Graduating with a degree in English enables students to engage in careers in publishing, journalism, web content writing and design, public relations, teaching, and marketing, among countless others. From small businesses to large corporations; from local newspapers to mass media outlets: with an English major, the job possibilities are endless.
You will learn to read, write, converse, and think critically, developing written communications skills, learn how to research and manage data, and learn to work effectively in teams, all skills that employers value.
This degree prepares you to enter into a variety of fields post-graduation, including advanced graduate studies, journalism, publishing, public relations, and law, just to name a few. Some specific positions include:
- Web content creator
- Copywriter
- Editor
- Publishing assistant
- Advertising copywriter
- Grant writer
- Technical writer
- Author
- Public relations specialist
- Social media manager
- Marketing coordinator
- Speech writer
- Proposal manager
Ship English faculty are among the most well-published literary scholars in Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Education, with dozens of award winning books and articles. That means you will learn from and work alongside expert practitioners in the field, and conduct undergraduate research with skilled mentors.
Outside the classroom, there are many opportunities to get involved in clubs and activities related to literary studies, including working on or contributing to undergraduate student publications like The Reflector, Write the Ship, and Spawning Pool. The department also regularly hosts nationally-recognized novelists and poets as well as renowned literary scholars.
Course work for English, B.A.
All undergraduate degree programs require a minimum of 120 credits. Some courses meet multiple requirements, but are only counted once toward the 120 credit total required to graduate.
- Foreign Language Requirement: 0 - 3 credits
- General Education: 45 credits
- Major Requirements: 39 credits
- Free Electives: 33 - 36 credits
- Total Credits to Graduate: 120 credits
Course work for Literary Studies Concentration
The Bachelor of Arts in English with a Literary Studies concentration focuses intensively on English, American, and Global literatures and teaches students not only how to analyze literature but to apply that critical thinking and engagement to life. Students graduating with a degree in English have developed careers in publishing, communications, technical writing, web content writing, public relations, teaching, marketing, and other fields where writing, language skills, and textual interpretation are valued. From small businesses to large corporations; from local newspapers to mass media outlets: with an English major, the job possibilities are endless. For course descriptions, please visit the undergraduate catalog.
Course work for Professional and Creative Writing Concentration
The Bachelor of Arts in English with a Professional and Creative Writing concentration uniquely blends creative writing with the professional skills in demand in today’s marketplace. Students graduating with a degree in English have developed careers in publishing, communications, technical writing, web content writing, public relations, teaching, marketing, and other fields where writing, language skills, and textual interpretation are valued. From small businesses to large corporations; from local newspapers to mass media outlets: with an English major, the job possibilities are endless. For course descriptions, please visit the undergraduate catalog.