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English, BA

Deepen your understanding of literature, write more persuasively and develop your creative and critical skills. If you have a passion for reading and writing, you'll be able to study what you love and gain the knowledge and skills to excel in any career field.

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Students study together with a laptop and book, reflecting literary learning in ASU's English, BA program.

Quick facts

Courses

120 credit hours
Math intensity: General program math intensity general
First required math course: MAT 114 - College Mathematics
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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

The Bachelor of Arts program in English is offered completely online.

You supplement a core focus on critical studies and analysis with courses in literature, linguistics, film and media, and creative and nonfiction writing to complete a robust program of study.

In addition to reviewing the guidelines in the Concurrent Program Options section below, if you are interested in pursuing concurrent or second baccalaureate degrees in The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, visit The College's website for more information and requirements.

Get to know the English degree at ASU

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Courses

Explore a sample list of courses you may take in this program.

Sample courses
ENG 211 Introduction to English Studies
ENG 305 Interpretive Theory
ENG 308 Form and History/Culture
ENG 309 Rhetoric for Writers
ENG 327 English Studies Research
ENG 489 Scholarly Products

Course checksheet and curriculum archive

The curriculum checksheet displays this program's required courses and other requirements you must complete for graduation.

What If

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.

  • Define and utilize key terms and conventions of literary, linguistics, and rhetorical scholarship.
  • Analyze the formal construction of texts from diverse rhetorical and literary traditions to explain how they function.
  • Compose original texts that situate their interpretations in conversation with multiple perspectives.

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.

Global experience

Studying abroad expands students' perspectives by exposing them to new and distinct cultures, communities and people. Students can explore the English language at a deeper level through an extended lens of dialects, literature and terminology in one of more than 300 study abroad programs.

Students can enhance their resumes and educational experience with the heightened cultural competency, communication and critical thinking skills they acquire through study abroad.

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences recommends these study abroad programs for students majoring in English.

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 recieve 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 opportunities showing job titles, projected growth rates, median salaries, and links to detailed information
Career Growth Median Salary More Information
Communications Specialist -0.3% $76,910
Editor -1.1% $77,920
English Professor 0.0% $78,760
Freelance Writer -0.3% $76,910
High School Teacher -0.2% $72,040
Public Relations Specialist 1.8% $74,750
SEO Specialist 7.0% $78,760
Technical Writer 0.8% $90,390

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

Graduates of degree programs in English are prepared for a variety of careers in diverse fields. Employers seek those with strong writing, communication and critical thinking skills. Some of the most common professions for English majors are in the fields of:

  • business
  • law
  • journalism
  • nonprofit service
  • publishing

Graduates often find roles in which they spend time:

  • developing web content
  • editing
  • managing public relations
  • teaching
  • writing professional and technical content

Graduates are also prepared to continue their studies in graduate and professional programs.

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.

Department of English | RBHL 170
englishadvising@asu.edu
480-965-3168

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.

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