Program Overview
English (Literature), BA
The Bachelor of Arts 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.
Program Description
Deepen your understanding of humanity as you read and analyze classic and modern texts. Begin your adventure, where the study of literature introduces you to new cultures and perspectives while encouraging you to consider the history and place within the future of humanity.
At a Glance
- College/school: The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Location: Tempe
- Second language requirement: Yes
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
- First required math course: MAT 114 - College Mathematics
- Math intensity: General
Curriculum
View 2025 - 2026 curriculum. View curriculum archives.
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 a master's degree in as little as five years. Accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving students who want the opportunity to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
Admission Requirements
- General university admission requirements: All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
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.
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.
Program Learning Outcomes
Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program’s learning outcomes include the following:
- 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
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.
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
- Media and public relations
- 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Communications Specialist | 3.6% | $72,270 |
| Editor | 0.6% | $75,260 |
| English Professor | 0.0% | $78,270 |
| Freelance Writer | 3.6% | $72,270 |
| High School Teacher | -1.6% | $64,580 |
| Public Relations Specialist | 4.8% | $69,780 |
| SEO Specialist | 6.7% | $76,950 |
| Technical Writer | 0.9% | $91,670 |
| Translator | 1.7% | $59,440 |