Master of Arts

Master of Arts in English Online

Develop transferable, interdisciplinary communication skills.

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Ranked #7 Most Affordable Online Master’s in English, Get Education Best Buy 2020
Specialize in literature or creative writing
Ranked #7 Best Zero Residency Online Master's In Creative Writing, Best Value Schools 2021

English, M.A. Overview

The online Master of Arts in English program at the University of West Florida is home to a vibrant community of scholars and creative writers who are passionate about the study of literature, discourse and print culture. While specializing in literature or creative writing, you will have opportunities to work closely with faculty mentors and to pursue individual research interests. Classes are strictly limited to 20 students, which ensures that you receive individual attention from expert faculty with terminal degrees in their fields.

Our master’s in English program requires students to participate in real-time online lectures via the University’s free video-conferencing service. Through this format, students benefit from face-to-face interaction with other students and faculty in real-time while also enjoying the flexibility of online course delivery. The strengths of our online graduate program—and your success—depend on these live interactions. The live sessions are held for evening core seminars. All courses are held in the evening to facilitate attendance by working professionals, but occasional daytime events are available.

Graduates of our English M.A. program are highly successful writers, speakers, presenters, leaders and educators who possess excellent analytical and communication skills. These techniques can be applied to numerous professions including business, publishing, editing, creative writing, non-profit administration, instructional design, journalism, technical writing, teaching and many more.

Beyond preparation for future employment, the study of literature and creative writing provides exposure to the world of ideas and the aesthetics of the written word. Courses in UWF’s program cover both canonical and non-canonical works of fiction and nonfiction. You will receive broad exposure to texts from a range of historical periods and cultures. A thesis and a non-thesis track are available for students pursuing an M.A. in English.

Note: This online degree may not be available in all states. If you are not a Florida resident, please review our State Authorization Status to confirm that the program is available in your state.

Funding Options

The Department of English provides partial funding to qualified incoming students in the form of UWF Graduate Grants. Grants vary in amount, usually around $1,000, and are divided between the fall and spring of the student’s first year. In addition to grants, the department offers a limited number of teaching assistant and graduate assistant positions. Assistantships require students to work for 10 hours per week at a rate of pay of $10.25/hour and include a half- or full-tuition waiver for students enrolled in full-time study. Minimum GPA requirements apply for all financial awards.

Candidates for This Program Include:

  • Those who seek transferable skills for industries including business, publishing, editing, creative or technical writing, instructional design, journalism, human resources, market research, sales, public relations, customer service, film and television
  • Present and future educators at the secondary or post-secondary level

You Will Be Able To:

  • Demonstrate knowledge of literary theory, British literature, American literature, poetry and rhetoric
  • Practice writing and workshopping fiction, non-fiction, creative non-fiction and creative writing
  • Hone your teaching skills by teaching literature courses and composition and rhetoric courses through our writing program
  • Serve as an editor or managing editor for Troubadour, a journal of creative writing by UWF students, or Panhandler Magazine, a national literary journal