Appalachian State University
English: Master of Arts (MA)
Application Deadlines
Spring Admission
November 1
Summer Session 1 Admission
April 1
Fall Admission
April 1
Application Requirements
Entrance exam: Not required
Application requirements vary by program. Learn more
Location
On campus
Completion Time
2 years (full time)
Grow your critical analysis and writing skills
Hone your research and writing skills — and become a stronger reader and critical thinker — with a Master of Arts in English from App State. This degree prepares to teach formative undergraduate coursework or build a resume for a Ph.D. by deepening your understanding of literary and cultural studies or rhetoric and writing studies.
You will have opportunities to share your discoveries by publishing your work in scholarly journals and presenting at professional conferences. For those wanting to grow as an educator, you’ll have opportunities to strengthen your teaching skills by working with your student peers in the University Writing Center, or by serving as a teaching and/or research assistant.
A 2025 Best
The Princeton Review named App State among the best schools in the U.S. and the Southeast for 2025.
Top 3
U.S. News & World Report has recognized App State as a top 3 university for innovation for 8 consecutive years.
Top School for 2024–25
Forbes magazine ranked App State among “America’s Top Colleges” for 2024–25.
Concentrations and Courses
Careers and Mountaineers
Where can an App State degree take you? Anywhere you want to go!
Careers
- University professor
- Community college instructor
- High school teacher
- Program director
- Project manager
- Administrator
- Dean
- ESL facilitator
- Novelist
- Writer/journalist
Employers
Graduates are working across the country and beyond:
- Alleghany County Schools
- American University of Beruit
- Beaufort Community College
- Caldwell County Schools
- Catawba Valley Community College
- Clemson University
- Coastal Community College
- Delaware State University
- Guilford Technical Community College
- Hadhramout University of Science and Technology
- Horry-Georgetown Technical College
- Indiana University at Pennsylvania
- Kingsport City Schools
- Mars Hill College
- Mayland Community College Foundation
- Norton Publishing
- Quatar University
- Radford University
- South Caldwell High School
- The Ohio State University
- University of Arkansas
- University of South Carolina
- University of North Carolina at Charlotte
- University of North Carolina at Greensboro
- University of West Florida
- Washington State University
- Wilkes County Schools
- Winthrop University
Career information resource
App State’s Career Development Center
Services provided by the Career Development Center include resume reviews, career coaching, job and internship search assistance, and other tools for you to achieve life and professional success.
More to Explore at App State
International Experience
Work outside your cultural boundaries. Learn more
Professional Development
Invest in yourself with opportunities designed to stimulate career growth. Learn more
Graduate Assistantships
Earn some money while you earn your degree. Learn more
Apply
Are you ready to become a Mountaineer? Take the next step, apply for admission to App State and elevate your future success.
Admissions questions? Contact us.
Connect
Program Contact
Dr. Zackary Vernon
Program Director
[email protected]
828-262-8127
Department of English
College of Arts and Sciences
Visit Campus
Experience the beauty of App State’s Boone campus firsthand. Tour campus, virtually or in person. Explore App State’s Boone home.
Admissions Events
Want to know more about the people and programs of App State’s School of Graduate Studies? Attend an information session.