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English ,BA

English, BA

Academic programs / Undergraduate degrees / English

english, literature, rhetoric, writing

If you value reading and writing, this is the degree for you. Gain expertise in informative and imaginative writing, learn about diverse cultures and perspectives through analysis of literature and film, and develop critical thinking skills fundamental to professional success.
Program description ▲

The Bachelor of Arts program in English is focused on literature, writing, film and culture.

Courses address a wide variety of genres, traditions and time periods. Students engage in close reading and critical thinking as they work with powerful, multilayered texts. They build communication skills as they compose for multiple purposes and audiences. The program concludes with a degree capstone that allows students to use their skills and knowledge in a personalized academic or creative project.

Students are encouraged to pursue internship opportunities, such as mentoring youth writers in Young Authors' Studio.

Students must complete a minimum of 12 upper-division credit hours of ENG courses offered by the College of Integrative Sciences and Arts.

This major is eligible for the Western Undergraduate Exchange program at the following location: Polytechnic campus. Students from Western states who select this major and campus may be eligible for reduced nonresident tuition at a rate of 150% of Arizona resident tuition plus all applicable fees. Students should click the link for more information and eligibility requirements of the WUE program.

At a glance ▲
  • Second language requirement: No
  • STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
  • First required math course: MAT 142 - College Mathematics
    OR any math course that meets the MATH designation
  • Math intensity: Generalprogram math intensity general

Curriculum ▲

Concurrent program options▲
Students pursuing concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”) earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with their academic advisors, students can create their own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
Accelerated program options▲
This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years. It is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:

Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. 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.

Admission requirements ▲

General university admission requirements:

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First-year | Transfer | International | Readmission

Tuition information▲
When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.
Change of Major requirements▲

A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.

Students should visit the Change of Major form for information about how to change a major to this program.

Transfer options▲

ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU® to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.

ASU has transfer partnerships in Arizona and across the country to create a simplified transfer experience for students. These pathway programs include exclusive benefits, tools and resources, and they help students save time and money in their college journey.

Global opportunities▲
Global experience

Students of English can explore the hometowns of famous authors and visit locations that have inspired masterpieces of fiction and nonfiction. Study abroad programs offer students the chance to build a global perspective and knowledge in distinct environments as preparation for leadership in a future-focused career. Students earn ASU credit for completed courses while staying on track for graduation, and they may apply financial aid and scholarships toward program costs.

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

Career opportunities▲

This program prepares scholars and teachers for graduate or professional study and for careers in education, writing and other related fields. Career prospects for secondary language arts teachers in Arizona are particularly strong.

Additionally, graduates have acquired skills that employers value, such as the ability to analyze ideas and problems, find and evaluate information, communicate effectively, and present clear and logical arguments. With these skills, graduates can find jobs such as:

  • advertising and promotions manager
  • copy writer
  • editor
  • lawyer (with further education)
  • media and communication worker
  • paralegal or legal assistant
  • public relations specialist
  • teacher or instructor
  • technical writer
  • writer or author

Example job titles and salaries listed below 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.


Career *Growth *Median salary
3.7%
$73,150
3.7%
$66,930
1.2%
$74,280
3.7%
$73,150
1.0%
$62,360
0.8%
$61,810
6.1%
$67,440
6.9%
$79,960
* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Bright OutlookBright Outlook

Contact information▲
What are accelerated programs?
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

3 year programs

These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.

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. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. 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.
What are concurrent programs?
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.
What are joint programs?
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.

What constitutes a new program?
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the “New Programs” option.
What are online programs?
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
What is the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)?
The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) is a program in which residents of western states (other than Arizona) may be eligible for reduced nonresident tuition. See more information and eligibility requirements on the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program.

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