Bachelor of Arts in English

Prepare for success in the 21st century job market.

You love to read great books. Who doesn’t? But if you ever ask yourself, "What can an English major do after graduation?", you should enroll in PennWest’s Bachelor of Arts in English. As you learn how to engage with the wider world, you'll discover that a variety of fulfilling careers awaits you.

Do you have a thirst for knowledge and a desire to investigate social, historical and cultural trends and movements? Are you passionate about digging deep into literary works to interpret nuances and draw conclusions? The B.A. in English will arm you with the skills that employers are looking for in the 21stcentury job market.

As a student, you will work with a diverse group of highly experienced faculty who will continually challenge you with coursework that enhances your communication, critical thinking and research skills. You’ll discover how to collaborate with others to understand complex issues and solve problems as well as how to conduct independent research and convey your conclusions logically and persuasively.

As a result, you will formulate new ways of thinking, reading and writing that will continue to evolve throughout your life.

Your skills in writing and literary editing will culminate during your capstone experience, when you delve into a specific area of interest and produce a professional work of original research and scholarship suitable for publication.

With these valuable skills in hand, you will graduate ready to enter a wide variety of fulfilling professions and make meaningful contributions to the world around you.

If you're interested in teaching English, the Literature program parallels English Education programs, making certification easy if you decide to teach in middle or secondary schools.

When you enroll in our B.A. in English program, you'll explore literary genres, movements and periods, from ancient to modern times. You'll learn to think critically, discuss articulately, communicate clearly and reap the rewards that come from understanding the value and functions of creative expression in our world.

View courses

Credits: 120

Contact:
Leah Chambers
Lchambers@pennwest.edu
814-393-2587

3 concentrations

Choose either the Writing concentration, Literary and Cultural Studies or a General English option.

Advanced coursework

42 credits of advanced coursework build skills in specific topics.

Add a certificate

Add a 12-15 credit certificate to further your studies in professional writing, creative writing or literature.

Locations
English (no concentration)
Literary and Cultural Studies
Writing
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Concentrations

Literary and Cultural Studies
Writing

Careers and Salaries

Graduates of PennWest’s B.A. in English report being well-prepared for graduate and pre-professional programs, as well as for employment in a variety of fields.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that 64% of workers with a bachelor’s degree in English work in one of these fields:

  • Educational instruction and library occupations
  • Management
  • Art, design, entertainment, sports and media
  • Office and administrative support operations
  • Business and financial operations

Program Outcomes

  1. Breadth: English majors will demonstrate knowledge of a wide range of texts and contexts, encompassing conventions and innovations in the history and different areas of the field, as well as a variety of historical periods, authors, genres, cultures, and media.
  2. Concepts: English majors will demonstrate knowledge of grammatical, rhetorical, literary, and critical terms and apply them appropriately to analyze the conventions and features of a variety of texts, including literary, informational, print, digital, and multi-modal.
  3. Written Communication: English majors will apply appropriate rhetorical strategies(audience, purpose, context, style, tone, etc.) to the composition of a variety of forms and genres, including print, digital, and multi-modal texts, to generate written work that is clear and engaging.
  4. Critical Reading: English majors will recognize, understand, and interpret elements of a text and its context, drawing logical conclusions on the basis of analysis and evaluation.
  5. Research: English majors will gather, critically evaluate, and appropriately synthesize research from both academic and non-academic sources to develop thoughtful arguments and analyses.

The Power of PennWest

PennWest’s three campuses, California, Clarion and Edinboro universities, have been delivering award-winning online programs for more than 20 years. You’ll graduate with a degree from Pennsylvania Western University, completely supported by the expertise and community of learners on our brick-and-mortar campuses.

Flexible. Affordable.
Designed to Meet Your needs.