at their own pace, potentially finishing in 15 months when attending full-time.
Southern New Hampshire University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
The Master of Science in Education program at the State University of New York—Brockport offers an English Education specialization. The curriculum offers additional concentrations based on grade level. Classes can be attended through a hybrid learning model or 100% online. Some concentrations within the program may require observation hours in a middle or high school classroom.
SUNY – Brockport is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
The University at Buffalo offers a Master of Education in English Education. Classes cover topics like multicultural literature, educational technology, human development and literacy, and curriculum design. The program utilizes a part-time format and can be attended online or via hybrid course delivery. The program’s 33 required credits can typically be completed in 2 years.
The University at Buffalo is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
The University of Central Missouri offers a Master of Arts in English. Educators hoping to broaden their English education skills and other individuals pursuing English-related roles may find an ideal next step in this program. The curriculum consists of 30 credit hours. Classes are housed fully online or partially online and in-person.
The University of Central Missouri is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The University of Florida offers a Master of Arts in Education with an English Language Arts focus. This program aims to equip educators with an understanding of learning theory and human development to best support literacy in the classroom. The program requires 30 credit hours of coursework and culminates in a 3 to 6 hour research or teaching project.
The University of Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The Master of Education program at the University of Georgia offers a concentration in English Education. Classes cover concepts like writing instruction, grammar, linguistics, language acquisition, and curriculum development. Courses meet online or in the evening on campus, offering flexibility for working professionals. The program admits incoming students three times a year.
The University of Georgia is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Michigan—Dearborn offers a Master of Arts in Education. The degree can be completed without an additional endorsement or with a Teaching English as a Second Language or a Reading Specialist endorsement. The curriculum consists of 30 credit hours. Students can potentially attend fully online, though delivery options vary by concentration.
The University of Michigan – Dearborn is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The University of Minnesota offers a Master of Education with a Professional Studies in English Education specialization. The program’s online, evening, and summer formats are designed with working professionals in mind. The curriculum covers concepts like curriculum, assessment, pedagogy, writing instruction, and technology. The degree can be tailored to fit a variety of interests through elective options.
The University of Minnesota is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The University of Missouri offers a Master of Education in Learning, Teaching, and Curriculum. Students hoping to teach English in secondary education settings may select an additional emphasis in English education. The program’s 30 required credit hours can be completed entirely online, typically in 2 years.
The University of Missouri – Columbia is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The University of Northern Colorado offers a 100% online program for an Education Master of Arts in Teaching with a concentration in English Education. Potential courses include Teaching as Inquiry, Classroom Literary Research, and Technology Innovation and Pedagogy. On average, the program can be completed in 2 years. It admits new students year-round.
The University of Northern Colorado is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Valdosta State University offers a Master of Arts in English Studies for Language Arts Teachers. This program is intended for licensed teachers who want to deepen their knowledge in the discipline. The curriculum covers concepts like literature, composition, rhetoric, linguistics, and creative writing. All classes meet fully online.
Valdosta State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The Master of Arts in Teaching program at Western Governors University offers an English Education specialization. The program can typically be completed in 24 months. The curriculum consists of 19 courses. Potential courses include Schools as Communities of Care, Secondary Reading Instruction and Interventions, and Educational Psychology and Human Development.
Western Governors University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Getting Your Masters in English Education Online
Earning your masters degree in English education online is a flexible, direct route to becoming a licensed English teacher.
If you’re passionate about teaching the English language, English literature, reading, and writing, this degree may be a good fit. A masters in English education can help you obtain your teaching license. This program can also help licensed teachers advance their expertise and expand their career opportunities.
If you’re ready to take this next step in your professional journey, you can start exploring accredited universities today to find the English education masters program that’s right for you.
