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English

Degree Type
  • Master of Arts, Master of Science
Location
  • Main Campus in Radford, VA
Format
  • In-Person

Overview

Our master’s degree in English will enable you to explore language's power in historical and contemporary contexts. You will develop strong analytical and communication skills and find opportunities for original research. The program emphasizes independent research and writing scholarly papers based on a critical understanding of literature’s aesthetic and the humanistic values of its social, historical, and cultural significance.

student in the library

Your education. Your way.

Master of Arts
Literature Concentration with thesis

For students who choose the literature option, graduate study in English provides an opportunity to develop skills in literary scholarship and criticism through an intensive study of British and American literature. The program emphasizes independent research—using both print and electronic sources—and the writing of scholarly papers based on a critical understanding of literature’s aesthetic and humanistic values and of its social, historical and cultural significance. 


Master of Science
Optional Teacher Licensure or Literature Concentration without thesis

Students who choose the English education option may receive the M.S. degree with initial teacher licensure or add an M.S. endorsement to an existing license. Students who choose the literature option will have an emphasis on independent research and the writing of scholarly papers.

Why study English at Radford?

  • We offer the flexibility to shape your English master's degree to fit your passions in areas including literary studies, professional writing, education, and creative writing.
  • You have a supportive community of students and mentors.
  • We provide individualized academic and career guidance from dedicated faculty members.
  • You have opportunities to receive teaching and non-teaching associated funding.

Careers and Internships

With a master’s in English, further graduate study programs are available to you, including an English doctorate or pursuing law school.

You also have the opportunity to work across industries in roles like publishing, teaching, human resources, academic advising, marketing, public relations, professional writing, and user experience (UX) design.

Graduate Teaching Assistantships/Fellowships

  • Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTAs) learn the craft of teaching from seasoned professionals.
  • Stipends and full tuition waivers are available.
  • As a member of a teaching team, you’ll receive guidance and support from experienced and engaging teachers. Mentors, GTAs, and GTFs (second-year students) help each other to succeed in the classroom.
  • Join a community of teachers, exchange ideas, share your experiences, and work directly with students.
  • In your second year in the classroom, you’ll take charge of your own class and receive guidance from a faculty mentor and teaching team.
  • Graduate Teaching Fellows (GTFs) design classroom activities, create grading criteria, and evaluate student progress, while developing their own philosophy of teaching.
  • Graduate Teaching Assistantships are only available to students applying for full-time study and a Fall term start.
  • In addition to the standard graduate application materials, applicants for the Graduate Teaching Assistantship must also submit a supplemental essay about the teaching of writing (essay guidelines available under “Admissions Requirements”).
  • Those wishing to be considered for a Graduate Teaching Assistantship must apply by March 1.

Stipends and Tuition Waivers

  • In-state first-year Graduate Teaching Assistants receive a full tuition waiver for 9 graduate credit hours (the typical course load) each semester and an $11,000 stipend per year.
  • In-state second-year GTFs receive a full tuition waiver for 9 graduate credit hours (the typical course load) each semester and a $12,100 stipend per year.
  • The program offers a limited number of full tuition waivers and stipends for out-of-state student.
  • Non-teaching Graduate Assistantships are also available. Graduate Assistants (GAs) support faculty in research, creative activities, or administrative tasks and receive a $9,900 yearly stipend but no tuition waiver. (All applicants for full-time study are automatically considered for non-teaching Graduate Assistantships.)

Admissions Requirements

  • Minimum grade point average of 2.75
  • 15 credits of upper-level coursework in English literature and language (or other relevant disciplines as approved by the School of Writing, Language, and Literature Director)
  • 2 letters of reference
  • Sample of expository writing
  • Student resume
  • Official transcripts from all college institutions (including post-baccalaureate work)

Graduate Teaching Assistantship Essay:

In addition to the standard application materials, applicants for the Graduate Teaching Assistantship must also submit an essay following the guidelines below. (This essay should be uploaded as part of your main Radford University Graduate Application.) For full funding consideration, please apply by March 1.

Becoming an effective teacher draws on the skills involved in being a successful student, but it also requires the ability to communicate those skills to others. In an essay of 3-4 double-spaced pages, discuss why you feel that you could be an effective teacher of writing at the college level. Use the following questions as a starting point:

  • How would you describe the ways that you learned to write?
  • What courses in writing did you take at the high school and college level?
  • How would you describe your writing methods and habits?
  • If you have been in situations in which you took a leadership or teaching role with people your age or younger, describe those situations and reflect on your responses to them.
  • If you have been in situations in which you engaged in public speaking or other kinds of public performance, describe those situations and reflect on their possible relevance to your teaching.
  • What personal strengths do you think you would bring to teaching?
  • What weaknesses might you need to overcome in order to be an effective teacher?

Contact Us

Sean Keck, Ph.D., Graduate Program Director, skeck@radford.edu
Frank Napolitano, Ph.D., GTF Program Coordinator, fnapolitano@radford.edu
Laura Vernon, Ph.D., Professional Writing Certificate Coordinator, lvernon@radford.edu

Related Programs

  • 16-20 full-time students per cohort

  • 4 learning tracks for a unique educational experience

Learn how to teach by creating your own class

In the graduate teaching fellowship, students work on teams with a faculty mentor and fellow students to design and offer first-year college writing courses. They develop confidence in the classroom and critical thinking, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills that translate into their later careers.

student with a book in the library

Ready to Study at Radford?

We want to get to know you better and we are excited that you are ready to take your next step and learn more about us. We are here to help you and look forward to working with you during your college search process.