English
About the Bachelor of Arts in English
You might be drawn to the English major because you love books. But that’s just a starting place. CBU’s Bachelor of Arts (BA) in English degree is designed with the understanding that the traditional skills of the English major—critical thinking, analytical reading, insightful writing, and out-of-the-box problem-solving—continue to remain appealing to all employers, even in the digital age.
Our tenured faculty recognizes that an interdisciplinary education that incorporates the intersection of technology is critical in any liberal arts degree. Beyond your required general studies, the curriculum of the Bachelor of Arts in English is molded around a variety of literature courses that enrich your understanding of the past and present, acknowledging the historical context of the written word so that we may become better prepared to shape the future.
Program Structure
The Bachelor of Arts in English degree program requires a total of 122 credit hours. Within the degree program, students complete five areas of coursework:
- General Education – 22 credits
- Liberal Arts – 30 credits
- School of Arts Support – 9 credits
- English Major – 46 credits
- Major-Specific Electives – 15 credits
Students emerge from the English degree as competent critical thinkers, equipped not just through the engaging literature courses of the English major but through professional pathways required by the School of Arts. The School of Arts Support requirement invites students to take a course in a related area, such as leadership, law, computer science, sustainability, medical ethics, or visual arts to support their transition into the workforce or into post-baccalaureate options.
The academic catalog lists all course requirements for the English degree program.
View English Course RequirementsMinors
For students who aren’t pursuing an English degree but are still intrigued by language, we offer the following minors:
- Creative Writing: 18 credits in English and creating writing courses. These courses also contribute to interdisciplinary minors in American Studies, Women’s and Gender Studies, Sustainability Studies, and Peace Studies
- English: 18 credits in 200-level to upper-level English courses
- Foreign Language: 12 credits in Chinese, French, German, Greek, Latin, Russian, or Spanish
Complementary Minors
The Bachelor of Arts in English degree program pairs well with a variety of technology minors, such as CBU’s minor in Humanities Computing, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice Studies or Sustainability Studies. Students can utilize their minor to work in communications, marketing, the nonprofit sector, or in developing their own business.
Professional Writing Certificate
CBU offers a professional writing certificate that allows students from majors across the university to combine four courses to add to their credentials as proficient and career-ready communicators. Courses include business communications, advanced composition, creative writing, art, and creative nonfiction.
Careers with a BA in English
English majors aren’t restricted to the world of writing and reading. Our recent graduates also work for major tech companies, industrial manufacturers, national and local nonprofits, and schools; others have continued their education in graduate studies in English and law.
Students who earn a Bachelor of Arts in English may find careers in the following fields:
- Copywriting
- Editing
- Education
- Marketing
- Media
- Politics
- Publishing
- Technical Writing
- Social Media Management
Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that employment within the media and communication occupations is projected to grow six percent through 2031.
Start your career with an English degree at Christian Brothers University.
Meet the Faculty
Ready to take the next step?
Leverage your love for language and open new doors of opportunity by earning a Bachelor of Arts in English degree at Christian Brothers University.
