More Information About Masters in English

• A master's in English can open up numerous career opportunities, as well as initiate pay raises and opportunities for promotion.
• Individuals who are considering earning a master's in English should be passionate about the study of literature.
• Most master's in English programs last between two to three years, and require extensive reading and research.

How does someone earn a master's in English?

A master's in English is the step beyond a bachelor's degree that requires students to go beyond the broad knowledge of literature and writing they developed in a bachelor's program. Master's students step into a specialized field such as, American literature, Italian literature, Ethnic literature, etc. Getting into a master's program can be a competitive process; sometimes only those applicants with the highest grades and placement scores are accepted into a program. Since a master's level education requires extensive reading and research, people who choose this route should have a passion for the study of literature. Most master's programs last between two to three years.

Most graduates of a master's in English program choose to take teaching positions in high schools, and community colleges. Some decide to take teaching positions overseas, although this usually requires an extra certification. However, individuals with a master's in English are also eligible for positions such as school administrators, or positions writing for public relations offices, corporate web sites, research corporations, and publishing houses. Freelance writing is also another option, though it takes a lot of self-discipline to make a living on this alone. Depending on where someone is in their career, a master's degree may help boost someone's salary, or even push along a promotion.

English majors can make a good living and they have many career options. One of the most common career paths for a person with a master's in English is teaching at a community college, or university. Usually with a master's degree individuals can get into an associate or assistant professor position, usually in community colleges. These professionals make anywhere between $45,000 and $80,000 a year. Other common career paths for professionals with a master's degree are grant writing positions, publishing jobs, and freelance writing jobs. These jobs can vary greatly in yearly income. A grant writer, for example, can make as little as $20,000 or as much as $150,000.

Choosing to get a master's in English online can have it's pluses and minuses. Convenience is probably the number one reason online schools are becoming more popular. Online programs often allow the flexibility to hold a job or pursue other interests while earning a degree. Some programs will offer their classes exclusively over the internet while others split class time between internet collaboration and in-person collaboration. While online learning does allow a lot of freedom and flexibility, there is also less time spent with teachers and other students, which can be a disadvantage at the advanced level of a master's program. Often, class discussions and interaction with a professor are the distinguishing features of a master's program that help develop advanced skills. With less interaction, there is a need for more self motivation on the part of the student. Most online classes have a pre-scheduled list of assignments and due dates, all of which students are expected to complete on their own.