Program Overview
The study of literature is about more than fiction and poetry. It is about communication, culture, community, and the human condition.
In the English Master’s Degree Program, you’ll expand your critical thinking skills, enabling you to analyze complex ideas — not just in print but online, where stories thrive but often conflict. You’ll learn to contextualize competing narratives and interpret their meanings. Abilities like these are essential in professions such as law, journalism, publishing, marketing, politics, education, film, and even game design — essentially in any field where language, and the evaluation of language, is paramount.
Through the master’s degree in the field of English, you will:
- Refine your ability to identify topics and develop questions that lead to meaningful scholarly inquiry in the humanities.
- Develop an enhanced knowledge of the philosophical, historical, and cultural forces that shape literary works.
- Cultivate a deeper understanding of the work that literary scholars do.
- Hone the skills required for communicating your ideas effectively.
Program Benefits
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Customizable course curriculum
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Expert instructors, including faculty from Harvard University’s Faculty of Arts and Sciences
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Personalized academic & career advising
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A faculty-supported thesis or applied research project
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Paid research opportunities
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Harvard Alumni Association membership upon graduation
Customizable Course Curriculum
Our curriculum is flexible in pace and customizable by design. You’ll experience the convenience of online learning and the immersive benefits of learning in person.
The English master’s degree includes a wide range of English literature courses to choose from so you can tailor your experience to meet your unique learning goals.
Sample English courses include:
- Advanced Poetry: Learning from Poets
- The Novella: A Global History
- Poetry in America: Whitman and Dickinson
- Seeing Nature in the Twentieth Century
You can choose elective courses from subjects like anthropology, creative writing, history, and philosophy, including such courses as:
- Advanced Memoir
- Happiness
- Understanding Race and Racism
- What Is the Enlightenment?
To further personalize your experience, you choose between a thesis or capstone track. You may choose to earn a graduate certificate in American literature and culture along the way.
11 Online Courses
- Primarily synchronous
- Fall, spring, January, and summer options
On-Campus Experience
Join faculty and peers in person for Engaging in Scholarly Conversation, which you can take in either:
- 2 weekends
- A 3-week summer session
See course spotlight.
Capstone or Thesis Track
Choose the track that fits your goals:
- Thesis: features a 9-month independent research project with a thesis advisor
- Capstone: includes exploring classic novels and completing a project in a classroom community
Admissions
The path to your degree begins before you apply to the program.
First, you’ll register for and complete 3 required courses, earning at least a B in each. These foundational courses are investments in your studies and count toward your degree, helping ensure success in the program.
Upcoming Terms: Summer 2025 & Fall 2025
You can enroll in your first admission course this summer or fall. Course registration opens March 3 for summer and in mid-July for fall.
To get started, explore degree requirements, confirm your initial eligibility, and learn more about our unique “earn your way in” admissions process.
Earning a Stackable Certificate
As you work toward your master’s degree, you can take courses that also count — or “stack” — toward a American Literature and Culture Graduate Certificate. It’s a cost-effective, time-saving opportunity to build specialized skills and earn a second professional credential.
Our Community at a Glance
Your peers from the field of English work in a variety of writing, research, and communication-intensive industries, such as fundraising, publishing, advertising/marketing, and education (secondary and higher education).
Upon successful completion of the required curriculum, you will earn the Master of Liberal Arts (ALM) in Extension Studies, Field: English.
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39
Average Age
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1–2
Courses Taken Each Semester
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74%
Work Full Time
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100%
Would Recommend the Program
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61%
Professional Experience in the Field
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Most
Pursued for Personal Enrichment
Career Opportunities & Alumni Outcomes
Alumni work in various writing-, research-, and communication-intensive industries, including:
- Public service
- Information technology
- Publishing
- Advertising and marketing
- Fundraising
- Education (secondary and higher education)
In addition, they have pursued graduate work at top schools, including:
- Boston University
- Harvard Graduate School of Education
- Tufts University, and the University of Pennsylvania
Career Advising and Mentorship
Whatever your career goals, we’re here to support you. Harvard’s Mignone Center for Career Success offers career advising, employment opportunities, Harvard alumni mentor connections, and career fairs.
Your Harvard University Degree
Upon successful completion of the required curriculum, you will receive your Harvard University degree — a Master of Liberal Arts (ALM) in Extension Studies, Field: English.
Expand Your Connections: the Harvard Alumni Network
As a graduate, you’ll become a member of the worldwide Harvard Alumni Association (400,000+ members) and Harvard Extension Alumni Association (29,000+ members).
Tuition & Financial Aid
Affordability is core to our mission. When compared to our continuing education peers, it’s a fraction of the cost.
| Our Tuition (2024–25 rate) | $3,340 per course |
|---|---|
| Average Tuition of Peer Institutions | $4,330 per course |
| Average Total Cost | $40,080 |
After admission, you may qualify for financial aid. Typically, eligible students receive grant funds to cover a portion of tuition costs each term, in addition to federal financial aid options.
Learn more about the cost of attendance.
Coffee Chat: All About Liberal Arts Programs at HES
Are you interested in learning more about liberal arts graduate degree programs at Harvard Extension School? Attendees joined us for an informational webinar where they had the opportunity to connect with program directors, academic advisors, and alumni.
