Bachelor of Arts in English Undergraduate Program By Washington State University |Top Universities
Main Subject Area

English Language and LiteratureMain Subject Area

Program overview

Main Subject

English Language and Literature

Degree

Other

Study Level

Undergraduate

Majors in English provide students with a broad critical and cultural understanding of literature and literary studies, and emphasize the writing and analytical skills that are vital to success in the university, in professional and graduate school, and in the workplace. The program of study is flexible and allows English majors to focus on particular areas of intellectual interest, to pursue electives, minors, and second majors in other departments, and to shape their academic careers in line with professional and personal interests. The curriculum is designed for (1) students who desire a broad education emphasizing language and literature, (2) students who wish to teach or to prepare for graduate studies in literature or rhetoric and composition, (3) students who intend to use the background and skills learned in the major as a foundation for careers in writing, editing, law, business, or public service and public relations. The curriculum provides majors the opportunity to complete their studies with a small discussion seminar, internship, or senior project in their area of emphasis. Majors in English are expected to learn to read literary and cultural texts carefully and critically; to produce a variety of high-quality creative and critical texts using appropriate technologies that contribute to literary and cultural discourses; to develop abilities in critical reading, writing, and thinking necessary to communicate successfully with audiences both within and outside the university; and to explore the record of the human experience in language. Four programs are offered for the English major, all leading to the degree of Bachelor of Arts in English. Option I: Literary Studies is for students who desire a general liberal arts education emphasizing literature, critical thinking, and writing; and for those preparing for graduate education in English or literary studies. English is often selected as a major by students with double majors or minors in other departments. Option II: Rhetoric and Professional Writing is for students preparing for careers in business, public service, law, or other professions requiring writing and reading skills. It is also suitable for those seeking careers in higher education specializing in rhetoric and composition. Option III: Teaching is for students who need specific training in the teaching of language and literature at the secondary level; it is coordinated with the Department of Teaching and Learning. Option IV: Creative Writing is for students interested in creative writing in various forms (poetry, fiction, nonfiction prose), in editing and publishing, and in careers drawing on related creative and professional skills. What you can do with a degree in English, Creative and professional writing, Publishing and editing, Advertising and public relations, Web content development, Teaching, Law, Journalism, Communications management, Educational programming, Media planning, Public affairs and information, Research and grant writing. Skills you can market with a degree in English, Ability to explore meaning and express ideas, Analytical talent, Creative and critical thinking, Effective oral and written communication, Intellectual curiosity and cultural sensitivity, Ability to work independently or collaborate with team members on research projects.

Program overview

Main Subject

English Language and Literature

Degree

Other

Study Level

Undergraduate

Majors in English provide students with a broad critical and cultural understanding of literature and literary studies, and emphasize the writing and analytical skills that are vital to success in the university, in professional and graduate school, and in the workplace. The program of study is flexible and allows English majors to focus on particular areas of intellectual interest, to pursue electives, minors, and second majors in other departments, and to shape their academic careers in line with professional and personal interests. The curriculum is designed for (1) students who desire a broad education emphasizing language and literature, (2) students who wish to teach or to prepare for graduate studies in literature or rhetoric and composition, (3) students who intend to use the background and skills learned in the major as a foundation for careers in writing, editing, law, business, or public service and public relations. The curriculum provides majors the opportunity to complete their studies with a small discussion seminar, internship, or senior project in their area of emphasis. Majors in English are expected to learn to read literary and cultural texts carefully and critically; to produce a variety of high-quality creative and critical texts using appropriate technologies that contribute to literary and cultural discourses; to develop abilities in critical reading, writing, and thinking necessary to communicate successfully with audiences both within and outside the university; and to explore the record of the human experience in language. Four programs are offered for the English major, all leading to the degree of Bachelor of Arts in English. Option I: Literary Studies is for students who desire a general liberal arts education emphasizing literature, critical thinking, and writing; and for those preparing for graduate education in English or literary studies. English is often selected as a major by students with double majors or minors in other departments. Option II: Rhetoric and Professional Writing is for students preparing for careers in business, public service, law, or other professions requiring writing and reading skills. It is also suitable for those seeking careers in higher education specializing in rhetoric and composition. Option III: Teaching is for students who need specific training in the teaching of language and literature at the secondary level; it is coordinated with the Department of Teaching and Learning. Option IV: Creative Writing is for students interested in creative writing in various forms (poetry, fiction, nonfiction prose), in editing and publishing, and in careers drawing on related creative and professional skills. What you can do with a degree in English, Creative and professional writing, Publishing and editing, Advertising and public relations, Web content development, Teaching, Law, Journalism, Communications management, Educational programming, Media planning, Public affairs and information, Research and grant writing. Skills you can market with a degree in English, Ability to explore meaning and express ideas, Analytical talent, Creative and critical thinking, Effective oral and written communication, Intellectual curiosity and cultural sensitivity, Ability to work independently or collaborate with team members on research projects.

Admission requirements

6+

Tuition fee and scholarships

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More programs from the university

Washington State University is a top-tier public research university where scholars strive to make the world a better place. Students volunteer 75,000+ hours of service annually. Undergraduates learn hands-on, alongside professors whose discoveries resonate globally. Research addresses issues in health, food, energy, sustainability, social opportunity, and global security.

  • 200+ FIELDS OF STUDY. Many undergraduate programs rank among America’s best. Broadcasting students gain practical experience at student-run television and radio stations. Organic agriculture students work on a 30-acre certified organic teaching farm. Business majors study overseas to experience cross-cultural practices.
  • LEARN BY DOING. Students enter national competitions in robotics, clean energy, business, and more. They present papers at conferences and publish findings in scholarly journals.
  • INTERNATIONAL EMPHASIS. Study abroad programs span 86 countries. The Honors College immerses students in discussion of international issues. 1,700+ international students enrich cultural diversity on campus.
  • 76 MASTER’S AND 66 DOCTORAL PROGRAMS. Plus, professional programs include business administration, pharmacy, and veterinary medicine. An independently accredited medical school is planned for the Spokane Health Sciences Campus.
  • STATEWIDE AND WORLDWIDE REACH. At the flagship Pullman campus, Cougar spirit unites 18,000+ students. WSU also has locations in Spokane, Tri-Cities, Vancouver, and Everett. Extension offices occupy every county. Online education is accessible worldwide.

Washington State University is a top-tier public research university where scholars strive to make the world a better place. Research addresses issues in health, food, energy, sustainability, social opportunity, and global security.

  • 76 MASTER’S AND 66 DOCTORAL PROGRAMS, PLUS PROFESSIONAL PROGRAMS. Professional programs include business administration, pharmacy, and veterinary medicine. An independently accredited medical school is planned for the Health Sciences Campus in Spokane.
  • NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED FACULTY. WSU scholars include members of the National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, Institute of Medicine, and recipients of numerous national awards and fellowships. WSU researchers garner worldwide recognition for their discoveries. Many stand among the most widely published and frequently cited scholars in the nation.
  • COLLABORATION WITH NATIONAL LAB AND U.S. AGENCIES. WSU scholars team with Pacific Northwest National Laboratory on research for sustainable production of bioproducts and biofuels. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service works seamlessly with WSU researchers from on-campus offices.
  • STATEWIDE AND WORLDWIDE REACH. The main WSU campus in Pullman, nestled among the rolling hills of southeastern Washington, serves 18,000+ students. The Health Sciences Campus sits along the scenic riverfront in Spokane. Additional locations include Tri-Cities, Vancouver, and Everett. Online education is accessible worldwide.

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