The Value of a Master’s in English

Some debate the advantages of earning a master’s degree in a soft subject like English. While popular degree rankings often rely heavily on financial gains and jobs data, they fail to take into account the benefits that make an MA in English deeply worthwhile. An MA in English is for the student passionate about literary studies, scholarly pursuits, or writing. A close look at the master’s in English reveals that, in addition to the intangible benefits of personal enrichment and educational accomplishment, the graduate degree can indeed help students further their career opportunities.

Checks Off Employers’ Wish Lists

Across the board, employers value communication skills, creative thinking, and adept writing. The MA in English develops each of these aptitudes, strengths that are highly sought after in virtually every career field. “In our world of rapid change, job-specific skills have an ever-shorter shelf life,” said David D. Esselstrom, PhD, professor emeritus of English. “What doesn’t become old or dated is the ability to face new challenges and analyze them, to respond thoughtfully, and finally to evaluate and skillfully articulate one’s findings.”

According to an analysis of job growth and education requirements by Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce, communication, decision-making, and analysis are among the most in-demand competencies across the job market. Students learn advanced skills in these areas in an MA in English program, enhancing their ability to think critically, write persuasively, and solve problems creatively. Notably, graduates with degrees in the liberal arts are a prized commodity, even in the ever-shifting science and tech fields, according to a Forbes report: “Throughout the major U.S. tech hubs … software companies are discovering that liberal arts thinking makes them stronger.”

Prepares for a Variety of Career Options

Rather than equipping students for a single job or career track, the MA in English serves as a strong foundation for a wide variety of careers, as demonstrated by graduates holding bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English. “We have alumni who are lawyers, teachers, professors, school administrators, web developers, editors, and authors,” said Esselstrom. “APU English alumni are represented in the film industry, publishing, insurance, public relations, business, and law enforcement. We also have graduates living in Indonesia, Japan, and other places around the world teaching English and working in government and business.”

Because graduates end up in such myriad fields, rankings that look at generic employment growth projections—from a limited range of closely associated jobs—often leave out English master’s degree holders who are thriving in other areas.

Advances Careers in Traditional Paths

An MA in English is a popular choice for those pursuing more traditional career paths in higher education or high-school teaching. The addition of a master’s in English may bring added responsibility or a promotion for an educator, and it can open the door to broader job opportunities that require a graduate-level degree. Earning a graduate English degree also represents a significant step toward further studies at the doctoral level, for those who plan to earn a PhD and advance in academia. “Pursuing the English master’s degree can be a natural choice for teachers wishing to climb further up the salary scale through professional development, for scholars thinking of tackling the PhD, and for pastors wishing to broaden their outlooks and analytical skills,” explains Esselstrom.

Enhances Job Growth and Stability

Earning a master’s in English or another subject increases a graduate’s earning potential. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics illuminates this point: Master’s degree holders make an average of $11,800 more each year than those with just a bachelor’s degree. And jobs requiring a master’s degree are expected to grow the fastest in the coming years, making graduate school a worthwhile investment for many.