The courses have been very flexible and the professors very understanding about the professional lifestyles of their students. The evening classes are extremely helpful for students who have day jobs.”
Emily Naser-Hall, MALit alum
Master of Arts in Literature Online
Through advanced literary study, students in Northwestern’s online Master’s in Literature program grapple with the thought and creative vision of the world’s most remarkable minds. They rediscover and master classic texts while exploring exciting contemporary works, diverse media and genres, and cutting-edge ideas in narrative form and interpretation. Through wide-reaching coursework and the guidance of accomplished faculty, students become sophisticated interpreters of literary and cinematic texts and develop their ability to analyze complex information, challenge assumptions, weigh competing considerations, and reach effective conclusions.
Next application deadline: October 15
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Why the MA in Literature at Northwestern?
As a students in the online MA in Literature at Northwestern, you'll benefit from an interdisciplinary program that offers you the opportunity to:
- Work closely with Northwestern University’s distinguished world-class instructors during classroom seminars and the capstone project
- Engage with like-minded peers passionate about rediscovering classic texts while also exploring contemporary works and innovative ideas in narrative form and interpretation
- Develop your abilities as a critical thinker and writer, endowing you with the intellectual tools necessary for advanced study and more broadly applicable to your professional and literary life
- Join a global network of Northwestern alumni using their backgrounds in the humanities to drive thoughtful change across industries
About the MA in Literature
Earn your MA in Literature entirely online
You can earn your master's degree in literature from Northwestern University in a part-time online format designed to dovetail with the busy schedules of working professionals. Classes in the MA in Literature program are conducted as live weekly seminars meeting via Zoom. This live online seminar format allows students to engage in spontaneous real-time discussion with their professors and peers from anywhere in the world.
Further your career or prepare for advanced study
Graduates of the online Literature Master’s program are well prepared for success in diverse professional industries, from advertising to law. Secondary-school teachers develop a competitive edge by deepening their subject-area knowledge—a key distinction between the MA in Literature program and more general graduate programs in education.
For students interested in pursuing a PhD, the Master’s in Literature program at Northwestern provides a strong foundation for admission to top-tier programs by familiarizing them with a wide range of literary and cinematic genres representing multiple traditions, as well as with cutting-edge theoretical approaches to the interpretation of literature, film, and culture.
Northwestern’s program exposes you to a wide variety of topics and gives you the opportunity to go in depth with your particular interest. It’s important if you apply to PhD programs that you have a clear idea of the specific topic you’re interested in.”
Specialize in your genre of interest
Students in the Master’s in Literature online program are required to complete 9 courses to earn the degree. All Master’s in Literature students must take LIT 410: Introduction to Graduate Study and LIT 590: Thesis Research, as well as seven elective courses. Current students should refer to the MA in Literature curriculum requirements in place at their time of entry into the program.
Students who wish to lend more structure to their experience can choose from one of four genre specializations:
- American literature
- British literature
- Comparative and world literature
- Film, literature, and visual culture
- Interdisciplinary studies
A specialization may be especially beneficial to educators, students considering a PhD program, or anyone who wants to focus their literary study more precisely. Students complete four thematically linked courses for a specialization.
Learn from passionate, accomplished scholars
The faculty of the Master of Arts in Literature program consists of a distinguished group of active scholars and award-winning educators who specialize in a wide range of literary and theoretical disciplines. Highly accomplished in their fields, these faculty members have authored numerous influential books and scholarly works published by leading academic presses, received prestigious fellowships, and earned major literary and academic honors.
Beyond their research, many hold top teaching commendations from the University, including the Charles Deering McCormick Professorship of Teaching Excellence and the NU Alumnae Teaching Professorship, reflecting a deep commitment to their roles as educators and mentors.
One of my first-year professors became one of my most important mentors. She helped me publish an essay based on our research and encouraged me to pursue my PhD. I continue to work with her on various projects today.”
Demonstrate expertise in the capstone essay
Students sign up for the final course in the program, LIT 590: Thesis Research, during the term in which they start their master's thesis. The capstone project for the online MA in Literature program is an essay of 40 to 60 double-spaced pages written under the supervision of an approved faculty member. This project presents an opportunity to research and explore a topic thoroughly with the guidance of a faculty adviser. Students often elect to expand a seminar paper from a previous course. With the approval of the program director, students may create an interdisciplinary final project rather than a traditional thesis.Admission to the MA in Literature
A variety of factors are considered when your application is reviewed. Background and experience vary from student to student. For a complete list of requirements, see the admissions page for SPS graduate programs.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Tuition for the Master's in Literature program at Northwestern is comparable to similar U.S. programs. Financial aid opportunities exist for students at Northwestern. Complete details can be found on the MA in Literature tuition and financial aid pages.
Registration Information
Already accepted into the Master's in Literature program? Get ahead and register for your classes as soon as possible to ensure maximum efficiency in your trajectory.
Literature Special Events
The Liberal Studies and Literature lecture series connects online Master of the Arts in Literature students with Northwestern faculty presenting work from a range of engaging and thought-provoking topics. Visit the SPS events calendar to check for upcoming events. See the MA in Literature special events page for summaries and video recordings of past events.