English (Literature) ,BA
Author, Criticism, Editing, Editor, Language, Novel, Publisher, Publishing, fiction, media, poetry, writing
Begin your adventure --- deepen your understanding of the human experience as you read and analyze classic and modern texts. The study of literature introduces you to new cultures and perspectives while encouraging you to consider your own place within the history and future of humanity.
The Bachelor of Arts 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 or to continue their studies in graduate or professional programs.
In addition to reviewing 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.
- College/school:
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Location: Tempe
- Second language requirement: Yes
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
- First required math course: MAT 114 - College Mathematics
- Math
intensity: General
This video provides an overview of the English (Literature) degree program at ASU.
What If: See how your courses can be applied to another major and find out how to change your major.
This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. Accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving students who want the opportunity to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their 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:
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.
General university admission requirements:
All students are required to meet general
university admission requirements.
First-year | Transfer | International | Readmission
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.
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.
Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program’s learning outcomes include the following:
- 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.
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.
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
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 |
|---|---|---|
|
3.6%
|
$76,910
|
|
|
0.6%
|
$77,920
|
|
|
0.0%
|
$78,760
|
|
|
3.6%
|
$76,910
|
|
|
-1.6%
|
$72,040
|
|
|
4.8%
|
$74,750
|
|
|
6.7%
|
$78,760
|
|
|
0.9%
|
$90,390
|
|
|
1.7%
|
$60,170
|
Department of English
|
RBHL 170
englishadvising@asu.edu
480-965-3168
Program term definitions
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.



