The Bachelor of Arts in English provides students with a strong grounding in the field of English language and literature, with an emphasis on developing highly marketable writing and research skills. Students may choose from two concentrations: Literary and Cultural Analysis or Professional Writing. Both concentrations offer students a solid foundation in written and spoken English, with an emphasis on textual analysis and interpretation. English graduates pursue careers in writing, editing, public relations, education, legal studies, strategic communications, marketing, politics and government, journalism, and library science. Students work closely with their professors, who are published authors and scholars in their field of study. Many students combine their coursework with a minor in Creative Writing.
Literary and Cultural Analysis Concentration
Students in the Literary and Cultural Analysis concentration receive extensive training in literary and cultural studies, focusing on the forms of written expression and the methods of literary analysis and interpretation. Throughout their coursework, students refine their writing and research skills, culminating in a final research project. Many students who choose this concentration continue to study English at the graduate level.
Professional Writing Concentration
Students in the Professional Writing concentration focus on a variety of professional writing skills, including business and technical writing, grant writing, document design, and copyediting. Students also gain experience providing content for websites and social media. With its strong career orientation, this concentration offers a variety of internship opportunities and prepares students for writing and editing careers in the business world, non-profit organizations, and government agencies.