Master of Arts - English; English Teaching Concentration

Degree Specific Credits: 36

Required Cumulative GPA: 3.0

Notes

• The M.A. in English (Teaching Option) offers a balance of advanced studies in composition, linguistics, literature, critical theory and pedagogy.
• Graduate students have two options for completing the M.A. in English (Teaching Option):
  • Strand One is designed to extend and enrich the professional development of experienced middle school and high school teachers of English language arts.
  • Strand Two is designed for individuals who have a B.A. in English or a related field and who wish to be licensed to teach English at the secondary level (grades 5-12) while they work on the M.A. in English (Teaching Option).
    • With additional coursework, field experiences, and student teaching, individuals may receive secondary English licensure as part of their M.A. in English (Teaching Option).
    • After admission to the M.A. in English (Teaching Option), graduate students must apply to the Teacher Education Program in Teaching & Learning in order to take licensure courses at the graduate level. 
    • Strand Two is also appropriate for individuals who wish to learn teaching pedagogy but do not need secondary licensure.
• The English Teaching program is also the home of the Montana Writing Project, an affiliate of the National Writing Project, which is dedicated to improving the teaching and learning of writing at all grade levels.
• Graduates from the M.A. in English (Teaching Option) pursue opportunities in secondary education and/or go on to leadership positions in middle and high school English departments and/or curriculum programs. Candidates may apply for admission throughout the year. In a typical year, 7 - 10 students enter the program.

Degree Requirements

• The requirements for the MA in English (Teaching Concentration) degree include thirty-six (36) credits of graduate-level course work, an in-house professional paper, and an oral defense of the paper.
• Course requirements include three 500-level workshops in English teaching pedagogy, two 500-level literature seminars, and up to 4 professional paper credits.
• Students must also complete 20th Century Critical Theory, and either Introduction to Linguistics or Structure and History of English for Teachers (unless these courses or their equivalents have already been completed at the undergraduate level).
• Students may take up to nine (9) credits in courses outside the department, and up to nine (9) credits of Graduate Independent Study. Excluding professional paper credits, half of the remaining credits must be earned in 500-level courses.