English (BA, Minor)

The Department of English, General Literature, and Rhetoric provides students the opportunity to study literature and language in their many manifestations. In addition to an English major, the department offers coursework in globalization and culture. Literature courses provide undergraduates with a foundation in literary history as well as an opportunity to explore a variety of genres while fostering critical reading and research skills; courses in globalization and culture explore cultural and literary responses to the emergence of global culture and the questions raised by this process; creative writing courses hone students' writing abilities and develop their unique voices; rhetoric courses deal with both the theory and practice of communication, as well as the history of oral and written argument.

Internships, Research Opportunities, and More

• English Department Internship Program
• Semester in London

The honors program in English consists of two courses taken in the student’s senior year: ENG 498, Honors Seminar; and ENG (RHET) 499, Honors Thesis (CW 499, Honors Portfolio). The designation of honors in English is awarded to students who receive at least a B+ grade in the Honors Seminar and at least an A– in the Honors Thesis or Portfolio.

In the major in English, the two honors courses take the place of two advanced electives. Majors concentrating in rhetoric or creative writing should consult the undergraduate director about how the honors courses may be substituted in their curricula.

Admission to the honors program is by invitation, limited to about 20 students per year, with preference given to students who have completed substantial coursework at Binghamton with the highest grade-point average. The program director may solicit a sample of the student’s written work in an English course and other information.

Accelerated/4+1 Degrees

You may also be interested in our accelerated/4+1 degree programs which allow students to complete their bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in just 5 years!

Binghamton University, State University of New York (SUNY), is the #1 public university in New York. We are a mid-sized university of 18,000 undergraduate and graduate students, including over 1,500 international students from over 100 countries. Binghamton provides top tier education in six schools and 130+ academic programs, with several exclusive honors programs and world-class research opportunities for students in every major.

On campus, there’s always something to do, with 21 NCAA Division I teams and 450+ student-led clubs and organizations. Binghamton University is nestled in picturesque rolling hills just minutes from a vibrant downtown area where students can explore the arts, local restaurants, and professional sports. We are just a few hours from major urban centers such as New York City, Boston, and Toronto, and our award-winning career center connects students to opportunities around the country and around the world.

Binghamton offers countless resources to support students learning and excelling both within and outside of the classroom. Combined with an affordable price, Binghamton University consistently earns a best value ranking among US universities.