I need some feedback on Master of Arts (MA) program in English at ASU that is fully online. I could not find any ranking on this particular program. IS it worth it? How the professors are? How much you would actually learn? Any feedback, suggestion, etc. would be greatly appreciated.
I have never heard of any ASU online degree program that was not considered at least solid, if not outstanding. Usually, the online videos and seminars are with excellent teachers. Is it better than attending a program in person? Debatable. English MA would be highly reading and writing focused and feedback from professors would be online/skype/email. For this degree, the relevant question would seem to me to be is it worth it to take an online degree vs attending a program. If online was your best life-option, ASU’s program would likely be a top option nationally.
Thank you so much for the detailed feedback. I live in New York and that’s the reason I’m considering an online program. I haven’t found any good and affordable online MA in English beside the one from ASU. And , I had no idea how good the program might be. Do you know of any other universities that might offer an MA in English, Creative Writing or Comparative Literature fully online , by any chance?
How about Northern Arizona University???
No idea about NAU’s MA English online program. Surely depends on a student’s motivation. Planning to get a Ph.d? Just want to learn for learning (and writing’s) sake? Certain aspect, focus or professor to work with? All these are relevant. ASU is again more of a national school, NAU a regional school, not that it matters when it comes to studying with specific writing teachers.
Thank you so much EngPII for your help.
Why do you want an MA in English?
If you’re a fully employed professional where such a degree is required either for tenure or for promotion (such as teaching) , check that it’s eligible.
If it’s because you’ve got a BA in English and dont’have a job, then a Master’s is not the solution. What you need is figure out your skillset, using your college’s career center. The fact it’s online makes the downsides worse: for professional development, you need to be in seminars, meeting professors, TA 'ing… In order to improve your skillset and networking.
If your goal is to teach composition at community college or university, then you need a specific degree.
If you want to work in the publishing industry, you need a connected program near publishers.
If you want to work for a business and can’t leverage your BA, make sure you higjlight economics, statistics, business presentations - if you did not take those in college, take them at a community college.
Thank you MYOS1634 for your suggestions. I’m interested in an MA in English because I’d like to improve my writing/reading skills since English is not my first language. I live and work in New York and an online program seems to be the best fit for me. As you have mentioned, most affordable online programs offered at colleges are for those who want to teach. ASU is among the few that offer an MA in English.
What degree do you have?
A MA in English will be heavy on theory. It’s not really for people o want to improve their English.