English, MA (Writing)
Master of Arts Degree in English with a Emphasis in Writing
University of Nebraska at Kearney
Overview
Learning Online
Similar Programs
Why Pursue This Program
The online English, MA is designed for students interested in the advanced study of composition and genre.
Why students choose this program:
- To improve their writing skills and instructional strategies in existing teaching career paths.
- To gain critical thinking and communication skills as they better understand and are able to critique the writing of others.
- The diversity in coursework covers a variety of areas including poetry, fiction, drama and creative nonfiction writing.
- The fully online, non-thesis program does not have a residency requirement.
- A low teacher/student ratios foster student/professor relationships.
- For personal enrichment and educational accomplishment.
Note: Although this program does not grant certification to teach English, many students utilize their skills to improve their own writing or instructional strategies in existing teaching career paths.
Students select one of the following focus areas:
- Literature.
Students will explore written and aural works that are considered to be of artistic or popular merit across a range of cultures, regions and contexts. - Creative Writing.
Students will focus on the experiential practice of writing through the creation of original poems, stories, creative nonfiction essays, etc. - Childhood and Youth Studies.
Students explore literary texts and visual/other media written and produced for or aimed at children and youth. - Composition, Rhetoric and Language.
Students will combine the study of rhetoric, composition and English language studies.
Career Outlook: Communication, critical thinking and writing skills are some of the most sought after skills sought in any career field. These in-demand competencies span the job market.
This program has the opportunity to help students expand their career options as it complements the following career paths:
- Teachers
- Lawyers
- Professors
- School administrators
- Web developers
- Corporate communicators
- Authors
When looking at employment growth, you must look at generic employment growth since the program provides a strong foundation for a wide variety of careers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for those with master's degrees is 16% higher than those with undergraduate degrees.
What's it like to take a program online?
Quality learning experience
The University of Nebraska has offered distance education courses for more than 100 years so you can expect a quality, rigorous experience. Online courses are often highly interactive with faculty and students communicating through e-mail, discussion forums and chat groups. You’ll have direct access to world-class faculty – researchers who are experts in their fields or practitioners with real-world experience. Also, you’ll be part of a community of learners and can benefit from the perspectives of students from across the globe.
Flexibility
Online learning gives you the flexibility and freedom to attend your classes wherever is convenient to you. You can save time and money by being able to continue to work and by avoiding relocation or travel costs. You will be required to complete assignments in a certain timeframe, but in most instances, you can log in and complete coursework during the time of day that works best for you. You aren’t tied to a specific class time.
Service you expect from a leading University
Online learners at the University of Nebraska have access to the same student services available to on-campus students. An academic adviser will guide you along your journey, library services are available to help you excel in your program and career services are available when you are ready to take your next step. These are just a few of the services in place to help you succeed.
About Faculty
University of Nebraska online courses are taught by expert faculty who embody the qualities resulting from research experience and professional/field experience. Students learn from faculty with a variety of backgrounds, many of whom are published researchers in their fields. NU faculty who teach online do so in a way that optimizes learning within the online modality and because technology enables students to access education they may otherwise may not be able to pursue.