This plan provides you with the necessary coursework to earn post-degree certification in English education so you can obtain a position as a secondary English/Language Arts teacher.
This program is nationally recognized by the National Council of Teachers of English.
This program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
More Information
If you love language and love to teach, the MA in English—Secondary Education could help you land your dream job. Our program gives you the tools to instill skills and interest in language to secondary students.
In our collaborative community, you’ll be given the instruction and attention necessary for your success. You will earn post-degree certification in English Education, which will enable you to seek a position as a secondary English or language arts teacher. And the time you spend student teaching will prepare you for that dream job.
To receive a master’s degree at Northern Arizona University, you must complete a planned group of courses from one or more subject areas, consisting of at least 30 units of graduate-level courses. Many master’s degree programs require more than 30 units.
You must additionally complete:
Read the full policy here.
In addition to University Requirements:
Candidates in this program are required to demonstrate content knowledge, pedagogical knowledge and skills, professional knowledge, and professional dispositions to be eligible to enter student teaching or internship placements.
Content, pedagogical, and professional knowledge or skills, professional dispositions are demonstrated through candidate performance on key assessments embedded in the following course(s):
| Minimum Units for Completion | 37 |
| Additional Admission Requirements | Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required. |
| Arizona Certification/Endorsement | Prepares student for Arizona Certification and/or Endorsement. |
| Student Teaching/Supervised Teaching | Student Teaching/Supervised Teaching is required. |
| Progression Plan Link | View Program of Study |
Purpose Statement
Northern Arizona no longer offers and M. Ed. in Secondary Education with an emphasis in English. We only offer the Master of Arts degree in English with an emphasis in Secondary English Education. The graduate level English Education program at Northern Arizona University consists of a Master of Arts in English with an emphasis in Secondary English Education. The program itself resides within the College of Arts and Letters.
All teacher education programs in Arizona are expected to be in alignment with the Arizona Professional Teacher Standards. Nine (9) standards encompass this document; the first 8 actually apply to English teachers and standard 9 would be difficult to meet without district support. Further, Arizona teachers must prepare their candidates to meet the English/Language Arts standards outlined by the state Department of Education (these standards follow, for the most part, the NCTE/IRA standards). The state of Arizona requires for initial certification 1) a Bachelor’s or more advanced degree from an accredited institution and A) completion of a teacher preparation program in secondary education from an accredited institution (which we are) or B) at least 30 hours of education courses with at least 8 hours of practicum in grades 7-12.
The MA in English Education requires 37 credit hours of graduate level coursework (two 400 level classes may be used toward the master’s degree) (see attached program of study). Candidates take 31 credits hours in English Pedagogical Content/Teaching Methods and Foundations classes including EPS 605 Educational Psychology. The state of Arizona requires 6 credits of Structured English Immersion classes (SEI) and this requirement is met with ENG 581 Language and Literacy and ENG 406 ESL Methods and materials or BME 537. Candidates enroll in 9 credits of Student Teaching ENG 595; and one credit of English education Practicum (ENG 689). Candidates also take 6 credits of English content courses. The 37 credit hours of the English Education B.S. Ed. major meet and/or exceed the requirements by the state of Arizona for licensure (thirty semester hours of education courses including 8 semester hours of practicum in grades 7-12). See attached requirements for a secondary teaching certificate in the state of Arizona.
Student Learning Outcomes
Outcomes align with Standards from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, the National Council of Teachers of English, and the Interstate New Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium
Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.
The NAU graduate online application is required for all programs. Admission to many graduate programs is on a competitive basis, and programs may have higher standards than those established by the Graduate College.
Admission requirements include the following:
Visit the NAU Graduate Admissions website for additional information about graduate school application deadlines, eligibility for study, and admissions policies.
Ready to apply? Begin your application now.
International applicants have additional admission requirements. Please see the International Graduate Admissions Policy.
Take the following 37 units:
Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.