English Master's Degree (M.A.), with Initial Licensure

Students develop knowledge of English language studies and expand their abilities to think analytically and write effectively through advanced study and research in courses spanning literary, cultural, writing, pedagogical, and rhetorical studies. The M.A. program in English thus prepares students for advanced graduate studies in English (Ph.D.), for pre-professional studies (law, business, and administration), for teaching careers, and for work in related fields (e.g., communications, public relations, publishing, and human resources). 

The M.A. in English Licensure Programs prepares students for careers as teachers at the 5-12 level. Students may earn Initial Licensure through an NCTE (National Council of Teachers of English) accredited program or earn Professional Licensure. Candidates may elect the M.A. with Professional Licensure Option, a graduate program designed to allow teachers of English who hold initial licensure to become fully certified according to the educational reforms mandated for Massachusetts by the Board of Education. 

• Official transcripts indicating a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• Three professional or academic recommendations.
• Narrrative statement
• Minimum of 18 hours in English above Composition at the undergraduate level.*
• A 3.0 (B) average in all English courses is required, as is a 2.8 overall G.P.A.
• A writing sample, preferably a literary essay, is required.

*This requirement may be waived in the event students fulfill undergraduate prerequisites as determined by the Graduate Advisor.

1. Student will demonstrate advanced understanding of American, British, and diverse literatures.
2. Student will demonstrate mastery of the concepts of literary theory.
3. Student will demonstrate the ability to write sophisticated and persuasive literary and rhetorical analysis.
4. Student will demonstrate the ability to carry out independent research and contribute to an ongoing scholarly conversation in a field of English studies.
5. Student will demonstrate the ability to present a well-planned, effective, and engaging oral argument.

• B.A. in English or Bachelor's degree with a minimum of 18 credits in literature courses
  
  (Students may be required to fill undergraduate prerequisites as determined by the graduate advisor)
• 3.0 (B) average in all English courses is required, as is a 2.8 overall G.P.A.
• PSYC 0203 - Adolescent Development or PSYC 0101 - Introduction to Psychology or a demonstrated professional experience in a middle (or high) school setting
• EDUC 0521 - Middle School and Its Students or a demonstrated professional experience in a middle school setting

• ENGL 0538 - Young Adult Literature in the ELA Classroom
• ENGL 0539 - Critical Lenses for Literature Instruction
• ENGL 0550 - Methods of Teaching English 5-12
• ENGL 0583 - Issues in Rhetoric and Composition
• 0500- or 0600-level English Elective Credits: 3
• EDUC 0540 - Foundations of Special Education
• EDUC 0554 - Teaching Middle and High School Students
• EDUC 0580 - Theory of Critical Multicultural Education
• EDUC 0631 - Sheltered English Immersion

Note

MA in English (Initial licensure) may include courses that also fulfill the fifteen (15) credit Graduate Certificate in the Teaching of Writing.

In cross-listed courses, graduate students will learn alongside upper-level undergraduate students but will complete additional readings and more rigorous research-based projects.

• ENGL 0522 - Practicum Seminar: English Education
• EDUC 0568 - 5-12 Practicum

1. Required field placements must accommodate a range of characteristics including range of grade level and types of settings. Also, teacher candidates must complete either one 30-hour pre-practicum placement or student teaching with students from diverse backgrounds.
2. Practicum placements are generally within a 30-mile radius of the university unless otherwise specified and approved.
3. Students must pass the required MTEL subject matter tests, have a GPA of 3.0 or greater, and earn the recommendation of the student's advisor, program director and Department Chair or designee before beginning the student teaching practicum. In accordance with current Massachusetts policy, candidates completing a Massachusetts-approved educator preparation program may qualify for a waiver of the Communication and Literacy Skills Test requirement; students should consult with their advisor or the Office of Teacher Licensure for current guidance.

Practicum placement requires completion of the following courses: 

1. EDUC 0540 - Foundations of Special Education 
2. EDUC 0554 - Teaching Middle and High School Students 
3. EDUC 0580 - Theory of Critical Multicultural Education