Overview

The English programme at Western Kentucky University provides a comprehensive exploration of literary criticism, rhetorical analysis, and advanced composition. This Master of Arts degree is designed to equip students with the sophisticated communication skills and analytical depth required for success in both professional industry roles and academic environments.

Students benefit from a highly adaptable curriculum that allows for specialised focus based on individual career goals. For those currently working as licensed K-12 educators, the programme offers a pathway to achieve a rank change, while others may use the degree as a rigorous foundation for continuing graduate work in a doctoral programme.

Why English at Western Kentucky University?

The Department of English provides a supportive environment where students engage in deep intellectual inquiry. The university offers funded graduate assistantships for qualified applicants, providing valuable experience in teaching introductory college writing classes. This practical teaching component distinguishes the programme as a premier choice for aspiring educators.

The curriculum is designed to be flexible, allowing students to choose between a thesis track or a non-thesis track. Those pursuing the thesis option receive dedicated mentorship from faculty experts, while the non-thesis track allows for broader elective exploration across various literary periods and writing disciplines.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 17907 per year
National fee: USD 16506 per year
Local fee: USD 10926 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum requires 30 credit hours of study. Modules may include:

19th Century American Literature
British Literature since 1900
Literary Theory and Criticism
Early Modern English Literature
Chaucer
Shakespeare
British Romanticism
The Eighteenth Century
Dante's Divine Comedy and its Influences
Victorian Literature & Culture
The British Novel
Composition Theory and Practice in Writing Instruction
Theories of Rhetoric and Persuasive Writing
Writing and Technology
Professional & Technical Writing
Graduate Rhetoric and Writing
Special Topics in Professional & Technical Writing

Careers with English

Graduates are well-prepared for diverse professional pathways including roles in secondary and higher education. The advanced analytical and communication skills gained are highly valued in industries such as publishing, professional editing, and technical writing. Many students also progress to PhD programmes to pursue careers in university research and lecturing.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Graduate Rhetoric and Writing
Literature and Pedagogy
Integrated Teaching English as a Second Language
Thesis Research and Writing (6 hours)

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-19 00:00:00

Application deadline not specified.
Starting 2027-01-16 00:00:00

Application deadline not specified.

Language

English

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IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

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Credits

33 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Bowling Green, United States

Disciplines

Language Studies View 856 other Masters in Language Studies in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

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IELTS

6.5

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AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

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98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

In addition to meeting Graduate School requirements, applicants should have earned at least 27 credit hours of undergraduate English with a GPA of 3.0 or better. Those not meeting this requirement may be admitted conditionally on a case-by-case basis. Applicants should also submit a 2-page statement of purpose describing academic interests, relevant experiences, and reasons for pursing the M.A. degree in English at Western Kentucky University.
Students seeking Rank II or Rank I certification for Grades 8-12 must have or be eligible for a secondary school teaching certificate and must include a copy with the application for admission. Kentucky candidates whose certificates have expired may be admitted, but they may enroll for only six hours before the must apply to the Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board for reissued certificates.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

17907 USD / year

≈ 17907 USD / year
Out-of-State

16506 USD / year

≈ 16506 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

10926 USD / year

≈ 10926 USD / year

Living costs

Bowling Green

United States

900 - 1400 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for English.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Bowling Green

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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