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 professional licensure to teach English at the secondary level. It also prepares students for advanced studies in literature at the doctoral level.

This MA/MAT degree 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 program in English 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 program, which provides them with 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 portion and the subject area portion appropriate for this program, in addition to other requirements.

Language Proficiency

Degree candidates must demonstrate proficiency either in one foreign language or in computer science as it intersects with the field of literature, by one of the following options acceptable to the department graduate committee:

Proof of satisfactory completion of six (6) hours of undergraduate credit beyond the elementary level of a foreign language.

A passing grade in a departmental reading language examination.

Students may demonstrate proficiency in linking literary studies and computer science by submitting samples of such work for approval by the committee.

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 COLLEGE 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.

Students must also pass comprehensive examinations in an area of American and British literature. For information about the writing concentration and alternate capstone, see program coordinator.

Required Courses

Education

Research Component, Discipline

Literature/Language Component

ENG 725 - Introduction to Graduate Studies in Literature I

Content Core

* ENG 748 - Literature For Young Adults

*Choose one of the following (3 Credits)

Proposed Elective Courses: 18-21

Six or Seven English electives, including at least one seminar, selected in consultation with the program coordinator. If students need a 6-credit practicum experience, they will take six electives, including a seminar. If students need a 3-credit practicum, they will take seven electives, including a seminar.

**Required Capstone Experiences

ENG 925 - Eportfolio Capstone and
EDU 925A - Practicum in Secondary Education or
EDU 925X - Practicum Secondary Education or
ENG 965 - MAT Capstone Experience, Part One: Theory and Research and
ENG 966 - MAT Capstone Experience, Part Two: Writing Project
Candidates with professional licensure, or not seeking it, replace the Clinical Experience with a six credit capstone experience planned with the program coordinator and approved by the Graduate Dean as described in the MA English program.

Additional Information and Notes

*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.

**Students will enroll in ENG 925 to polish their eportfolio prior to approval of their supervised teaching experience. Students will enroll in EDU 925X or EDU 925A , depending on their amount of documented teaching experience. Candidates with professional licensure (or not seeking it) may replace the supervised teaching experience with an alternate capstone experience (ENG 965 , ENG 966 ) planned with the program coordinator and approved by the Graduate Dean.