MA in English (Online)
Master of Arts in English Individualized Track (no specialization)
Offered entirely online. This MA in English is a general degree rather than a specialized one. It is intended for students who are interested in an MA in English but not necessarily interested in one of our existing online MA program specializations in English Teaching or in Professional Writing and Rhetoric.
Students enrolled in this program will take the two (2) required courses listed below and will work with the Graduate Coordinator to select three (3) additional courses that will shape the core of the MA in English degree; those will become the five (5) required courses for the degree. In addition, the student will choose five (5) elective courses and complete a capstone MA portfolio.
To further enhance their degree, students can simultaneously complete a graduate certificate in Technical Writing or College Writing: Theory and Practice.
Required Courses (15 credit hours / 5 courses):
- English 6070: Theory and Methods of Literary Criticism
- Linguistics 6150: Introduction to Linguistics
- [Course chosen in consultation with the Graduate Coordinator]
- [Course chosen in consultation with the Graduate Coordinator]
- [Course chosen in consultation with the Graduate Coordinator]
Electives (15 hours / 5 courses):
Choices of electives must be undertaken in consultation with the Graduate Coordinator. Up to 12 hours of these elective courses, if available online, may be taken from outside the English Department and may count toward the degree; students should meet or correspond with the English Graduate Coordinator to determine options.
Capstone Experience (1 credit hour):
- English 6910: Master’s Portfolio
Total for degree: 31 credit hours
Please see the sections below for admission and application requirements for the online MA in English.
Statement of Purpose
- 2 pages, double spaced. At the top of the first page, include your name and MA in English with a specialization in English Teaching
- Describe your academic and career background, your preparation for graduate study in your particular field, your areas of academic interest(s), and your motivation for pursuing the MA program
- Tell us how the degree will help you achieve your goals
Critical Writing Sample
- Roughly 15 pages (double spaced). If you do not have a single writing sample of that length, you can include 2 or more shorter pieces that total 12-20 pages. Choose writing that demonstrates your current abilities as a writer
- You can draw from undergraduate writing, other graduate courses, technical writing, or professional writing from your field, academic plans, reports, a teaching philosophy, a discussion of teaching methods, proposals for courses, etc.
Three Letters of Recommendation
- Submit contact information for 3 academic or professional references who can attest to your academic ability, your critical thinking skills, your academic and/or professional writing abilities, your responsibility, etc.
- Please confirm in advance that your recommenders are willing and able to write letters of recommendation before the application due date. Let each recommender know to expect an email from BGSU at the email address you provide
- Effective letters of recommendation tend to be 1-2 single spaced pages and should speak to your preparation for graduate study
GPA and Transcripts
- Follow the steps in the online application. An unofficial transcript is all you need for the application process.
- Upon admission, an official transcript will be required from each college or university where you earned a degree
- Candidates are expected to have an overall GPA of at least 2.7 and a 3.0 in your major; the entirety of the application is taken into consideration if a GPA does not meet this threshold
Standardized Test Scores
Applicants with an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 on a U.S. 4.0 scale (or its equivalent) and applicants with a previous graduate degree from an accredited university are not required to submit standardized test scores. For applicants who do not meet the GPA requirement or who do not have a previous graduate degree, the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) General Test is the preferred test for our programs, but the MA in English (online programs) can accept one of the exams listed below instead of the GRE.
Test type |
Test Code / Name |
Expected scores |
Graduate Record Exam (GRE) |
General Test (or revised General Test) |
Verbal score of roughly 159 (around 80th percentile or better), Writing score of roughly 4.5. |
Ohio Assessments for Educators (OAE) |
020 English Language Arts exam |
Passing score for Ohio. |
Praxis Subject Assessments |
5039 English Language Arts: Content and Analysis |
Average state passing score. |
Praxis Subject Assessments |
5047 Middle School English Language Arts |
Average state passing score. |
Praxis Core |
5712 Core Academic Skills for Educators: Reading* 5722 Core Academic Skills for Educators: Writing* |
Average state passing score. |
Praxis II** |
0041 or 5041 English Language, Literature, and Composition |
Average state passing score. |
Praxis II** |
0049 or 5049 Middle School English Language Arts |
Average state passing score. |
Praxis II** |
0044 or 5044 English Language, Literature, and Composition: Content and Analysis |
Average state passing score. |
* If submitting Praxis Core, both the Reading and Writing test scores are required.
** Praxis II are older exams and can no longer be taken. If the score is still current and reportable by the testing service (usually if within 10 years of when it was taken), we can accept these exam scores.
We can accept a passing or strong passing score on other state-approved teacher licensure exams in the English or Language Arts field, with approval of the English Department Graduate Coordinator. If you would like to inquire about another test, please contact Amorak Huey.
TOEFL or IELTS scores
The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) scores are required only for students whose first language is not English. If your first language is English you do not need to submit these scores. If your first language is not English but you attended an undergraduate institution in which all instruction (save foreign language instruction) was conducted in English, you might not need to submit these scores. Check with BGSU's Graduate Admissions if you have any questions.
General Questions
The online MA in English programs work best for students interested in a Master of Arts in English but who, because of schedule or location, do not find an in-person degree program to be the best fit.
The program is designed so that the entire degree can be earned online and at a distance. This type of degree is best for self-motivated, self-starting students. Courses are taught asynchronously; they do not usually meet at a specific time each week, so you can work around your job or personal schedule. Most graduate classes are capped at 15 students, giving you significant time and attention from the professor.
Classes consist of reading, online discussions, research, and presentation of ideas in writing and on the web in videos, images, etc. Courses vary in subject matter and interaction styles. BGSU uses Canvas as our course delivery system for most classes.
Online degrees follow the BGSU academic calendar: 15-week semesters in fall and spring, and two 6-week terms in the summer. Summer courses are shorter, but require a higher time commitment. See the BGSU Academic Calendar for details.
Yes, you can take courses before or without being enrolled in a graduate program if you enroll as a Graduate Non-Degree-seeking student. You can find more information about applying for Graduate Non-Degree status at the Registrar's Graduate Application Process page.
Enrolling as a Non-Degree-seeking student does not guarantee acceptance to graduate degree programs. However, performance in graduate courses at BGSU and elsewhere is taken into account during application review.
Keep in mind that a maximum of 9 credits earned while in Non-Degree Status can be applied to the online MA program. Non-resident and general fees for Non-Degree Status students are assessed according to the Main Campus fee schedule (as opposed to the distance learning fee schedule, which applies to students enrolled in an online MA in English program).
You will need to complete the following steps:
- Complete the Graduate Non-Degree application. Once your application has been approved, you will receive email confirmation, a BGSU student ID number, and information on setting up your BGSU email address.
- Visit the course descriptions for the online MA in English programs, which provide information on the classes and instructions for enrollment. English Department graduate courses are marked as "closed" until the second day of enrollment to guarantee that degree-seeking students can register for required courses.
- Contact Jeanne Berry regarding the courses you wish to enroll in, including the course number, section, and class number.
Applying
Go to the online application to submit all required application materials, including statement of purpose, writing sample(s), transcripts, and test scores. The online application is where you will also request letters of recommendation and pay the application fee. There is an application fee of $45 for U.S. residents and $75 for international applicants.
On the "Academic Interest" page of the online application, choose "Degree Type: Master's," then the correct Program of Study:
- English: English Teaching Specialization - MA (Online Program)
Yes! A number of our students have undergraduate degrees in fields other than English. When we evaluate applications, we look for writing and analytical ability, and preparation for graduate work in English. Such preparation can come from undergraduate education in many disciplines, work experience, and elsewhere.
The GRE general test or another standardized exam is required as part of our application process, even if you have a previous graduate degree. See the Admissions tab above for standardized test information.
You can submit application materials at any time. We strive to make application decisions within 1-2 months of the priority deadline for the program. You will be notified of the decision via an email from the Graduate Coordinator of the English Department and an email from BGSU's Graduate College.
No. A committee evaluates applications based on their statement of purpose, writing sample, academic record, test scores, and letters of recommendation. The committee's goal is to admit students who are likely to be successful within coursework for the degree, and whose career and academic goals will be aided by the degree.
The online MA programs do not offer graduate assistantships; students are responsible for all tuition and fees. However, financial aid and awards information can be found at the following sites:
- BGSU Office of Student Financial Aid
- BGSU Graduate College Fellowships, Scholarships, and Awards
- BGSU Graduate College Financial Aid information
- Directory of Graduate Scholarships (Links outside BGSU; Online PhD Programs website)
International Students should look here:
Coursework and Advising
The online MA in English programs work best for students interested in a Master of Arts in English but who, because of schedule or location, do not find an in-person degree program to be the best fit.
The program is designed so that the entire degree can be earned online and at a distance. This type of degree is best for self-motivated, self-starting students. Courses are taught asynchronously; they do not usually meet at a specific time each week, so you can work around your job or personal schedule. Most graduate classes are capped at 15 students, giving you significant time and attention from the professor.
Classes consist of reading, online discussions, research, and presentation of ideas in writing and on the web in videos, images, etc. Courses vary in subject matter and interaction styles. BGSU uses Canvas as our course delivery system for most classes.
Online degrees follow the BGSU academic calendar: 15-week semesters in fall and spring, and two 6-week terms in the summer. Summer courses are shorter, but require a higher time commitment. See the BGSU Academic Calendar for details.
Yes, you can take courses before or without being enrolled in a graduate program if you enroll as a Graduate Non-Degree-seeking student. You can find more information about applying for Graduate Non-Degree status at the Registrar's Graduate Application Process page.
Enrolling as a Non-Degree-seeking student does not guarantee acceptance to graduate degree programs. However, performance in graduate courses at BGSU and elsewhere is taken into account during application review.
Keep in mind that a maximum of 9 credits earned while in Non-Degree Status can be applied to the online MA program. Non-resident and general fees for Non-Degree Status students are assessed according to the Main Campus fee schedule (as opposed to the distance learning fee schedule, which applies to students enrolled in an online MA in English program).
You will need to complete the following steps:
- Complete the Graduate Non-Degree application. Once your application has been approved, you will receive email confirmation, a BGSU student ID number, and information on setting up your BGSU email address.
- Visit the course descriptions for the online MA in English programs, which provide information on the classes and instructions for enrollment. English Department graduate courses are marked as "closed" until the second day of enrollment to guarantee that degree-seeking students can register for required courses.
- Contact Jeanne Berry regarding the courses you wish to enroll in, including the course number, section, and class number.
Accessibility
Canvas Training
Career Center
Equity, Diversity, Inclusion
Graduate Students
Funding is available for graduate students through the university, through the Graduate Student Senate, and through the English Department.
Jerome Library
Learning Commons & Writing Center
Discover the Learning Commons. Learn about Writing Center services.
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Learning Outcomes
- Develop writing projects that integrate knowledge about audience, rhetorical structures, organization, and the process of writing and revision
- Generate original research that evaluates and expands scholarship in contemporary English studies
- Examine in depth and develop expertise in one or more aspects of contemporary English studies
- Assess students’ learning and scholarship in English studies and further develop their own work
Please contact gradenglish@bgsu.edu for more information.
Updated: 09/16/2024 04:33PM