English – Post Master’s (Doctor of Arts)

The Doctor of Arts (D.A.) in English is a terminal degree designed for K-12 educators, community college instructors, and other professionals seeking advanced expertise in teaching English. The program combines disciplinary study with applied research to help educators strengthen classroom instruction and prepare for teaching college-level English. Preparation for National Board Certification is integrated into the program. An active Board certificate may count for 9 hours toward the 12 hours required of EH 8990 D.A. Project. 

Designed for working educators, the D.A. is offered in a flexible, 100% online format that allows students to remain in their current positions and locations while pursuing a doctorate. 

Unlike Ed.D. (Doctor of Education) and Ed.S. (Education Specialist) programs focused on educational leadership, administration, or specialized support roles, the D.A. in English emphasizes advanced content knowledge of English and discipline-specific pedagogy. It is designed for educators who plan to continue teaching, including dual enrollment courses in high schools and English courses at colleges. It is not designed as a pathway to research-focused, tenure-track faculty careers that require Ph.D. preparation, nor does it lead to Alabama professional educator certification.

The D.A. program also offers a Post-Bachelor’s Track for applicants who already hold a bachelor’s degree in English, English Language Arts, or a related discipline.

Apply Now

Application Deadlines

Applications for the Doctor of Arts in English are accepted year-round with cohorts beginning each Fall semester. Therefore, students admitted in the Spring or Summer may take a total of up to six (6) hours of courses with approval from the Program Director but will be part of the next available Fall Cohort.

Completed applications are reviewed as they are received for this program.

Applications completed after March 31 will be considered for admission if seats remain available. If no seats are available, the application will be considered for admission for the next available term and Fall Cohort.

Application Materials Required for the Doctor of Arts with a Major in in English

Applicants must hold a master’s degree in English, English Language Arts, or a closely related field from an institutionally accredited institution.

Applicants for the Doctor of Arts program, Post-Master’s track, must submit all of the following documentation to Graduate Admissions to be considered for admission: 

Graduate Admissions
Jacksonville State University
700 Pelham Road North
Jacksonville, Alabama 36265-1602

Applicants will not be considered for admission until all required documents are received by Graduate Studies. 

1. Completed JSU Graduate Application for Admission.
   
   
2. Non-refundable $35.00 application processing fee. 
   
   
3. Official transcripts from the baccalaureate degree and master’s degree awarding institutions and all transcripts from institutions where post-baccalaureate work has been completed. To be considered for admission, applicants must hold a degree from an institutionally accredited institution or its foreign equivalent. (Students who have previously attended JSU do not need to request a transcript from the university. 
   
   
4. All applicants must submit three graduate reference forms from individuals qualified to assess their academic potential (e.g., former professors or supervisors).
   
   
5. An updated résumé or CV.
   
   
6. A writing sample may be required.
   
   
7. International student applicants must see the International Student Applicants section of this catalog for other application and enrollment requirements. 

Admission Requirements for the Doctor of Arts with a Major in English

Admission to the program is selective and competitive. Admission decisions are based on the review of each applicant's academic background and completed application packet. Applicants may be granted unconditional or conditional admission. Students admitted conditionally must maintain a 3.0 overall GPA during their first 12 hours and will be granted unconditional admission upon successfully meeting that requirement.

Progression and Retention

Students in the D.A. must maintain an overall GPA of 3.00.

All graduate coursework and degree requirements toward a doctoral degree (including credit transferred from another university) must be completed within a period of eight (8) calendar years, which would include the summer term.

Minimum Requirements for the Doctor of Arts with a Major in English

The D.A. requires 45 post-master’s credit hours, including core and elective courses.

An active National Board Certificate may count for up to nine (9) hours of coursework.

Oral Exam and D.A. Project

An oral exam and an oral project defense, an overall 3.00 GPA on all doctoral coursework attempted, and completion within eight years are required.

Graduation

All students must apply for graduation by the given deadline of the semester in which they plan to graduate. Please see the Graduation and Comprehensive Exam section of this catalog for more information.