English, BA
Love reading and writing? Study literature while sharpening your writing, analysis and communication skills. Gain insight into cultural issues and prepare for varied careers that value creativity, critical thinking and strong expression.
Quick facts
Locations
Courses
or any math course that meets the MATH designation
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
International students (F1), this program is not eligible for the STEM-OPT extension.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Degree description
English degree description
In the Bachelor of Arts program in English, you learn to think critically and reflectively about language, literature and culture. You develop advanced critical thinking abilities; refined skills for clear and effective verbal communication; expertise in constructing well-supported and persuasive arguments; experience performing complex textual analysis; knowledge of historical trends in written discourse; an awareness of the role of literary discourse in broader social and historical contexts; and an ability to engage in big-picture thinking.
You have the opportunity to gain practical publishing experience with the literary magazine Canyon Voices.
The English major curriculum helps you strengthen your analytical skills, shape your own ideas, and develop your own interests. English courses are regularly offered in fiction, poetry and creative writing; periods and authors in British, American and global literatures; women's and ethnic literatures; and creative and expository writing.
World-class faculty members have strong reputations in various fields of research and are ready to enhance skill sets, deepen knowledge bases, and help you apply the BA in English to a variety of professions.
Why study English at ASU?
Beyond your coursework, you can plug into hands-on student communities like the Print and Protest, Canyon Voices literary magazine, and the English Club. These experiences help you apply your knowledge, develop career-ready skills, and graduate with a competitive edge.
Courses
Explore a sample list of courses you may take in this program.
| Sample courses |
|---|
| ENG 200 Critical Reading and Writing About Literature |
| ENG 203 Introduction to Health Humanities |
| ENG 221 English Literature to 1800 |
| ENG 245 Popular Culture Issues |
| ENG 205 Why Writing Matters |
| ENG 323 Rhetoric and Grammar |
Course checksheet and curriculum archive
The curriculum checksheet displays this program's required courses and other requirements you must complete for graduation.
Current ASU students, see how your courses can apply to another major and find out how to change your major (opens in new window).
Already completed some college courses? Build on your success.
If you earned college credit outside ASU, our transfer tools map out your progress towards a degree and help you plan next steps.
See how your credits may apply (opens in new window)What you'll learn
The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.
- Analyze how literary texts shape and are shaped by social, cultural, political and economic contexts.
- Conduct research using primary and secondary sources to support a literary analysis essay.
- Analyze issues of class, race, gender, and ethnicity in literary works from the 19th and 20th centuries.
Analyze how literary texts shape and are shaped by social, cultural, political and economic contexts.Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First year (opens in new window) | Transfer (opens in new window) | International (opens in new window) | Readmission (opens in new window)
A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.
Students should visit the Change of Major form (opens in new window) for information about how to change a major to this program.
Explore expanded study opportunities
This program allows you to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. As a high-achieving student, accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for you to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of your master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
This program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:
Approval to pursue the accelerated master's is typically granted during the junior year of your bachelor's degree program. If you are interested, you can learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
When you pursue concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”), you earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with your academic advisor, you can create your own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
Studying abroad enables students in the English program to explore language at a deeper level through an expanded lens of dialects, literature and terminology.
With more than 300 Global Education program opportunities available to them, students are able to tailor their experience to their specific interests and skill sets. Students in these programs build communication skills, learn to adapt and persevere, and are exposed to research and internships across the world, increasing their professional network. Participation in a study abroad program provides students with the heightened cultural competency and strengthened leadership and critical thinking skills that enhance their resumes and help them stand out in a competitive career field. Whether in a foreign country, in the U.S. or online, students in the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences can explore how their varied fields and interests interact in different settings around the world.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimate
Build the career and future you want
Our graduates are prepared for a variety of career paths, including:
| Career | Growth | Median Salary | More Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Communications Specialist | -0.3% | $76,910 | Learn more |
| Editor | -1.1% | $77,920 | Learn more |
| Freelance Writer | -0.3% | $76,910 | Learn more |
| GED Instructor | -13.9% | $61,540 | Learn more |
| High School Teacher | -0.2% | $72,040 | Learn more |
| Lawyer | 4.7% | $159,670 | Learn more |
| Marketing Manager | 6.9% | $166,790 | Learn more |
| Middle School Teacher | -0.4% | $64,370 | Learn more |
| Public Relations Manager (PR Manager) | 5.7% | $146,910 | Learn more |
| Technical Writer | 0.8% | $90,390 | Learn more |
Example job titles and salaries listed are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.
Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
More about careers
Careers this English degree prepares you for
Graduates are prepared for graduate study in education, creative writing, literary history, rhetoric, composition and public policy; for professional training in law, business, teaching and public policy; and for careers in marketing, public relations, government, diplomacy and community work, among others. They are well positioned to pursue the many professions in which problem-solving, creativity, research, writing, interpersonal and digital skills are necessary and valued.
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
School of Humanities, Arts, and Cultural Studies
|
FAB N101
HARCSadvising@asu.edu
602-543-3000
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
