SKIP TO PAGE CONTENT

English

Master of Arts
Earn a master's degree in our 100% synchronous online program.

Availability: Online | Program Length: 36 Hours

Male and female students writing and working on laptops

Convenience and Comfort Meet Caring and Connecting:

The synchronous online MA in English program captures the best facets of both face-to-face and online classes. From the convenience and comfort of your own home, you will be able to engage in scholarly conversations regarding a variety of topics in English studies. Our faculty are leading scholars in their fields who will connect with you personally and offer the individualized attention you need to succeed. We look forward to collaborating with you wherever you are!


Program Overview

The Master of Arts in English at Texas A&M University-Central Texas is designed to help students cultivate a unique professional identity. Our program is designed to help students interested in pursuing a doctoral degree, secondary teachers seeking dual-credit certification, and individuals interested in securing full- or part-time teaching or administrative opportunities at a higher education institution.

Through focused seminars and strong faculty mentorship, you can expect to develop expertise in English Studies both in and out of the classroom. Our faculty focuses on helping you contribute to ongoing scholarly conversations and will work with you to find relevant conference and publishing opportunities.

Dr. Stefan Schöberlein, Assistant Professor of English, discusses his upcoming class on Walt Whitman and Emily Dickinson, "the strange uncoupled couple that inaugurated modern American poetry." Schöberlein said his course, Walt Whitman & Emily Dickinson: A Seminar with Dr. Stefan Schöberlein, emphasizes original student work and has led to student-authored podcasts, walking tours, wikipedia articles and other works.


"When I entered the Master's in English program at TAMUCT, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. It was challenging, rigorous, and at times overwhelming—but I cannot overstate how much I learned during my time in the program or how valuable that experience has been...Looking back, I can’t express enough how well TAMUCT prepared me to teach English to all students. Earning my degree was one of the hardest and most rewarding things I’ve ever done, and I’m incredibly proud of the educator I’ve become because of it."
Rowan Deaton,
MA English Graduate and 6th Grade English Teacher
"The MA English program at TAMUCT initially drew me in because its online model and evening class schedule fit my current life stage. I have found the professors both accessible and supportive, fostering an encouraging environment for discussion and research. The program’s flexibility has allowed me to explore and develop projects aligned with my specific academic interests. With its highly individualized approach, the classes and program provide an excellent choice for those looking to engage deeply with their literary passions."
Laura O.,
Current MA in English Student

Course Offerings and Sample Plans of Study

Students enrolling in the MA in English can expect to see at least three courses offered each fall and spring, and at least two courses in the summer. Courses are offered in a synchronous online format.

The attachments below provide an overview of the kinds of courses that may be offered in regular semesters and a two-year sample plan for how thesis and comprehensive exam students can complete the degree in two years.


Program Coordinator

Dr. Amber Dunai Bio
Humanities
Associate Professor of English and Linguistics
Office/Room HH-204K
254.519.5789
adunai@tamuct.edu
Dr. Amber Dunai

Testimonials Continued:

Rowan Deaton, MA English Graduate and 6th Grade English Teacher

When I entered the Master's in English program at TAMUCT, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. It was challenging, rigorous, and at times overwhelming—but I cannot overstate how much I learned during my time in the program or how valuable that experience has been.

Throughout my studies, I wrote deeply meaningful papers and proposals that not only pushed my thinking but also opened doors for me. As a graduate student, I had the opportunity to present at the Conference on College Composition and Communication in Chicago.

Since graduating, I’ve continued to share my work, speaking at multiple conferences, including the National Council of Teachers of English Conference, the Colorado Association of Middle Level Educators Conference, and the WIDA Conference. Much of my research and presentations focus on my implementation of Universal Design for Learning in writing instruction, particularly as it relates to students with disabilities and neurodiverse learners.

My Master's in English allowed me to fully explore my passion for teaching English, particularly in composition. I deepened my understanding of composition theory, assessment, and leading meaningful discussions about literature and writing. Through this, I discovered what I love most: teaching students to see writing as a recursive process and take true ownership of their work.

Now, as a 6th-grade English teacher in Denver, Colorado, at a Title I school, I put those principles into practice every day. In my classroom, I lead writer’s workshops, have students compile portfolios of the work they’re most proud of, and incorporate self-assessment and grading contracts to empower them in their learning. These approaches have led to real results- last year, my students’ test scores showed the most growth of any English class at my school. I believe that success is directly tied to the emphasis I place on student ownership and engagement in the learning process.

Looking back, I can’t express enough how well TAMUCT prepared me to teach English to all students. Earning my degree was one of the hardest and most rewarding things I’ve ever done, and I’m incredibly proud of the educator I’ve become because of it.


af