Overview

The English programme at San Diego State University provides a comprehensive graduate education focused on the advanced analysis of literary and cultural texts. This two-year course of study is designed to foster deep critical engagement through small-group seminars and scholarly research. Students benefit from a curriculum that balances historical breadth with contemporary theoretical perspectives.

Participants in the programme have the opportunity to develop their professional skills by teaching undergraduates and participating in academic conferences. The department supports a diverse range of research interests, with faculty expertise spanning major literary biographies, historical studies, and creative writing. This academic rigour ensures that graduates are well-prepared for the demands of doctoral study or professional careers.

Why English at San Diego State University?

The university offers a vibrant intellectual community where graduate students receive exceptional mentorship from distinguished faculty. The department is known for its diverse course offerings and its commitment to professional development, helping students make vital connections within the region and the wider academic field. Facilities and resources support a broad spectrum of original research, poetry, and fiction.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 8548 per year
National fee: USD 8548 per year
Local fee: USD 8548 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum requires the completion of 30 units, including core requirements and elective choices. Modules may include:

Graduate Study
American Literature
British Literature
Children’s Literature
Comparative Literature
Major Author or Authors
Reading and Writing Rhetorically
History of Rhetoric
Modern Rhetoric and Composition Studies

Students conclude their studies by choosing between a traditional research thesis or a comprehensive portfolio assessment and oral defence.

Careers with English

Graduates from this programme are highly successful in securing positions within academia and various professional sectors. Many students progress to prestigious Ph.D. programmes or pursue teaching roles in community colleges and secondary schools. The analytical and communication skills developed during the course are also highly valued in other industries.

Common career paths for alumni include:

University and College Teaching
Publishing and Editorial Roles
Legal Professions
Non-profit Organisation Management
Professional Writing and Research

The programme's emphasis on critical analysis and sophisticated writing makes candidates particularly attractive to law firms and creative industries, demonstrating the versatile application of an advanced degree in literature.

Programme Structure

Available specializations

American Literature

British Literature

Children’s Literature

Comparative Literature

Rhetoric and Writing

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-08-24 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-02-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

105

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TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

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Credits

30 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

San Diego, United States

Disciplines

Language Studies Literature View 846 other Masters in Language Studies in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

105

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Three letters of recommendation

A 750–1000 word statement of purpose

A 10-page writing sample from a previous literature course, preferably an analytical essay involving research

A copy of all transcripts (may be unofficial).

International documents

Test scores

Transcripts

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

11548 USD / year

≈ 11548 USD / year
Out-of-State

11548 USD / year

≈ 11548 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

8548 USD / year

≈ 8548 USD / year

Additional Details

Non-resident tuition: Add $444 per unit to the basic tuition and fees listed above.

Living costs

San Diego

United States

1400 - 2455 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for English.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Additional Details

Living costs

San Diego

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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