MA in English Studies and Communication
Valparaiso, USA
MA
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2026
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Key Summary
The master of arts in English Studies and Communication is a flexible, 36-credit program in English language, literature, and communication.
Why English Studies and Communications at Valpo?
Ours is a flexible, faculty-advised program in which:
- Students build community as they undertake core courses in American literature and culture, the history and structure of the English language, rhetoric and composition, digital media, intercultural communication, and interdisciplinary seminars in humanities and the arts.
- Electives in literary studies, linguistics, TESOL, the teaching of writing, and creative and professional writing allow for a customizable program of study.
- Students interact with fellow graduate students and others in Valparaiso University’s vibrant international community.
- Students may overlap nine credits toward an optional certificate in TESOL. (For Indiana teachers with initial licensure, a teacher certification program in TESOL is also an option.).
- Students gain practical experience through a hands-on practicum in teaching, writing, or related fields such as curriculum development.
- Students may pursue a thesis option, which increases the degree to 40 credits.
- Students may take classes as full-time or part-time students. Courses are available in the evenings and during the summer.
Who studies English Studies and Communication?
- Teachers who want to advance in their careers or expand their teaching repertoire (for example, to teach dual-credit high school and college courses).
- Current and aspiring professional writers.
- Individuals preparing to teach the English language in the U.S. and abroad.
- Individuals preparing to teach American literature and culture in other countries.
- English majors from other countries who want to improve their general proficiency in the English language for use in business or industry.
- Individuals preparing for “gap-year” programs such as Fulbright and Peace Corps.
- Students preparing to apply for Ph.D. programs in English literature, rhetoric, composition, or communication.
- Students earning or planning to earn a second master’s degree, such as an MFA in Creative Writing or a master’s degree in Library and Information Sciences.
- Individuals preparing to teach introductory composition and literature courses at qualifying universities and community colleges.
The Master of Arts in English Studies and Communication is a 36-credit program for international and U.S. students wanting to develop their understanding of and skills related to the English language, English literature, and English communication. The program goals include the following:
- to develop an understanding of the history and structure of the English language;
- to recognize and articulate conventions of literature in American traditions;
- to recognize and produce writing appropriate to the field of English Studies and Communication;
- to recognize and practice modes of communication across cultures; and
- to complete supervised practical work or further studies in the field.
Graduates of the English Studies and Communication program have worked as professional writers, in business, non-profit, and humanitarian work, and in k-12 settings and in universities in the U.S. and internationally. Students who have completed the English Studies and Communication degree, with or without the optional TESOL certificate, have also pursued further study in doctoral programs in English literature, Education, Linguistics, and TESOL and Composition.
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