Bachelor of Arts in English
With B.A. in English from ACU, you can build a degree that fits your education and career goals. Our English major program offers a myriad of post-graduation possibilities.
In today’s job market, employers in all industries are seeking critical and creative thinkers and effective communicators. That’s what makes English majors such attractive candidates.
For English majors, this discipline is more than honing technical skills and harnessing the power of language. Studying literature through reading and analyzing texts gives you a greater understanding of the complexities of our world, past and present.
If you’re curious, want to be challenged intellectually and find deeper meanings, an English B.A. could be right for you. You’ll be equipped to work in professional or creative writing fields, become a teacher, or prepare for graduate or law school.
Customize your hours to fit your career path
It’s worth noting that ACU’s degree plan for English majors offers a generous number of elective hours, allowing you to add a second major that fits your career goals. For example, if you’re looking for a career in the media or public relations, you could also study communication along with requirements for your English degree.
If you have sights set on law school, consider a double major in history or philosophy. Future technical writers may want to take courses in information technology. The combinations of a B.A. English with a degree in another discipline are seemingly endless.
Depending on the combination you choose, your future possibilities could a career as a high school English teacher, screenwriter, speech writer, copywriter, author, editor, editorial assistant, archivist, creative director and book publisher.
Dr. Mikee Delony's career path was unexpected.
Read MoreWhat can you do after graduation?
- High School English Teacher
- Screenwriter
- Speech Writer
- Copywriter
- Author
- Magazine Editor
- Editorial Assistant
- Archivist
- Creative Director
- Book Publisher
Experiential Learning Opportunities
English majors get real-world learning experiences through clubs, events and co-curriculars such as:
- The Shinnery Review (student-produced literary magazine)
- Open mic nights
- Student trips to Shakespeare plays
- Presenting at academic conferences
- Film festival participation
Dr. Steven Moore
Moore, associate professor in the Department of Language and Literature and director of the McNair Scholars Program, has published a children’s book addressing bullying.
Sherry Rankin
When Rankin heard her first novel, Strange Fire, had won the Crime Writers Association’s Debut Dagger competition for unpublished writers, she was stunned.
Dr. Joe Stephenson
Stephenson unearthed a manuscript of a play called The Dutch Lady, hidden for centuries in the archives of the Boston Public Library.
Degree Details
English, BA (ENGL)
Required Hours
University Requirements: 56 credit hours + Major Requirements: 51 credit hours + Electives: 21 credit hours = Total Required: 128 credit hours*
*Based on track selection
Example Coursework
Literary Theory and Criticism
American Literature Before 1900
Interactive Narratives
Film and Belief
Department
Language and Literature
Application Deadlines
Early Action: November 1st
Regular: February 1st
National Candidates: May 1st
