English, Master of Arts/Master of Arts in Teaching

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This program is currently under review. Please consult the School of Graduate Studies for more information.

Program Objectives

The Master of Arts/Master of Arts in Teaching English offers students a balanced program of reflection and research in principles and practices for instruction of English language and literature with particular emphasis upon contemporary methodology. It builds additional competence in the subject area of English. Successful completion of the program leads to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts academic requirements for licensure to teach English at the secondary level. It also prepares students for advanced studies in literature at the doctoral level.

This program offers students a clear route to attain full professional licensure. The MAT in English program meets the current state requirements for the initial licensure package. The MA in English program provides students with an appropriate means of obtaining professional licensure if they already have initial licensure. Students who have completed Salem State’s undergraduate education and English programs, which provide initial licensure, can enroll in the MA in English program to fulfill the academic requirements for professional licensure.

Additional Admissions Requirement

Before applying to the program, students must have obtained Preliminary Licensure (a passing score on the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure), both in the communications and literacy skills portion and the content test for English, in addition to other requirements.

Language Proficiency

Degree candidates must demonstrate proficiency in a foreign language by one of the following options acceptable to the department graduate committee: a) proof of satisfactory completion of six hours of undergraduate credit beyond the elementary level of a foreign language; or b) a passing grade in a departmental reading language examination. Students who have not completed a foreign language prior to entering the program will have the opportunity to take a foreign language exam.

Program Requirements

Upon acceptance into the program, you will complete a tentative Plan of Study in consultation with the program coordinator. You must request that any transfer credits be considered at this time. PLEASE NOTE THAT NO MORE THAN THREE COURSES TAKEN AT SALEM STATE UNIVERSITY BEFORE ADMISSION CAN BE COUNTED TOWARDS THE PROGRAM. You should meet regularly with the program coordinator to discuss your progress and revise your plan of study, as needed.

All candidates for this degree must complete a minimum of 57 credit hours of graduate course work, as described below.

For information about the writing concentration and alternate capstone, please see the MA: English program coordinator.

Prerequisite Courses

A course in adolescent psychology and a course in foundations of secondary education.

Required Courses

Education Core (9 credits)

English Core (21 credits)

*Choose One of the Following (3 credits):

ENG 776 - Linguistics for Language Teachers
ENG 782 - Origin and Development of the English Language
ENG 823 - Studies in Grammar and Style
ENG 859 - Teaching Grammar to English Language Learners
*Students who have already completed one or more of these courses as undergraduates with a B or above may request substitution of an English elective.

Elective Courses (18 credits):

Six English electives, including at least one seminar, selected in consultation with the program coordinator and an MA capstone experience (see the MA: English program coordinator for details).