English (Literature), BA
Consider your own place within the history and future of humanity through the study of literature, which introduces you to new cultures and perspectives. You can deepen your understanding of the human experience as you read and analyze classic and modern texts, exploring literary traditions across media.
Quick facts
Locations
Courses
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.
English (Literature) degree description
The Bachelor of Arts program in English with a concentration in literature guides you from the earliest texts and cultures in English to contemporary expressions on paper, online and in the world. In learning to read critically, analyze narratives and understand how stories work to define the human experience, you can consider problems and find solutions while developing written and oral communication skills.
You have the opportunity to engage with internationally renowned faculty in exploring literature, critical theories and methods from around the world. You choose from a broad array of courses to further explore subjects such as race and ethnicity, gender and sexuality, and literary histories and traditions.
You gain practical experience through research, writing and internships that prepare you for an ever-expanding variety of careers or to continue your studies in graduate or professional programs.
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.
Why specialize in literature at ASU?
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is the largest and most diverse college at ASU. Arizona State University has offered a bachelor's degree in English since the 1930s, and this well-established liberal arts degree has kept up with the times through curricular innovation.
The Department of English's Internship and Career Futures program gives you the option to complete an internship or research mentorship with more than 300 partners in business, nonprofit, government and education sectors. This emphasis on professional development and research skills helps you gain practical experience while you study.
You have access to affiliated centers and initiatives directed by award-winning faculty, including the Arizona Center for Medieval and Renaissance Studies, the Center for Imagination in the Borderlands, the Center for Science and the Imagination, the Center for the Study of Race and Democracy, the Institute for Humanities Research, Project Humanities and the Environmental Humanities Initiative and BRIDGES Sustainability Science Coalition. These resources connect you to interdisciplinary scholarship and research opportunities across the university.
You can accelerate your education through a bachelor's plus master's degree option with the Master of Arts in English or the Master of Public Administration in public administration. This pathway allows you to complete two degrees in less time than pursuing them separately.
Additional details
You may join ASU's chapter of Sigma Tau Delta, the international English honor society. Additionally, the Department of English's Glendon and Kathryn Swarthout Awards in Writing are among the most generous university writing prizes in the U.S., and students on the Tempe campus and online in any discipline are eligible to apply.
Courses
Explore a sample list of courses you may take in this program.
| Sample courses |
|---|
| ENG 110 Approaching Big Problems |
| ENG 300 Your Degree in the World |
| ENG 206 Introduction to Literary Studies |
| ENG 221 English Literature to 1800 |
| ENG 222 English Literature, 1800 to Present |
| ENG 304 Critical Theories and Methods |
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 literary and cultural texts from a variety of critical and methodological perspectives.
- Produce effective and well-supported arguments about literary and cultural texts written in the English language.
- Produce critical arguments in response to other members of a discourse community about literature or other media.
Analyze literary and cultural texts from a variety of critical and methodological 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.
Studying abroad expands students' perspectives by exposing them to new and distinct cultures, communities and people. Through one of ASU's more than 300 study abroad programs, students can understand English literature at a deeper level through exploring the birthplaces of great written works.
Students' resumes are enhanced with the educational experience and 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 with a concentration in literature.
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 |
| English Professor | 0.0% | $78,760 | Learn more |
| Freelance Writer | -0.3% | $76,910 | Learn more |
| High School Teacher | -0.2% | $72,040 | Learn more |
| Public Relations Specialist | 1.8% | $74,750 | Learn more |
| SEO Specialist | 7.0% | $78,760 | Learn more |
| Technical Writer | 0.8% | $90,390 | Learn more |
| Translator | 2.0% | $60,170 | 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 literature concentration prepares you for
Graduates with a degree in English are prepared to pursue graduate studies in a number of programs, including English, creative writing, education, law and business. They are also well positioned 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
- journalism
- law
- media and public relations
- nonprofit service
- publishing
Graduates often find roles that involve:
- developing web content
- editing
- managing public relations
- teaching
- writing professional and technical content
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.
