English
Master of Arts
Advanced studies in English
Advanced studies in English challenge you to think and write critically about how words can reflect and shape the world. Take courses in language, literature, composition, rhetoric and more to prepare for teaching college-level English or pursuing a doctorate. This program offers a thesis and non-thesis option.
Highlights of the master’s in English program include:
- Students work closely with nationally known faculty members who are active researchers in their fields. We are a world-class center for studies in literature and the environment.
- Students can work on Fugue, our literary magazine, as well as secure an internship in the Confluence Lab, an interdisciplinary research lab with scholars from the humanities, social sciences and sciences addressing environmental problems.
- Students sponsor U of I’s Graduate English Conference, an annual regional event organized and hosted by M.A. of English students.
- We have a strong record of placing students into leading doctoral programs, teaching positions at colleges and universities, as well as other jobs outside of higher education.
Overview
Related Topics
Language, literature and the world
Degree fit
This program could be a good fit for you if you:
- Enjoy literature and the English language.
- Want to qualify for a higher salary bracket as a primary or secondary school teacher.
- Want to teach at the college level.
- Want to pursue a doctorate.
- Are self-motivated.
- Can work independently.
Career outcomes
Current job openings
2,136 in ID, WA, OR, MT and HIPotential careers and starting salaries
- Postsecondary English Language and Literature Teachers
$48,689 - Secondary School Teachers
$51,531 - Writers and Authors • Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers
$16,358 - Editors
$40,553 - Reporters and Journalists
$29,146
* Career data provided by Lightcast.
Financial aid and scholarship opportunities
Financial aid
Paying for college can feel overwhelming, but U of I’s Financial Aid Office is here to help. Our experienced financial aid counselors can assist you in exploring financial aid options, making informed financial decisions and addressing common concerns.
For information on FAFSA deadlines, financial aid types and eligibility requirements, visit the University of Idaho Financial Aid Office website.
Plan ahead—estimate your cost of attendance with U of I’s Cost Calculator.
Graduate funding
The Graduate and Professional Student Association (GPSA) provides additional departmental funding through research and travel grants for eligible students throughout the academic year. English M.A. students are also encouraged to apply for CDIL Fellowships through the university’s Center for Digital Inquiry and Learning (CDIL).
Teaching and research assistantships
Many students in the English M.A. program receive full funding through Teaching and Research Assistantships, which include a full tuition waiver and an annual stipend of approximately $15,000. Prospective students are automatically considered for assistantships during the admissions process—no additional application materials are required.
Research Assistants work in various campus offices and initiatives, contributing as communications content creators, editors, and grant consultants.
Clubs and involvement opportunities
We offer a variety of hands-on opportunities to enhance your academic and professional experience. Get involved in organizing scholarly conferences, serving in student government, working with leading academic journals and engaging in community-based projects.
The Confluence Lab is an interdisciplinary initiative that brings together scholars from the arts, humanities and sciences with community members to address environmental challenges affecting rural areas.
Our in-house literary magazine, Fugue, is edited and managed entirely by University of Idaho graduate students. It publishes poetry, fiction, essays, hybrid works and visual art from both emerging and established writers and artists.
Students can also gain valuable experience at our on-campus Writing Center, where they can coach and support peers across all academic disciplines.
Beyond these internship opportunities, we encourage our English M.A. students to earn practicum credits, allowing them to gain hands-on experience teaching undergraduate literature, composition and linguistics courses.
Application information
Applicants for the master’s in English program must meet the following admission requirements:
- Education level: Bachelor's degree
- Undergraduate GPA: 3.0 (applicants with a lower GPA may be considered under specific circumstances)
- GRE: No
- TOEFL/IELTS (for international applicants): 83/6.5
- Number of references: Three
- Writing sample: 8-20 page essay
Visit Graduate Admissions to learn more and start your application.