Program Overview

English - Bachelor of Arts Degree Map

The English - Bachelor of Arts degree map outlines the requirements for completing the degree in four years. To graduate in four years, students need to average 45 credits per year to reach 180 total credits, including 62 upper division (300/400 level courses) credits.

Requirements

• General Education Requirements
• Degree Requirements
• Major Requirements
• University Writing Requirements
• Race and Ethnic Studies Requirements
• Credit Requirements and Limits

Degree Maps and Advising

Degree maps show one possible course plan for earning a degree in four years. Students should talk with their advisor regularly to develop a personalized plan that works best for them, especially if they have any earned transferrable academic credit.

Bulletin or Catalog Year

The Bulletin or Catalog year defines the specific set of requirements students need to complete a degree. Requirements occasionally change, so it may benefit students to follow a different catalog. Typically, the catalog year is the year the student began at PSU, but transfer students may be able to use an earlier catalog.

DARS System

Students are highly encouraged to run their own Degree Audit Reporting System (DARS) report to track their progress through their program. Students should contact an advisor if they have any questions about their DARS, catalog/bulletin year, or degree requirements in general.

Course Plans by Year

First Year

• Fall Courses: First Year Inquiry or Honors (5 credits), BA Second Language 101 (3-5 credits), ENG Elective (4 credits)
• Winter Courses: First Year Inquiry or Honors (5 credits), BA Second Language 102 (3-5 credits), BA Science/Social Science (3-4 credits), General Elective (3 credits)
• Spring Courses: First Year Inquiry or Honors (5 credits), BA Second Language 103 (3-5 credits), ENG Elective (4 credits), General Elective (3 credits)

Second Year

• Fall Courses: Sophomore Inquiry or Honors (4 credits), BA Second Language 201 (3-5 credits), BA Science/Social Science (3-4 credits), ENG Elective (4 credits)
• Winter Courses: Sophomore Inquiry or Honors (4 credits), BA Second Language 202 (3-5 credits), BA Science/Math (3-4 credits), General Elective (4 credits)
• Spring Courses: Race and Ethnic Studies Requirement (3-4 credits), BA Second Language 203 (3-5 credits), BA Fine & Performing Arts (3-4 credits), ENG 300 (4 credits)

Third Year

• Fall Courses: Upper Division Cluster or Honors (4 credits), WR 301 (4 credits), Upper Division ENG/WR Elective (4 credits), General Elective (1 credit)
• Winter Courses: Upper Division Cluster or Honors (4 credits), English Historical Literacy Course (4 credits), Upper Division ENG/WR Elective (4 credits), Race and Ethnic Studies Requirement (3-4 credits)
• Spring Courses: Upper Division Cluster or Honors (4 credits), ENG 326, 327 or 428 (4 credits), Upper Division ENG/WR Elective (4 credits), 400 level ENG or WR Elective (4 credits)

Fourth Year

• Fall Courses: Senior Capstone or Honors Thesis (6 credits), 400 level ENG/WR Elective (4 credits), English Historical Literacy Course (4 credits), 400 level ENG/WR Elective (4 credits)
• Winter Courses: 400 level ENG/WR Elective (4 credits), General Elective (4 credits), General Elective (4 credits), General Elective (4 credits)
• Spring Courses: Upper Division ENG/WR Elective (4 credits), General Elective (4 credits), General Elective (4 credits)

Additional Map Notes

• ENG Elective: 12 credits of 200 level ENG courses are recommended preparation for all upper division English courses.
• General Elective: Strongly recommended using electives slots to complete minor requirements.
• Sophomore Inquiry or Honors: For University Studies, two Sophomore Inquiry courses are required, but for Honors, three Sophomore courses are required.
• Race and Ethnic Studies Requirement: Two courses required, each minimum 3 credits.
• ENG 300: Prerequisite for any 400 level ENG course.
• WR 301: Prerequisite to enroll in or can be taken concurrently with 400 level ENG course.
• English Historical Literacy Course: See department website for list of Historical Literacy courses.
• Upper Division ENG/WR Elective: WR 411 Internship recommended.
• Students may need to add additional general elective credits to their plan to reach 180 total credits.