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English ,BA

English, BA


American Literature, Author, Communication, Cultural Criticism, English Literature, Historicism, Language Researcher, Nonfiction, Poet, Reading, Writer, grammar, literature, prelaw, rhetoric

Explore literary works to gain a deeper understanding of issues of class, gender, race and ethnicity. Enhance your writing skills and improve critical thinking and communication skills in preparation for a variety of careers.

Program description

The BA in English program offers students tools to think critically and reflectively about language, literature and culture. Students develop advanced critical thinking abilities; advanced skills for clear and effective verbal communication; expertise in constructing well-supported and persuasive arguments; experience performing complex textual analysis; knowledge of historical trends in written discourse; an awareness of the role of literary discourse in broader social and historical contexts; and an ability to engage in big-picture thinking.

Students have the opportunity to gain practical publishing experience with the literary magazine Canyon Voices.

The English major helps students strengthen their analytical skills, shape their own ideas, and flexibly develop their own interests. English courses are regularly offered in fiction, poetry and creative writing; periods and authors in British, American and global literatures; women's and ethnic literatures; and creative and expository writing.

World-class faculty have strong reputations in various fields of research and are ready to enhance skill sets, deepen knowledge bases, and help students put the Bachelor of Arts in English degree to work in a variety of professions.

This major is eligible for the Western Undergraduate Exchange program at the following location: West Valley 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
  • First required math course: MAT 142 - College Mathematics
    or any math course that meets the MATH designation
  • Math intensity: Generalprogram math intensity general

Required courses (Major Map)
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

Study abroad programs broaden 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 expanded lens of dialects, literature and terminology in one of more than 300 Global Education programs. Students who study abroad gain heightened cultural competency and communication and critical thinking skills, which enhance their educational experience and their resumes.

Career opportunities

Graduates are prepared for graduate study programs in education, creative writing, literary history, rhetoric, composition and public policy; for professional training in law, business, teaching and public policy; and for careers in marketing, public relations, government, diplomacy and community work, among others. Graduates prepare for the many professions in which problem-solving, creativity, research, writing, interpersonal and digital skills are necessary and valued.

Career example titles and salaries listed below are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience, geographical location, and required advanced degrees or certifications may affect pay scales.


Career *Growth *Median salary
3.7%
$73,150
-4.0%
$73,080
3.7%
$73,150
-12.6%
$58,590
1.0%
$62,360
Lawyer   Bright Outlook
7.5%
$135,740
6.6%
$140,040
0.8%
$61,810
5.9%
$129,430
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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