welcome to the master of arts in english

The M.A. in English at Boise State University is designed for those who desire to prepare for any career requiring advanced skills in the research, analysis, and presentation – written and spoken – of language and ideas.  It is, in short, a degree in advanced literacy.  Literate individuals can gather, analyze, and communicate information effectively as well as think creatively and critically, and draw independent conclusions; such skills are the cornerstone of a healthy democracy and keys to the future in an increasingly information-based economy. The M.A. in English enhances and fosters these crucial skills of critical and creative thinking and advanced training in the analysis and articulation of language through the study of texts from a variety of cultures and origins and in a wide array of media. 

Students completing the M.A. in English will frequently go on to

• careers in non-profit and other business organizations as writers, editors, and project managers
• careers in editing and publishing
• careers in public or private teaching in elementary, middle, and secondary schools
• careers in teaching at two-year colleges
• Ph.D. programs in Literature, Composition & Rhetoric, or English Education or other advanced professional degrees in Law, Business, Public Policy, or other fields

Students completing the M.A. in English – depending upon their particular emphasis and course – will attain some of the following skills:

• Advanced training and study of local, national and global literatures and cultures, critical and cultural theory, pedagogy, composition and rhetoric, writing, editing and publishing, and linguistics
• Teaching experience
• Professional editing with scholarly and creative writing venues, such as the Idaho Review, cold drill, Ahsahta Press, or Melville’s Marginalia Online. (For more of the English Department's publications and information click here.)
• Professional communication, both oral and written
• Competency in the use of classroom and communications technologies
• Awareness of diversity, educational equity, and social justice issues
• Awareness of ethical and reflective pedagogical practices.