Whether you wish to begin a new career, start on the path to a professorship or simply enhance your current professional skill set, a Master of Arts in English can serve as an important step in your journey. Master's-level English study helps students build subject-matter expertise and introduces them to the demands of graduate-level research and writing.<br><br>In addition to those who have advanced to the University's Ph.D. in English, graduates of this program have entered successful careers in writing, publishing, community college teaching, business and nonprofits. Others have been accepted to Ph.D. programs at other top-rated universities.<br><br>The master's degree in English with a literature emphasis is designed for students interested in developing their knowledge of American, British and global literature in English. It focuses on the ability to think and write critically about literary texts. The literature emphasis requires students to take a variety of courses dealing with different literary genres and periods, yet it also allows them to concentrate their studies in the areas they find to be of greatest interest. This emphasis is primarily, but not exclusively, intended for people who are preparing for Ph.D. programs or professions in which they will teach literature, conduct literary research, or write professionally.