English Master's Degree (M.A.), with Initial Licensure

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Overview

The M.A. with initial license programs offers students an initial license in middle or secondary English Language Arts as well as advanced courses in English language, rhetoric, and literature. Students gain competency in both the pedagogy and subject matter required for successful teaching in English Language Arts.

Requirements

Program Description

The M.A. with initial license programs offers students an initial license in middle or secondary English Language Arts as well as advanced courses in English language, rhetoric and literature. Students gain competency in both the pedagogy and subject matter required for successful teaching in English Language Arts.

Program Description

Students develop knowledge of literature and its history and expand their abilities to think analytically and write effectively through advanced study and research in British, American, and other literatures. The M.A. program in English thus prepares students for advanced graduate studies in English (Ph.D.), for pre-professional studies (law, business, and administration), for teaching careers, and for work in related fields (e.g., communications, public relations, publishing, and human resources).

The M.A. in English Licensure Programs prepares students for careers as teachers at the 5-12 level. Students may earn Initial Licensure through an NCTE (National Council of Teachers of English) accredited program or earn Professional Licensure. Candidates may elect the M.A. with Professional Licensure Option, a graduate program designed to allow teachers of English who hold initial licensure to become fully certified according to the educational reforms mandated for Massachusetts by the Board of Education. Candidates for certification complete a program that includes four required courses: ENGL 0539 - Advanced Methods of Teaching English, ENGL 0609 - Contemporary Tensions in English Teaching, ENGL 0646 - Pre-Capstone Course, and ENGL 0626 - Seminar in English Education Capstone Experience.

Admission Requirements
  • Official transcripts indicating a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
  • Three professional or academic recommendations.
  • Narrrative statement
  • Minimum of 18 hours in English above Composition at the undergraduate level.*
  • A 3.0 (B) average in all English courses is required, as is a 2.8 overall G.P.A.
  • A writing sample, preferably a literary essay, is required.

*Students may be required to fulfill undergraduate prerequisites as determined by the Graduate Advisor.

M.A. in English with Initial Licensure 5-12 - 43 Credits

All requirements for the M.A. in English in addition to the practicum must be completed before the candidate can receive an initial license to teach English.

Prerequisites:

  • B.A. in English or Bachelor's degree with a minimum of 18 credits in literature courses

    (Students may be required to fill undergraduate prerequisites as determined by the graduate advisor)
  • 3.0 (B) average in all English courses is required, as is a 2.8 overall G.P.A.
  • Passing grade on MTEL Communication and Literacy Test
  • A course in Adolescent Development
  • A course in Sheltered English Immersion EDUC 631 (Consult with advisor before enrolling. This course is Field Based)

Requirements:

Courses - 30 Credits

Capstone 6 Credits

Practicum & Seminar - Credits 7

Additional Guidelines

  1. Required field placements must accommodate a range of characteristics including range of grade level and types of settings. Also, teacher candidates must complete either one 30-hour pre-practicum placement or student teaching with students from diverse backgrounds.
  2. Practicum placements are generally within a 30-mile radius of the university unless otherwise specified and approved.
  3. Students must pass the required MTEL subject matter tests, have a GPA of 3.0 or greater, and earn the recommendation of the student's advisor, program director and Department Chair or designee before beginning the student teaching practicum. 

Practicum placement requires completion of the following courses: 

  1. EDUC 0540 - Foundations of Special Education 
  2. EDUC 0554 - Teaching Middle and High School Students 
  3. EDUC 0580 - Theory of Critical Multicultural Education 

Students are required to successfully complete a written comprehensive examination or the Candidate Assessment of Performance to demonstrate mastery of knowledge gained in coursework and to relate concepts across the curriculum. The comprehensive exam may be taken after completing a minimum of nine non-practicum courses within the Master's program for those not seeking licensure. The Candidate Assessment of Performance is completed during practicum.