What attributes of the English language do you want master in your educational journey? Whether it's storytelling, literary analysis, or English instruction, ACU’s Master of Arts in English is expands your knowledge of literary traditions, cultural contexts, and advanced writing techniques. This program helps you build on your existing expertise, equipping you with the skills to interpret complex texts, conduct meaningful research, and engage with diverse audiences through effective communication.
Program Highlights
ACU’s Master of Art in English emphasizes academic excellence through small class sizes, faculty mentorship, and an interdisciplinary approach to literature and composition. Through this program, ACU encourages your scholarly inquiry, be it delving into the historical and cultural factors shaping literature from Medieval times to the present, helping you better communicate to defend your perspective and analyses or flourish creatively. The program also offers opportunities for research in Oxford, England through our study abroad program, teaching experience, and collaboration with peers who share a passion for the English language and literature.
Example Coursework
21st-Century American Literature
Victorian Visions of Art and the Artist
Literary Theory and Faith
Rhetoric and Belief
Common Job Titles
English Professor
Communications Professional
Marketing Representative
Journalist
Publisher
Corporate Communications Specialist
Public Relations Specialist
Digital Advertising Professional
Marketing & Communications Specialist
Brand Manager
Event Planner
Content Strategist
Human Resources Specialist
Admission Requirements
Complete an online application.
Pay the $65 application fee.
An official transcript(s) in English (or translated to English) of all previous colleges attended. The transcript must indicate an earned bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university or equivalent. o The transcript must indicate an earned bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university or equivalent. o The transcript should reflect 12 hours of upper-division English courses. o The transcript should reflect a cumulative undergraduate approximate B average or above in the area of focus or related area and evidence of an overall productive GPA.
Two letters of recommendation (may be submitted through the online application).
A two-page, double-spaced purpose statement addressing why you want to pursue graduate school, why you chose ACU, and your future career goals.
A writing sample* in either: o A sample critical essay (maximum of 15 pages) that demonstrates the applicant’s capacity for interpretation and literary analysis, or o A sample of creative writing in prose or poetry (maximum of 20 pages).
Continue Your Literary Journey
Upon completion of the Master of Arts in English degree program, you’ll have the knowledge and credentials to pursue advanced career opportunities in teaching, publishing, business development, or further academic study at the doctoral level. This degree program builds upon your current skillset so you can become a leader in the field of your choice, leveraging your expertise to inspire, inform, and spread your influence in a variety of professional settings.
Jumpstart your future with the financial support you need
Explore Your Financial Aid Opportunities at ACU!
At Abilene Christian University, we understand graduate programs are a big investment. That’s why we offer a variety of financial aid options designed to ease the cost and maximize your potential. Whether you're pursuing a scholarship, a graduate assistantship, or funding for professional travel, ACU provides unique and flexible solutions to support your academic journey. Here are some resources we have to help you achieve your goals.
Scholarships
When you’re accepted into an ACU graduate program, you’re considered for a scholarship tailored just for you—based on your skills, achievements, and the department you enter. Plus, additional scholarships may be available through external professional organizations and accrediting bodies.
Graduate Assistantships
Many ACU departments offer competitive graduate assistantships to enrich your learning experience while providing financial support. Assistantship requirements and expectations vary by department and can cover a generous portion of your tuition costs.
Academic Travel Reimbursement
ACU’s GSA Travel Reimbursement makes it easier for graduate students to attend national and international conferences, research presentations, and other academic travel needs. These funds help make travel more accessible, ensuring financial concerns won’t hold you back from gaining valuable experience in professional settings around the world.
Hear From Our Students
"I remember telling my friends this school was so different from any of the others, as it had a certain ‘feel’ about it. This feeling definitely came from the community of loving individuals who not only want to see you excel academically, but in all areas of life."
Lexi Burns
"I am grateful for not only the academic enrichment I have received but also the spiritual and professional investment I will carry with me for years to come from faculty and fellow peers. I look forward to implementing the same culture into my future workplace!"
Tiley Elliot
"ACU has provided me with amazing clinical opportunities that foster so much growth!"
Kaleigh Tom
"When I picked ACU, I knew the community was tight-knit and the professors are experts and leaders in our profession, but I could not have anticipated how much I would love being a part of this program."
ACU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, master’s and doctoral degrees. Questions about the accreditation of ACU may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097, by calling 404-679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (sacscoc.org).
SACSCOC is required by the federal government to monitor compliance with the substantive change policy and to approve any major changes. Substantive change is a federal term for any “significant modification of the nature and scope of an accredited institution.” ACU has adopted a Substantive Change Policy, which outlines its internal procedure related to ACU’s compliance with substantive change requirements. After reviewing the policy, please contact the ACU’s SACSCOC Liaison, Chris Riley, with any questions or for more information.
