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English, BA

English majors develop skills in writing, analysis and critical thinking — some of the most desirable skills in any number of career paths. You will learn to analyze complex material, interpret and assess historical and cultural issues, conduct language-based research and communicate ideas of different audiences.

We offer courses in literature, language, creative writing and professional writing and editing, allowing you to plan a course of study best suited to your interests. All students are encouraged to take courses in literature, language, writing and cultural studies with nationally recognized faculty who are researching and publishing in their field. Class sizes are small, allowing you to receive personal attention and to find a home within the greater University.

Degrees in English are extremely flexible and pair well with many of the other majors or minors offered by the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences.

Your Degree Plan The 51ÂÒÂ×»»ÆÞ Difference Learn by Doing Careers and Outcomes Admission Requirements Tuition and Aid Take the Next Steps

Your Degree Plan

Intro

A student flips through pages of a document

Majoring in English develops skills in communication, research, critical thinking and focused creativity. You will deepen your understanding of people and cultures while learning how to use language effectively in a variety of contexts.

Tailor this major to your interests by focusing your coursework in one of these areas:

  • Creative Writing

    English majors who concentrate in creative writing study the craft of writing under the mentorship of faculty who are accomplished authors. Workshops focus on poetry, fiction and creative nonfiction, and the course sequence culminates in a capstone that allows students to produce an extended body of original work. The creative writing program also hosts an active reading series and oversees the publication of "Calliope," a literary journal edited and designed entirely by 51ÂÒÂ×»»ÆÞ undergraduates.

  • Literary and Cultural Studies

    An emphasis in Literary and Cultural Studies lets you immerse yourself in the books, films and other texts that define our global culture. Cultivate critical thinking, communication and research skills to fill your tool box for a lifetime of learning and engagement while preparing for a variety of professional schools and career paths.

  • Professional Writing and Editing

    Professional writers work in a variety of settings, including scientific and engineering firms, nonprofit and government organizations, colleges and universities, hospitals and clinical environments, as well as law firms. They do more, though, than simply translate complex, technical information into easy-to-read prose. Professional writers bring a variety of skills to workplace settings, from designing print and digital documents and managing large-scale writing projects to collaborating with co-workers in other professions on grants or proposals.

Take advantage of special options related to this major:

  • 3+3 Program

    This major is eligible for the that allows qualified students to earn a bachelor’s degree and law degree in six years instead of seven years.

  • Honors

    Expand your curiosity — and enhance your curriculum — through the 51ÂÒÂ×»»ÆÞ Honors College. Two programs are offered: for first- and second-year students and for third- and fourth-year students.

The 51ÂÒÂ×»»ÆÞ Difference

What sets this program apart from its competitors?

  • The , an international institute housed in 51ÂÒÂ×»»ÆÞ Libraries, supports production of publishing projects that require digital and media-rich components.
  • The Department's multiple journals and publishing institute offer real-world experience.
  • 51ÂÒÂ×»»ÆÞ SpeakWrite-Certified Program.
  • Annual departmental .
  • Scholarships available for outstanding students.
  • honorary for outstanding English students.
  • Opportunities to work at the or the .
  • Earn academic credit through .
  • 500+ scholarships awarded annually by the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences.
  • offers funding for activities that complement, extend and enhance your academic experience.
Scholarships

Over 92% of 51ÂÒÂ×»»ÆÞ freshmen receive grants or scholarships (2022-2023).

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Learn by Doing

Learning happens outside the classroom. Get involved.

  • The studies language variation and fosters understanding and appreciation of the speech of West Virginians. Undergraduate research assistants study the intricate nature of Appalachian dialects while gather cultural information.
  • is 51ÂÒÂ×»»ÆÞ’s undergraduate literary journal that is exclusive to publishing works by 51ÂÒÂ×»»ÆÞ students.
  • is a literary magazine edited by MFA students and the Council of Writers of the 51ÂÒÂ×»»ÆÞ MFA program.
  • is a referred, open-access online journal exploring the intersections of rhetoric, technology and pedagogy. The journal reaches a wide audience—currently 45,000 readers per month—hailing from Ascension Island to Zimbabwe.
  • Victorian Poetry, a critical journal of Victorian literature, is edited by the Department of English. The journal was established at 51ÂÒÂ×»»ÆÞ in 1963 and has become internationally known, with subscribers in 27 countries.

Network with professionals in your field as a student member of:

Live, study and pursue outside-the-classroom learning in a that shares your interests:

Outside of the Evansdale Crossing building.

What you learn outside of the classroom is just as important as what you learn during class. We’ll help you follow your curiosity.

Careers and Outcomes

How does this degree prepare students for a career?

Desktop Publishers

Format typescript and graphic elements using computer software to produce publication-ready material.

Median Salary: $51,290

Possible job titles include: Advertising Associate, Computer Typesetter, Electronic Console Display Operator, Graphic Artist, Electronic Imager, Electronic Publishing Specialist.

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Lawyers

Represent clients in criminal and civil litigation and other legal proceedings, draw up legal documents, or manage or advise clients on legal transactions. May specialize in a single area or may practice broadly in many areas of law.

Has a Bright Outlook , May require a Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $145,760

Possible job titles include: Assistant Attorney General, Associate Attorney, Attorney, Lawyer.

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English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in English language and literature, including linguistics and comparative literature. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

May require a Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $78,130

Possible job titles include: English Instructor, English Professor, Instructor, Professor.

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Public Relations Specialists

Engage in promoting or creating an intended public image for individuals, groups or organizations. May write or select material for release to various communications media.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $66,750

Possible job titles include: Account Executive, Public Affairs Specialist, Public Information Officer, Public Relations Specialist (PR Specialist).

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Editors

Plan, coordinate, or edit content of material for publication. May review proposals and drafts for possible publication. Includes technical editors.

Median Salary: $75,020

Possible job titles include: Editor, Managing Editor, Newspaper Copy Editor, Sports Editor.

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Technical Writers

Write technical materials, such as equipment manuals, appendices, or operating and maintenance instructions. May assist in layout work.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $80,050

Possible job titles include: Information Developer, Medical Writer, Documentation Designer, Documentation Specialist.

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Writers and Authors

Originate and prepare written material, such as scripts, stories, advertisements, and other material.

Median Salary: $73,690

Possible job titles include: Account Executive, Advertising Copy Writer, Copy Writer, Copywriter.

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Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers

Create original written works, such as scripts, essays, prose, poetry or song lyrics, for publication or performance.

Median Salary: $73,690

Possible job titles include: Author, Freelance Writer, Novelist, Songwriter.

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Interpreters and Translators

Interpret oral or sign language, or translate written text from one language into another.

Median Salary: $57,090

Possible job titles include: Interpreter, Medical Interpreter, Sign Language Interpreter, Translator.

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Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing

Sell goods for wholesalers or manufacturers to businesses or groups of individuals. Work requires substantial knowledge of items sold.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $65,630

Possible job titles include: Account Representative, Customer Account Technician, Inside Salesperson, Outside Sales Representative.

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Where Graduates are Working

51ÂÒÂ×»»ÆÞ English alumni work in fields such as:

  • Business
  • Government
  • Journalism
  • Law
  • Publishing
  • Editing
  • Education

Job placements include:

  • Editor for Metabiota
  • Editorial Assistant at Johns Hopkins University Press
  • Marketing Consultant at N-Play RE LLC

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to 51ÂÒÂ×»»ÆÞ's English major, first-time freshmen must meet 51ÂÒÂ×»»ÆÞ's . Interested in transferring? Review the .

Tuition and Aid

How much does English at 51ÂÒÂ×»»ÆÞ cost? And how can you save?

Tuition and Fees

Estimated rates are available on our tuition website. Anyone who is not a current West Virginia resident, including international students, will be charged non-resident rates.

Scholarships

Estimate your eligibility for merit scholarships at 51ÂÒÂ×»»ÆÞ Morgantown.

Find Scholarships

Net Price Calculator

Estimate your cost of attendance and eligibility for financial aid and scholarships at any 51ÂÒÂ×»»ÆÞ System campus.

Ways to Save

Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending 51ÂÒÂ×»»ÆÞ in addition to university scholarships.

Financial Aid

The most important step toward funding your future with financial aid for the English major is submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.

Ohio Tuition Reciprocity

As the result of a special agreement, students from Ohio who are fully admitted to English can enroll at 51ÂÒÂ×»»ÆÞ and pay in-state tuition rates. Students must be admitted to both the University and this major.

Transfer Articulation Agreements

To simplify the transfer process, we have formal agreements with certain institutions. These agreements outline the courses you should take to prepare for transferring to 51ÂÒÂ×»»ÆÞ.

Review the to see if your institution is listed.

Ready to take the next step?

Learn how to join the 51ÂÒÂ×»»ÆÞ family.

Want to know more about English at 51ÂÒÂ×»»ÆÞ? Fill out our request form to receive more information.

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​​Experiencing campus is the best way to see if 51ÂÒÂ×»»ÆÞ is the right fit. Choose from in-person and virtual options.

Visit 51ÂÒÂ×»»ÆÞ

Your first step to becoming a Mountaineer is applying for admission using our convenient online application.