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Get your Master of Arts in English Near Chicago
Great writing sits at the heart of the humanities—as history,
philosophy, and art unfold, writing is the epicenter. Governors State’s Master of Arts in English provides intensive
study in literature, language, and theory and the real-world experience needed
to hone your craft and scholarship. With sequences in Literature and Writing,
the English M.A. curriculum explores great literature from a 21st
century perspective that incorporates diverse cultural and women’s voices and
helps you master the written word.
Whether you are an avid reader, a driven writer, a current or
aspiring English teacher, or continuing your journey to a Ph.D., intensive training
in literature, language, and theory at GSU will prepare you. As you concentrate
your studies in Writing or Literature, you will be equipped with advanced
skills that fit your academic interests and professional goals.
Reach
your career goals.
With an English M.A., you’ll gain valuable transferrable skills
in research, project management, content creation, editing, and persuasion. The
advanced study of English leads to career success in teaching, publishing,
editing, social media, advertising, law, and many other professions. Many of
our graduates pursue doctoral level studies in English or education.
Why get a
Master of Arts in English?
Fulfill your mission as a writer, educator, or scholar with an
English M.A. You will work one-on-one with your faculty advisor in an area that
interests you most—whether in literary criticism and theory, pedagogy, rhetoric
and composition, or literary studies—to tailor your academic experience. As
your studies conclude, choose one of two culminating assignments: a final
thesis project that synthesizes your literary research interests or a
comprehensive exam that assesses your complete studies in literature or
writing.
Data
collected in 2017 reflected the median annual salary for college-level English
instructors at $44,873 with an average range of $36,880 – $62,284 (salary.com). Chicago’s median
salary for English instructors is $47,565.
Delivery
Format
Achieve your master’s degree in as little as 18 months.
Governors State’s 33-credit hour English M.A. is offered fully on-campus or in
a hybrid format. Enroll full-time to jumpstart your career or part-time for
added flexibility.

Dan Coglianese, Graduate Assistant of Supplemental Instruction
As a graduate student in the English program, I have been presented with many opportunities to advance my research interests. As a Supplemental Instructor, I have been embedded in many first-year writing classes. This year, I presented my research on this experience on a panel with GSU faculty members at a regional MLA conference where I was excited to contribute to the discipline in a real and meaningful way.

Dr. Rashidah Muhammad, Full Professor of English
Students in the English M.A. program become truly global citizens as they study and research literature of cultures and languages from all over the world. Through our range of courses, students may examine topics ranging from Native American literature to Major Black Authors in a hybrid setting, or English and European literatures in an online setting. Many of our students have gone on to complete doctoral studies both here at GSU or at other institutions across the country.