College of Arts, Education, and Humanities
Bachelor of Arts in English
Discover your potential with an English degree from DeSales University! Our specialized programs will help launch your career and open opportunities for you to make a difference. DeSales English graduates develop the professional skills that employers value most: persuasive writing, analytical thinking, effective oral communication, and the ability to understand diverse perspectives and narratives.
Program Details
- Official Degree Name
- Bachelor of Arts
- Format
-
In Class-Day
- Credit Hours
- 121
- Program Start
- Fall Semester
- Application Deadline
- Apply Anytime
- Average Time to Degree
- 4 Years
Why Get Your English Degree at DeSales University?
Pursue your English degree at DeSales University, where you can choose from five special areas to focus your learning. DeSales English majors gain a deep understanding of literature, language, and narrative, while gaining real-world experience through internships and study abroad opportunities.
Class size is rarely over 20 students, so you can make personal and meaningful connections with your professors. Our faculty have diverse backgrounds and lots of field experience. They'll work with you to find the right path for your career goals.
Program Highlights
Many Pathways to Success
- At DeSales University, English majors can specialize in one of five areas: Publishing, Writing and Editing: Literature; Secondary Education; or a Self-Designed track tailored to your individual interests. All tracks encourage multiple for-credit internships to build career readiness throughout the curriculum.
- As an English major, you can further enhance your education through accelerated graduate study opportunities, such as adding a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing with only one additional year of study, or taking advantage of our accelerated teacher certification programs, or applying to our 3+3 BA to JD program with Duquesne University's Thomas Kline School of Law.
Professional Development Opportunities
- Unlock unparalleled professional development opportunities as an English major at DeSales! Build strong connections with our supportive faculty, expand your resume by through service learning and publication projects, and receive faculty mentorshops for scholarly research and presentation.
- For students interested in writing or media careers, DeSales offers a wealth of opportunities to build a professional portfolio, including our student-run newspaper, the Messenger, and student-operated literary magazine, Calliope, as well as departmental social media and marketing internships.
International Opportunities
- We encourage all students to participate in one or more of our study abroad programs during your time in the English program. Students can enroll in one of several classes with academic travel components, or enter one of our study exchange programs to pursue a semester abroad for the same cost as a semester at DeSales.
What Will You Study?
All English students complete a capstone course with intensive focus on career development, learning to effectively showcase their skills for competitive positioning in their chosen professional field.
As an English major, you'll read powerful stories, poems, and plays from across the globe and throughout history. You'll explore different voices and cultures, learn from published writers in creative writing workshops, and build practical skills through writing courses, internships, and publishing projects. Along the way, you’ll sharpen your thinking, communication, and creativity—skills that will serve you well no matter where your career takes you.
Our core courses include:
- American Romanticism
- American Realism and Naturalism
- Literature of the Middle Ages
- Introduction to Poetry
- Introduction to Drama
- Global Literature and Politics
Meet the Faculty
Program Tracks & Pathways
Swipe below to discover more!
Tracks
Learn MoreTrack
Literature
Dive deep into the rich world of literary history with our Literature track, featuring courses that explore the world-changing impact of language and narrative across the globe and through the centuries. Focus your degree on exploring captivating themes, genres, and influential writers that have shaped the literary world.
Courses You May Take Include:
Track
Secondary Education / Teacher Certification
If you're interested in teaching English in grades 7–12, this track prepares you to earn your B.A. in English while working toward Pennsylvania teacher certification. Through DeSales’ 4+1 program, you’ll complete your student teaching while getting paid through the Teacher Intern Program. You can also choose to begin graduate coursework early through our BA to M.Ed. pathway.
Courses You May Take Include:
Track
Writing, Publishing, and Editing
Hone your writing skills with the help of published poets and novelists who bring real-world experience into the classroom. You’ll take creative writing workshops in fiction, poetry, and nonfiction, while also learning about publishing, editing, and professional writing. Internships for credit help you gain hands-on experience in fields like media, business, and the arts.
Courses You May Take Include:
Track
Self-Design
If you have interests in more than one field, the self-designed English track lets you create a custom program that fits your goals. You can explore how language and storytelling connect with areas like philosophy, business, science, or theatre—all with guidance from a faculty advisor.
Courses You May Take Include:
MFA in Creative Writing
Learn More5 year Bachelor to Masters
MFA in Creative Writing
Undergraduates who qualify can fast-track their education with our unique online dual degree program, starting MFA courses in their senior year.
Specialize in fiction, poetry, or creative nonfiction while learning from acclaimed writers across the U.S., Ireland, Scotland, and Canada. With a focus on publishing and two 10-day residencies each year, this innovative program offers exciting career opportunities in the growing field of publishing.
Required Courses Include:
Minors
Learn MoreMinor
English
Non-English majoring students who are interested in English can add a minor to their degree in only six courses.
Courses You May Take Include:
Minor
Creative Writing
Students minoring in creative writing will learn the art of storytelling and how to write across various genres. You'll refine your writing, editing, and critical thinking skills, preparing you for a range of creative careers.
Courses You May Take Include:
Application Checklist
- Application Fee: None
- Transcripts: Official High School Transcript
- Standardized Tests: Test-optional, however, an Admissions Interview may be requested
- Recommendations: Completed Guidance Counselor Form and Teacher Recommendation Form
Program Support
Program FAQs
While DeSales does not offer a Masters in English, we do offer a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing, which can be started during your senior year as part of a dual degree program.
Yes! A strong foundation in reading, writing, and critical thinking makes English a great major for future law students. At DeSales, qualified students can take advantage of our 3+3 BA to JD program with Duquesne University's Thomas Klein School of Law, saving time and money on the path to a law degree.
Internships are a big part of the English program at DeSales. You'll be encouraged to complete at least two for-credit internships, with support from your advisor to find the right fit. Students have interned in areas like social media, marketing, writing, education, and arts administration—locally and in cities like New York and Philadelphia.
Our events calendar houses all our academic calendar. Simply use the Academic Calendar and Semester filters to see important upcoming dates.
