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 and nationally recognized by the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE).
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
The Master of Arts in English Secondary Education prepares students with a background in English literature, linguistics, creative writing, or rhetoric for teaching English in grades 7-12. As a foundation for their work in education, students develop competency in lesson design, classroom management, and instructional delivery. The program emphasizes the development of a teacher’s ability to develop research-based teaching strategies that make reading, writing, literature, prose, grammar, and vocabulary accessible to learners. Our program places a strong emphasis on gaining field experience through practicums and student teaching. Faculty connect these field experiences to coursework, combining theory and practice, modeling effective instruction, providing relevant context, and building confidence to address the variety of situations future teachers will encounter. Upon completion of this degree, students are prepared to become a certified English teacher in the state of Arizona, or engage in careers in related fields such as publishing, curriculum development, and educational research.
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.