This website is best viewed in a browser that supports web standards.

Skip to content or, if you would rather, Skip to navigation.

Northwest Missouri State University


M.S.Ed. in English

ur newly revised graduate program in English is unique to the region in that most of our literature, writing, and creative writing classes are broadly conceived "umbrella" classes, with changes in the specific content each time the class is offered. This system allows students the variety and depth of experience that characterize effective Master's level programs in English.
Umbrella Courses

Fall 2011

Summer 2011

Spring 2011

Fall 2010

Summer 2010

Spring 2010

Fall 2009

Summer 2009

  • 530: Jane Austen in Books and Films (May)
  • 550: The Harlem Renaissance (June)
  • 640: The Development of Autobiography (July)

Spring 2009

Fall 2008

Summer 2008

Spring 2008

  • 520: Renaissance Drama
  • 631: The Native American Novel
  • 640: The Short Story

Fall 2007

In addition to these umbrella courses, we are offering second year students "Pedagogy of College Composition," a class that gives our students both theoretical background and mentored practical experience in teaching college composition. We also offer "Methods In Secondary School English" and "Young Adult Literature" each year for M.S. Ed. students. Requirements vary depending on whether a student chooses an M.A. or M.S. Ed. Option, but the only course required of everybody is English 610: Introduction to Practical and Theoretical Criticism.

If you would like further information, feel free to call Dr. Nancy Mayer at 660.562.1389 or email me her at nmayer@nwmissouri.edu.

Degree Requirements

M.S. Ed in English (Option I)

Ed 61-695 Philosophy of Education 3 hours
Psych 08-603 Advanced Educational Psychology 3 hours
Eng 10-610 Intro to Practical & Theoretical Criticism 3 hours
Eng 10-501 Writing, Language, & Pedagogy 3 hours
Eng 10-698 Problems in Teaching Literature & Composition 3 hours
Advised Eng Electives 11-12 hours
Approved Electives 6 hours
Total 32-33 hours

Students seeking the M.S.Ed. (Option I) in English will complete an English Department portfolio and oral defense. In addition, they will complete the required assessment for the Education Department, which be evaluated separately. Students must pass all portions of both assessments.

M.S.Ed in English (Option II)

Ed 61-695 Philosophy of Education
OR 61-649 Issues in Education		 3 hours
Ed 61-682 Methods of Educational Research 2 hours
Ed 61-683 Research Paper 1 hour
Ed 61-650 Improvement of Teaching 3 hours
Ed 61-651 Seminar and Practicum in Teaching 3 hours
Eng 10-501 Writing, Language, & Pedagogy 3 hours
Eng 10-610 Intro to Practical & Theoretical Criticism 3 hours
Eng 10-698 Problems in Teaching Literature & Composition
OR Eng 10-580 Methods in Secondary School English		 3 hours
Advised Eng Electives 5-6 hours
Approved Electives 6 hours
Total 32-33 hours

Students seeking the M.S. Ed. (Option II) in English will complete an English Department portfolio and oral defense. In addition, they will complete the required assessment for the Education Department, which be evaluated separately. Students must pass all portions of both assessments.

M.S. Ed. in English with Speech Emphasis

Students in the M.S. Ed. (Option I) programs may elect to take a concentration in Speech by declaring their intention to do so when filing for candidacy. They will be advised to take their six hours of unspecified electives in Speech, and, depending on their backgrounds in English, they may elect to take up to two additional hours of Speech in the M.S. Ed. (Option I) program. In no case will a student take fewer than 14 hours of English. Neither English 10-698 nor English 10-580 will be counted towards those 14 hours. Speech emphasis is not available in the M.S. Ed. (Option II) program.

Students seeking the M.S. Ed. (Option I) in English with a Speech emphasis will complete an English Department portfolio and oral defense and will complete a comprehensive examination in the area of Speech. M.S. Ed. (Option I) students will also complete the required assessment for the Education Department. Each department will be responsible for constructing and evaluating its part of the final assessment.