English, B.A.

Bachelor of Arts in English

The Bachelor of Arts in English program offers courses in literature, creative writing and professional writing. The literature courses approach texts from thematic, biographical, formal, historical and socio-cultural perspectives. Literature is explored in its relation to the past and its relevance to people’s lives in the present. All courses stress critical thinking and problem-solving as essential aspects of the composing and interpreting process. In the senior year, every student takes the Capstone course and writes a culminating paper presented on Thesis Day.

The English major has been recognized nationally as preparation for a wide variety of careers and for graduate study in several fields. Our curriculum’s emphasis on critical thinking, effective writing and oral communication prepares students for many paths after graduation listed here.

• Graduate school in English literature, law, library science, creative writing and journalism.
• Careers in research, communications, government, publishing, editing, public relations and business, and teaching.
• Teaching at the secondary level (with Secondary Education Certification for public schools) and at the college level (with a graduate degree).

All English majors do either a Career Internship or Student Teaching for Certification. Both are well supported by Arcadia’s close proximity to Philadelphia.

Requirements for the B.A. in English

(60 credits as listed below, with Undergraduate Curriculum requirements and electives to total a minimum of 128 credits)