Graduate Programs

The Master of Arts in English (M.A.) 30 credit program features courses that explore literature, rhetoric, writing studies, linguistics, and creative writing.

The MA in English may be completed fully online, some face-to-face courses may be available. 

Admission Requirements

Admission to the program is open to those applicants who possess a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited four-year college or university. Applicants must submit supporting documents as required for general admission to a graduate program. Applicants must submit a sample of scholarly work (an 8-15 page critical or research paper recently prepared).

At Millersville, the M.A. in English program is built around you. With small class sizes, flexibility within the areas of specialization, and mentorship from experienced faculty & staff, you are set up for success from the start.  

You will complete 9 Semester Hours in either Narrative or Writing Studies to meet the 30 credit hours required in the MA.  

Graduate Core (9 S.H.) 

• ENGL 614 Profession of English Studies 
• ENGL 651 Literary Theory 
• WRIT 672 Seminar in Rhetoric and Composition

Narrative (6 – 9 S.H.) 

• By the end of the program, you will have gained an in-depth understanding of literature and theory across various modalities and social contexts, including race, culture, sexuality, and social class.

Writing Studies (6 – 9 S.H.)  

• By the end of the program, you will possess the ability to use language to critically interpret texts, and communicate clearly and effectively with your peers, fellow scholars, and community members.

CAPTONE PROJECT (3 S.H.)  

Select one option: 

• Thesis 
• Digital Portfolio  

The Master of Education in English (M.Ed.) 33 credit program combines courses in language, literature, writing studies, and rhetoric with educational psychology and pedagogy.

The M.Ed. English may be completed fully online, some face-to-face courses may be available. 

Admission Requirements

Admission to the program is open to those applicants who possess a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited four-year college or university. Applicants must submit supporting documents as required for general admission to a graduate program. Applicants must submit a sample of scholarly work (an 8-15 page critical or research paper recently prepared).

Looking for a graduate program that stands out? As one of the only M.Ed English programs in the state of Pennsylvania, Millersville offers a rare and valuable pathway for educators seeking advanced training in the field. 

Graduate (9 S.H.) 

• ENGL 614 Profession of English Studies 
• ENGL 651 Literary Theory 
• WRIT 672 Seminar in Rhetoric and Composition 

M.Ed Professional Core (9 S.H.) 

• By the end of the program, you will have gained an in-depth understanding of current educational research, psychology, and curricular learning approaches to use within classrooms.

English Electives (6 S.H.) 

• By the end of the program, you will have gained an in-depth understanding of literature and writing studies theories across various modalities and social contexts, including race, culture, sexuality, and social class.

English Education (6 S.H.) 

• By the end of the program, you will have gained an in-depth understanding of the application of literature, theory, rhetoric and writing studies to classroom praxis.

Capstone Project (3 S.H.) 

• English 680 Digital Portfolio (with a B or better) 

Millersville University's Post-Baccalaureate Certification Program is designed for those applicants who already have a bachelor's degree and would like to be certified to teach in the State of Pennsylvania. It is not necessary to complete a second degree in order to be certified.

Students interested in certification may apply to both the post-bacc and M.Ed. English for a joint program. 

The post-bacc certification program is an on-campus program, with teaching placements within 50 miles of Millersville University.

Learn more about Post-Baccalaureate Certification

Graduate students are eligible for student assistantships and have the opportunity to both assist faculty on research and campus projects and to work in the Tutoring Center. Graduate assistants are not permitted to teach. Recently, students in our graduate programs have pursued employment in local schools and industries, while others are pursuing their doctoral degrees at institutions such as Temple University, Penn State, University of Pennsylvania, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, The University of Texas-Dallas, and Purdue University.

Learn More about Graduate Assistantships