In our program, students receive individualized attention and have ample opportunity to interact and work with our graduate faculty. Our program is small and personal, and our excellent facilities support a professionally active faculty and graduate student population.
Master of Arts in English
Concentrations available in literature, rhetoric and composition, or professional writing (both business/technical and creative). Thesis or non-thesis options.
M.A.Ed.-Master of Arts in Education - English Education
For individuals with a B.S.Ed. in English who want to become more professionally competitive. Please refer to the M.A.Ed. Plan of Study: Comprehensive Education - English checksheet for English Department requirements which are in addition to those specified by the College of Education and Allied Professions.
M.A.T.-Master of Arts in Teaching - English Education
Designed to enable students holding degrees other than education degrees to study in selected teaching programs and to work towards NC licensure at the graduate level. Please see the M.A.T. with an English concentration for the English Department requirements. These requirements are in addition to those specfied by the College of Education and Allied Professions.
TESOL - Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
Western Carolina University offers three degrees in TESOL to prepare students for working with ESL students in a wide variety of learning contexts.
- M.A.-TESOL
- M.A.T.-TESOL - For individuals without little to no prior teaching experience and who wish to be licensed to teach in the NC public school (K-12) system. This program leads to North Carolina licensure.
- M.A.Ed.-TESOL - For individuals who already have NC licensure and already teach in the public schools system, but who want or need a graduate degree in TESOL.
A graduate degree in English helps you prepare for teaching at the secondary or community college level, for entry into doctoral programs, and for a variety of jobs and careers.
To learn more about the program, read WCU’s admission requirements and the application checklist, tuition and fees, and assistantship and fellowship opportunities.