M.A. in English Education
Graduate
The M.A. in English Education at Colorado State University is designed for educators who want to be innovators. Whether you are already a practicing teacher or are preparing to enter the profession, we invite you to join a program that will deepen your teaching practice, challenge your thinking, and help you create classrooms that will change the world.
Educate to Innovate
English Education Graduate Program
Our program is designed for maximum flexibility. If you already have a teaching license, you can complete your degree in as little as two years (4-5 semesters of coursework), but are also able to pace your program according to your professional obligations. If you enter the program without a teaching license, you should plan on an extra 2-4 semesters, depending on your academic background.
To find out more about the specifics of this program, take a look at the following resources.
Please note, this degree is for English Education (English language arts). If you are interested in teaching English as a Foreign or Second Language (TEFL/TESL), you can find that degree program here.
Tailored to Your Needs & Interests


As an English Education MA candidate, you will be able to tailor a course of study aligned with your interests and needs. In addition to the three core courses that are required for the degree, you can take other courses in the English Department focused on literature, language, reading, and writing. The required courses in our program emphasize the dynamic relationship between cutting-edge theory and research and innovative classroom practice.
You won’t have to wait until you earn your degree to engage in the profession, network with other educators, and develop as a teacher leader.
Additional Funding Opportunities
Graduate Teaching Assistantships
Through the Department of English’s Graduate Teaching Assistantship program, qualified graduate students can build professional experience while pursuing their degrees. Most assistantships involve teaching CO 150: College Composition, though some students serve in research or support roles that contribute to the department’s teaching and scholarly mission.
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McBride Teacher-Scholar Award
The McBride Teacher-Scholar Award honors Bill McBride, who taught for 45 years in Colorado schools, including Manzanola, Poudre and Fort Collins High Schools, and Colorado State University. Established when he retired in 1998, the endowment continues Bill’s legacy of ensuring quality English Language Arts teachers for secondary schools.
Thanks to the generous support of the McBride Endowment, the CSU English Education program is able to provide a limited number of awards to area teachers.
The recipient(s) of the award shall be participating in classes, workshops, the CSU Writing Project, or other offerings by the Department of English at Colorado State University. Preference shall be given to a participant who is a teacher of English language arts in a public school.
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Ruff Scholarship
The Ruff Scholarship, a generous annual donation from Jim and Walta Ruff, is actually multiple scholarships. It supports current and prospective teachers studying in the CSU English Education program. Multiple awards for up to six credits of tuition may be made annually. Applicants must demonstrate how they will use the funds toward professional development or their degree.
Student Experience
Many of our students become active members of NCTE@CSU, the student affiliate of the National Council of Teachers of English. Additionally, students complete internships, take advantage of professional development opportunities through organizations such as the CSU Writing Project, and participate in community literacy initiatives.
Students also serve as conversation partners with international students, present at state and national literacy conferences, and publish in professional journals. Along the way, they collaborate with English Education faculty on literacy research and work with area schools through grading partnerships and tutoring.
Looking for resources and professional development opportunities within our English Ed. community? Tap the button below to explore.
What Are Students Saying?

“The Master’s in English Education at CSU was excellent preparation for me to pursue a Ph.D. and become an Assistant Professor. Through the program, I gained a solid foundation of relevant theory and research in literacy studies and an understanding of English Education pedagogy for diverse learners. The program helped me to develop as a communicator, analytical thinker, and academic writer. In addition, my experience teaching College Composition for two years through a graduate teaching assistantship prepared me for the teaching I do now.”
-Blaine Smith, MA English: English Education
Faculty
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Ricki Ginsberg
- Associate Professor and Director of English Education
- Program Coordinator
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Naitnaphit Limlamai
- Assistant Professor, English Education
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Cindy O’Donnell-Allen
- Full Professor
- (past) William E. Morgan Endowed Chair
- Director, CSU Writing Project
- Founder, Colorado State Sustainable Teaching and Learning Collaborative
- Chair
Ready to apply?
Review the Graduate School guide to start your application process. Here you will find information about general application requirements, international applicant requirements, how to submit your transcripts, and more.
The MA in English Education at CSU is a WICHE Western Regional Graduate Program. Residents of Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming are eligible for in-state tuition.
Ways to apply for free
CSU supports options for students to apply for free as part of our commitment to access. We have options for graduate students to apply for free through fee waivers.
Graduate School Student Handbook
Are you a current student? Quickly access essential academic, professional, and wellbeing resources, as well as important information about graduate student responsibilities via the Graduate School Student Handbook.