Study English at Austin Peay: stand out among the crowd.
Our students are the makers, thinkers, and explorers of tomorrow - graduates of English programs go on to become doctors, lawyers, accountants, writers, publishers, teachers, and scholars.
We prepare students for jobs of the future, encouraging creative problem-solving, attention to detail, a keen analytical approach, and training with the latest research, writing, and editing technologies.
At APSU, we offer a strong generalist program with a foundation in literary theory and criticism in addition to specialization in creative writing, technical and professional writing, linguistics, and composition and rhetoric. Beginning in Fall 2025, students may earn Graduate Certificates in Literature and Literary Criticism, Creative Writing, Linguistics, and Technical and Professional Writing.
Why Choose APSU to complete your MA degree?
Diverse Curriculum Options
Our course work provides three different options: a traditional MA in English and American literature, an MA with a concentration in Creative Writing, and an MA with a concentration in Linguistics. These different options help students tailor their courses to meet their interests and future career paths. Each of these paths can also be completed with or without a thesis, again an option that allows prospective students to tailor their graduate program to their interests and future career paths. Our course work also includes opportunities for internships in creative and professional writing fields.
Engaged and Engaging Faculty
Our faculty work one-on-one with graduate students to pursue their research and help them professionalize. Faculty partner with graduate students and offer mentoring and guidance in preparing seminar papers for conference presentations. Graduate students regularly attend the locally hosted Tennessee Philological Association Conference to participate in conference attendance and as presenters. Faculty also actively encourage students to participate in graduate-student friendly conferences such as the Conference and the . Dr. Andrea Spofford is the sponsor for our local chapter.
Tutoring, Teaching, Editing, & Administrative Opportunities
Graduate students who apply for and earn a GTA position with us can work in the campus Writing Center as tutors and administrators, teach English 1010 Enhanced labs in partnership with a full-time faculty member who teaches the lecture portion of the course, and advanced students can teach their own section of English 1010 or English 1020, pending departmental need. Some GTAs have the opportunity to work on the department’s literary magazine Zone 3 or with one of the other centers on campus, such as the Women’s & Gender Studies Center.
Life after the M.A.
Like other liberal arts programs, the English M.A. program is not a training ground for a specific profession, but rather may serve as a preparatory stage for a variety of careers.
Our students include:
- middle school and high school teachers who desire greater expertise in their teaching field;
- those who aspire to academic careers and plan to enter an MFA or PhD program;
- those seek non-academic positions in the business or managerial world, including positions in office management, editing, proofreading, technical writing, or other jobs in the publishing industry;
- those who wish to enrich their lives through the advanced study of literature.
Your English M.A. degree should be seen as aiding you with any position that emphasizes analytical skills and finesse with language and will be viewed favorably by any employer who desires employees with proven communication skills. The advanced study of literature should also sharpen your perceptions and deepen your understanding in any occupation.