English, Master of Arts/Master of Arts in Teaching

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The Master of Arts/Master of Arts in Teaching English is a 51.5 - 60.5 credit program designed for students who did not study English at the undergraduate level and are interested in teaching English at the middle and secondary levels. The MA/MAT English offers students a balanced program of reflection and research in principles and practices for instruction of English language and literature with particular emphasis on fieldwork experiences. 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 middle and secondary levels. It also offers students a clear route to attain full professional licensure. Students who have completed the MA/MAT are prepared to move from middle or secondary school teaching into advanced studies at the doctoral level.

Students who hold a bachelor’s degree in English and wish to obtain a master’s degree and license to teach at the secondary and middle school levels should pursue the MAT English. Students who hold a license to teach English at the secondary and middle school levels and are interested in a Master’s Degree should purse the MA English.

Admission Requirements

Specific additional admissions requirements.

For those candidates interested in pursuing Option “L” (Literary Studies), a 6-12 page analytical writing sample must be submitted.
For those candidates interested in pursuing Option “W” (Writing), a 6-12 page creative writing sample in the intended genre must be submitted.
An undergraduate cumulative G.P.A. of at least 2.75 overall and 3.0 in the major field of study.
Course in adolescent psychology (undergraduate or graduate)

Program Requirements

Upon acceptance into the program, students 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 this 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 51.5 - 60.5 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.

All candidates for the M.A. in English must demonstrate proficiency in a language other than English prior to completion of the program. Proficiency in a language other than English may be demonstrated by one of the following: a) proof of satisfactory completion of six hours of undergraduate credit beyond the elementary level of a language other than English; or b) a passing score in a language examination; or c) approval by the department graduate coordinator and department graduate committee.

Required Courses

Licensure Preparation Stage I (Introduce) Education Core (9 credits)

Licensure Preparation Stage IIA (Practice): SEI and Methods (5.5 - 8.5 credits)

Licensure Preparation Stage IIB (Practice): Advanced Teaching Methods (4 credits)

Must be taken consecutively immediately prior to the practicum and seminar.

Licensure Preparation Stage III (Demonstrate): Practicum (3-6 credits)

English Core (9 credits)

Content Courses (15 credits)

Five content courses to be selected in consultation with the program coordinator (following review of undergraduate transcript).

Elective Courses (6-9 credits)

Two English electives, including an MA capstone experience (ENG 994 or ENG 998, repeatable once as needed), OR three English electives selected in consultation with the program coordinator (6-9 credits).

Total Credits (51.5 - 60.5)

Variable Credit

Variable credit programs are designed to address a student’s academic plan while adhering to the program requirements and standards of the profession. Based on their background (e.g., prior coursework, select endorsements), some students may be approved for the minimum number of credits of the program and other students may need additional coursework. Students will work with the Graduate Program Coordinator to determine the best fit of courses within the structure of the program and propose the Plan of Study to the School of Graduate Studies for review and approval.