English - Graduate Program

Degrees: M.Ed., M.A.

Why Study This Program?

Refine your research, analytical and writing skills through a graduate-level English program that enables driven students to advance into doctoral programs or other professional endeavors. The English department at Millersville University offers two graduate degrees: the Master of Arts (M.A.) and the Master of Education (M.Ed.). In addition, the department provides a pathway to certification for students who wish to become teachers, but who do not have a degree in education.

The Master of Arts program features courses that emphasize the history of literature and language. The Master of Education program combines courses in language and literature with those in educational psychology and pedagogy. The post-baccalaureate certification program is designed for students with bachelor's degrees in English who would like to teach in the state of Pennsylvania or to add another instructional area of certification to their present certificate. A post-master's supervisory certification program is also available for educators who wish to pursue leadership roles in education.

Applicants to these graduate-level English programs must possess a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited four-year college or university with an undergraduate major in English, or by special permission.

Millersville University is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and approved by the American Association of University Women. 

What Will You Learn?

The graduate-level English program features coursework and experiences intended to produce outstanding English academics, teachers and leaders. 

The Master of Arts in English curriculum is grounded in graduate core courses which explore literary theory, literature, linguistics and the profession of English studies. Students then focus their study in one of the following English specializations: writing studies, linguistics, British literature, American literature or world literature. Reading competency in one foreign language is also required through an exam or coursework.

The Master of Education curriculum allows students to explore any area of interest within the English department at the graduate level. Aspiring educators then explore research methods, psychology and philosophy of education through professional core courses, followed by various English education courses. Both master's programs conclude with a thesis, creative thesis, qualitative research, curricular artifact or peer-reviewed journal article as the capstone project.

Students seeking their first instructional certificate through the post-baccalaureate certification program receive coursework based on their incoming knowledge and experiences to best prepare them as educators. Most applicants need to complete foundational education courses, professional education courses and a semester of student teaching. In order to be certified as an English teacher and receive a Pennsylvania Instructional I certificate, you must pass the Pennsylvania Department of Education mandated Praxis Tests. 

The post-master's supervisory certification program consists of three core courses about the function, administration and curriculum of supervision and a six-credit field experience. The field experience demands a high degree of cooperation between the University and the school where the student is employed or assigned. The student is supervised by a faculty member from the department in which the certificate is sought.

At Millersville University, graduate students may pursue student assistantships, assist faculty on research and campus projects, and work in the Tutoring Center. Graduate students also have the opportunity to participate in two English Association of Pennsylvania State University (EASPU) conferences.