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English (Literature), BA


At a Glance: program details

  • Location:
  • Additional Program Fee: Yes
  • Second Language Requirement: Yes
  • Math Intensity: General program math intensity general
  • Initial Math Course: MAT 114 - College Mathematics

Required Courses (Major Map)

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Travel a world of literature as you read and analyze classic and modern texts. Begin your adventure here, where your studies will expose you to new cultures and perspectives while encouraging you to consider humanity and your place within it.

Program Description

The BA program in English with a concentration in literature guides students 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, students can consider problems and find solutions while developing written and oral communication skills.

Students have the opportunity to engage with internationally renowned faculty in exploring literature, critical theories and methods from around the world. Students choose from a broad array of courses to further explore subjects such as race and ethnicity, gender and sexuality, and literary histories and traditions.

Students gain practical experience through research, writing and internships that prepare them for an ever-expanding variety of careers as well as for continuing their studies in graduate and professional programs.

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




Admission Requirements

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.

Freshman Transfer International Readmission


Transfer Options

ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use the Transfer Map search 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 help students save time and money in their college journey. Students may learn more about these programs by visiting the admission site: https://admission.asu.edu/transfer/pathway-programs.


Change of Major Requirements

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

Students should refer to https://changingmajors.asu.edu for information about how to change a major to this program.


Flexible Degree Options

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 and master's degree with:

English

Study with award-winning faculty in a dynamic, multidisciplinary English department. Fulfill your interests with coursework focused on exciting inquiries into culture and language, digital literacy, environmental studies, film analysis, linguistics, medieval and early modern cultural studies, or young adult literature. Take advantage of internship and professional development opportunities.

Website | Locations: TEMPE,ONLNE


Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. During their junior year, eligible students will be advised by their academic departments to apply.

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Career Outlook

Degree programs in English prepare students for graduate studies in a number of programs, including English, creative writing, education, law and business. They also lead to 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
  • nonprofit service
  • publishing

Graduates often find roles where they spend time:

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

Example Careers

Students who complete this degree program may be prepared for the following careers. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions. Career examples include but are not limited to:

Writers and Authors


  • Growth: 3.7%
  • Median Salary*: 73150

Editors


  • Growth: -4%
  • Median Salary*: 73080

English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary


  • Growth: 1.2%
  • Median Salary*: 74280

Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers


  • Growth: 3.7%
  • Median Salary*: 73150

Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education


  • Growth: 1%
  • Median Salary*: 62360

Public Relations Specialists


  • Growth: 6.1%
  • Median Salary*: 67440
  Bright Outlook

Search Marketing Strategists


  • Growth: 13.4%
  • Median Salary*: 68230
  Bright Outlook

Technical Writers


  • Growth: 6.9%
  • Median Salary*: 79960
  Bright Outlook

Interpreters and Translators


  • Growth: 4.3%
  • Median Salary*: 53640

* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).



Global Opportunities

Global Experience

Studying abroad expands students' perspectives by exposing them to new and distinct cultures, communities and people. Students can explore English literature at a deeper level through the birthplaces of great written works written in one of ASU's more than 300 study abroad programs.

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.



Program Contact Information

If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.