The Master of Arts in English at Mason offers students the opportunity to enhance their skills of reading, writing, research and teaching with courses that encompass the wide range of contemporary English studies. Students can work in and across concentrations in literature, professional writing, rhetoric, cultural studies, film, folklore, linguistics, and the teaching of writing and literature. It offers the MA in field-specific concentrations as well as the opportunity to combine a concentration in one field with a certificate from another one. Many students use the MA for professional enhancement, or as an entry into teaching, professional writing, or doctoral study.

Students in the programs range from recent graduates to mid-career professionals, and each benefit from their classmates’ different backgrounds and experience.  Through the department’s seminars and activities, the programs create a community of teachers, writers and scholars who understand the power of ideas to transform individuals, our professions, and our society. 

Students pursuing the MA in English choose one concentration: cultural studies, linguistics, literature, folklore, professional writing and rhetoric, or the teaching of writing and literature. 

All applicants for graduate study at George Mason University must meet the admission standards specified in the Admission chapter of the University Catalog.

You are responsible for submitting all required application materials by the posted deadline. Review your program's Admissions Requirements and Deadlines before you begin your application. You can also visit our Grad Admissions FAQs page for helpful hints on how best to prepare your transcripts and other Admissions materials.

Step 1: Complete and submit the online Graduate Admissions application. George Mason University requires all graduate applicants to upload all possible required supplementary materials, such as unofficial transcripts, goals statement or writing sample, at the same time you submit your application. Online applications require a non-refundable $75 application processing fee.

• Start Your Graduate Application

Step 2: Within a few days of submitting your online application, you will receive an email with your Mason G number (G#). This is a tracking number provided to all applicants that allows us to match your supporting documentation to your completed application.

Step 3: Check your application status and requirements checklist in your application portal. Initial processing takes 3 to 5 business days from the date of submission. You can use your application log-in and password to access your information throughout the application process. Graduate Admissions may send updates or notify you of issues with your application through your admissions portal, so it is best to log in periodically to monitor your application status.

Step 4: For newly admitted students, refer to the CHSS New Graduate Student webpage for tips on confirming enrollment, submitting official transcripts, registering for class and more.

The fall graduate degree seeking application opens September 15.

The spring graduate degree seeking application opens April 15.

The summer graduate degree seeking application opens September 15.

Program Specific Requirements

College TranscriptsGoals StatementGREPortfolioRecommendation LettersResumeWriting Sample

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Additional Information

The MA in English program has five concentrations. Applicants must select a concentration when applying.

• Cultural Studies
• Folklore Studies
• Linguistics
• Literature
• Professional and Technical Writing
• Teaching of Writing and Literature

Goals statement (uploaded via online application). The goals statement should be 750 - 1000 words and describe particular areas of interest within a chosen concentration. Read More

A 1,500 to 2,000-word writing sample is required for all concentrations. Applicants to the concentrations in cultural studies, literature, professional writing and rhetoric, or the teaching of writing and literature, should submit a sample of literary analysis. Applicants to the concentration in linguistics should submit an analytical writing sample. Read More

The names and email addresses (via the online application) of the two individuals who will be submitting the required letters of recommendation. The recommendations should be academic, rather than professional or personal. Read More.

Application Deadlines

Fall Deadline: March 15

Spring Deadline: October 15

Summer Deadline: February 1

Funding Deadline: March 15

Fall admission: Application review will begin on March 15 for the Cultural Studies, Folklore Studies, Literature, Professional and Technical Writing and Teaching of Writing and Literature concentrations. 

• Applications for Fall 2022 will be accepted until August 1, 2022.  Applications received by March 15 will be considered for GTA positions.  Applications missing supplementary materials after August 1 will be considered until August 15, 2022.

Spring admission: Application review will begin on October 15 for the Cultural Studies, Folklore Studies, Literature, Professional and Technical Writing and Teaching of Writing and Literature concentrations. 

• Applications for Spring 2022 will be accepted until December 15, 2021.  Applications missing supplementary materials after December 15 will be considered until January 1, 2022.

Summer admission: Application review will begin on February 1.

• Applications for Summer 2022 will be accepted until February 1, 2022.  Applications missing supplementary materials after February 1 will be considered until February 15, 2022.

Tuition fee-2 years$58,000

Total fee-2 years$1,04,000