English Master’s Degree

If you want the flexibility to pursue a wide variety of careers, Liberty University’s Master of Arts (MA) in English degree may be right for you! Our program can help you develop skills that are essential in almost every profession. In addition to strengthening your understanding of literary texts and the English language, you can hone your skills in research, writing, critical thinking, and analysis.

Knowing how to write and communicate effectively can help you in many different fields — from business and marketing to government work and teaching. With an English master’s degree, you don’t have to limit yourself to only a few job opportunities — you can explore your interests and develop essential skills that can help boost your marketability across various industries.

If you have a love for literature and a desire to write well, Liberty’s MA in English is a great next step to take in your academic journey. Whether you’re looking to prepare for a terminal degree program, launch a new career path, or simply dive into the subjects you’re most passionate about, our English master’s program can help you pursue your goals. Partner with us and see how far a master’s degree in English can take you!

36

Credit Hours

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Next start date: Aug 18, 2025

Degree SACSCOC

Liberty University is accredited by SACSCOC


Study Under Experts Who Invest in You

At Liberty, you’ll study under professors who are not only highly published in the field of English but also committed to your personal and academic growth. They’ll challenge you to think critically and creatively while supporting you every step of the way. Their mentorship can help you explore new perspectives and help you prepare for your journey in both academic and professional settings.

Share Your Work Beyond the Classroom

You may have the chance to present your research or creative writing at academic conferences across the country. These experiences can help you build confidence, expand your network, and prepare for the next steps in your career or further studies. Our chapter of Sigma Tau Delta, an international honor society dedicated to fostering literacy and all aspects of the discipline of English, provides professional development opportunities.

Publish and Grow as a Writer

You can develop your writing portfolio by submitting your work to Lamp, Liberty’s literary journal. Publishing as a student can help you gain recognition, refine your craft, and open doors for future academic or professional opportunities.

Gain Real Teaching Experience

As a Graduate Student Assistant, you can step into the classroom and gain hands-on experience in teaching. This role offers a valuable opportunity to build your skills, mentor others, and explore a future in academia or education.


Liberty University’s Master’s in English can help prepare you to pursue the following occupations:

  • Author
  • College instructor
  • Editor
  • Journalist
  • Public relations specialist
  • Publisher
English Master's Degree
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Our Master of Arts in English provides extensive and well-rounded training in literature, research methods, writing, and literary theory. Through this degree, you can explore how to analyze and interpret literature in a manner consistent with a biblical worldview. This can help sharpen your analytical skills and hone your ability to present a logical defense for your thoughts. Additionally, you can gain advanced research skills and explore proper methods for citing your work.

In this program, you’ll have the opportunity to study well-known literary texts from throughout history. You can choose from a wide array of courses in literature, including British, world, Christian, African American, contemporary/postmodern, and American literature. By writing and defending a thesis, you can contribute to the base of knowledge in your field and dive deeper into a topic of interest.

In addition to reading and analyzing numerous works of literature, you can hone your writing skills, explore the linguistic characteristics of English throughout its history, and learn best practices for analyzing texts. Upon graduation, you could continue your studies at the doctoral level, potentially teach English literature and writing at colleges and universities, or pursue jobs that require professional writing skills.

Degree Information

Expand Your Skills and Career Opportunities

A master’s degree in English can open the door to a variety of career paths. As you dive into literature and sharpen your writing, you’ll also build versatile skills, like critical thinking and effective communication, that can transfer across industries.

Strengthen Your Voice Through Research and Dialogue

As part of your coursework, you’ll research and write about literature and defend your ideas in a classroom of engaged peers. This process helps you develop persuasive, logical arguments, a valuable skill that can serve you well in both academic and professional environments.

Gain Hands-On Experience and Academic Support Roles

You may have the opportunity to serve as a Graduate Student Assistant (GSA), where you’ll support faculty and fellow students while gaining valuable teaching experience. This role is ideal for developing leadership, academic insight, and a deeper understanding of the university setting.

Join a Professional Community and Share Your Work

Through Liberty’s chapter of Sigma Tau Delta, you can connect with like-minded peers and expand your professional network. You’ll also have opportunities to submit your creative work to Lamp, our literary journal, offering a platform to share your poetry, fiction, nonfiction, or artwork with a wider audience.

Every application is reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and all applicants must submit the following documents and meet the minimum requirements for admission:

  • Admission application
  • Official transcripts showing a regionally or nationally accredited bachelor’s degree with at least a 3.0 GPA for admission in good standing.
  • Writing sample (8-10 pages)
  • Statement of Purpose – 1-page paper discussing your goals for your intended academic program and an explanation of what you hope to gain from and contribute to the program
  • Self-certification form (for students who are in the final term of their bachelor’s degree)
  • Current Liberty undergraduate students seeking preliminary acceptance into a graduate program must complete a degree completion application through their ASIST account