Western Carolina University

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.

A graduate degree in English helps you prepare for teaching at the secondary or community college level, law and library schools, writing and editing positions, entry into doctoral programs, and a variety of other professional careers.

M.A., Master of Arts in English

The goal of our graduate program in English is to increase the breadth and depth of each student's knowledge of English.  We offer both variety in course work and specialization, especially in the opportunity to write a thesis.  Course work is available in literature, rhetoric and composition, linguistics, teaching theory and practice, TESOL, and creative & professional writing.  We encourage all candidates to learn as much as they can about all aspects of the field of English. 

Students will take classes in all areas of English studies and will choose a concentration in literature, rhetoric and composition, or professional writing.  Please refer to the M.A. in English checksheet for requirements. 

M.A.Ed., Master of Arts in Education - Comprehensive, English Concentration

For individuals with a B.S.Ed. in English who want to become more professionally competitive. Please see 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 - Comprehensive, English Concentration

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 English Department requirements which are in addition to those specfied by the College of Education and Allied Professions. Please refer to the M.A.T. Program Checksheet for English Concentration for requirements in both English and Education.

Certificate Program in Professional Writing

This certificate program is designed for college graduates who seek advanced training in professional writing, especially for those who want to augment   their writing and editing expertise for their current career or who wish to pursue new career options.

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.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.

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. 

Certificate Program in TESOL

This certificate program is designed for college graduates who want to teach English to non-native speakers from the public school level (and already have teaching licensure) to community college and overseas instruction.

 To learn more about the program, read WCU’s admission requirements and the application checklist, tuition and fees, and assistantship and fellowship opportunities.

Guide to Graduate Studies in English