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English (Literature) ,BA

English (Literature), BA

Academic programs / Undergraduate degrees / English (Literature)

Author, Criticism, Editing, Editor, Language, Novel, Publisher, Publishing, fiction, media, poetry, writing

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.

At a glance
  • Second language requirement: Yes
  • First required math course: MAT 142 - College Mathematics
  • 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.

Program learning outcomes

Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program has the following program outcomes:

  • 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.
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.

Career opportunities

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 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
3.7%
$73,150
-4.0%
$73,080
1.2%
$74,280
3.7%
$73,150
1.0%
$62,360
6.1%
$67,440
13.4%
$68,230
6.9%
$79,960
4.3%
$53,640
* 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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