Award-Winning Program
The program was named "Best Online" and "Most Affordable" by the SR Education group in 2019 and 2020.
Program Requirements
For an MA degree in English, all students will complete a minimum of 26 hours of coursework. Those students who take the thesis option will write a master’s thesis under the direction of a faculty adviser during their final two semesters, enrolling in Thesis I (5960) for 4 credits and enrolling for 1 credit of continuing enrollment (5940) in spring.
Students who take the non-thesis option (Plan-B portfolio) will take at least one additional course for 4 additional credits, resulting in 30 hours of coursework for graduation. Both thesis and non-thesis online students will form committees and schedule formal defenses. Online thesis students can choose to write a traditional, chapter-based thesis, or a Public-Facing Thesis portfolio (Plan-B). Online non-thesis students compile a portfolio of three major papers or projects from their coursework, combined with a brief pedagogical reflection essay, for at least 50 pages total.
The low residency program’s curriculum offers a wide range of courses that appeal to a variety of interests, while providing a well-rounded background in English Studies. Classes are taught by award-winning faculty of the Department of English.
Please check the Course Rotation page for proposed courses for each cohort.
Admission
Admission Requirements
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited university
- Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0
- Evidence of ability to do graduate-level work in English
- GRE scores are not required
Applicants whose undergraduate cumulative GPA is below 3.0 may be considered via the Alternative Track Graduate Admissions process if they have at least two years of relevant professional experience.
Admissions Process
Applications are currently open for Summer 2026 admission. The application deadline
is February 1.
Apply online to UW, pay the $50 graduate application fee and submit the required materials.
Required Materials:
Official transcripts of collegiate work completed, including any post-baccalaureate coursework. U.S. Military training transcripts that show neither grades nor degrees awarded may be submitted but are not required as part of the transcript requirement.
A minimum of three letters of recommendation from:
- a current or former college/university instructor of the applicant; and/or
- a current or previous professional supervisor of the applicant.
A statement of purpose that contains the applicant’s:
- Professional/career goals.
- Educational goals.
- Statement of how the graduate program will help the applicant attain their educational and professional goals.
- Explanation for why the applicant would choose the University of Wyoming for graduate study.
A full resume that contains:
- Record of all post-secondary academic work, including the names of the institutions, dates of attendance, and degrees earned.
- Record of all professional employment including dates for each (including any military service, AmeriCorp, PeaceCorp, Fulbright, etc. work experience).
- Any special skills or competencies (including any certifications or licenses).
- List of publications, prizes, awards, or other recognitions.
- List of service/volunteer activities.
Submit a 10-15 page critical writing sample. This paper should demonstrate your ability to construct a sophisticated argument supported by textual analysis. If you are a professional applicant with no current writing sample, consider these writing prompts for an example.
All materials, including letters of recommendation, should be uploaded to the online application prior to the application deadline for full consideration. If you have any questions about the application process, please email EnglishDept@uwyo.edu.
International students interested in this program should review the International Students and Scholars resources regarding student visas for the one-week summer residency requirement.
Other Notes
Tuition & Fees
Entrepreneurial tuition as outlined in the UW Student Fee book. Search for "Distance English Master's Program" for the specific tuition rate.
Transfer Credit
The low residency/online MA in English program will consider on a case-by-case basis accepting up to 8 hours of transfer credit from outside the institution. Up to 8 hours of graduate credits earned at the University of Wyoming prior to admission in the program will be considered case-by-case toward the degree.
Career Opportunities
Students who have earned their MA in English have gone on to: complete PhD programs and secure tenure track faculty positions, teach in community colleges, become lawyers, teach high school, become grant writers, work in public relations and marketing, and work in radio, business, and non-profit organizations.
Research and Travel Support
We encourage students to participate in conferences and research experiences and will provide funding for these endeavors whenever possible. Funding requests must be submitted to the Director of Graduate Studies at the start of the fall semester, or at least six months before the date of planned travel.
