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English Major

Write the next chapter of your life with an English degree.

Quick Look

OFFERED AS:

Major

FORMAT:

In-Person

CREDITS REQUIRED:

120

English has always been your favorite subject, and you enjoy expressing yourself through writing and following your creative spirit. As an English major at Kutztown University, you can turn your creativity and love for reading and writing into an inspiring career.

The question is not what can you do with an English degree, the question is what do you want to do.

Why Choose KU to Become an English Major

Combining study in language, literature, rhetoric, media, gender studies and culture, our English degree is the first step to pursuing the profession of your dreams. And what makes our program unique is that it’s an ever-evolving course catalogue, covering various cultures, films, music, languages, poetry and politics and how they all tie to English and literature.

With a core focus on perfecting your reading, writing and communication skills, we want your experience as an English major to be a profound one from the moment you step onto campus.

And if becoming the writer of your dreams isn’t enticing enough, here are other top reasons students choose KU:

  • Benefit from affordable tuition and scholarship opportunities
  • Learn from experienced and published professors
  • Enjoy a beautiful campus location
  • Join a supportive creative community of like-minded students
Students within the English major sitting in class, editing each other's work.

Language. Literature. Rhetoric. Media. It doesn't get cooler than becoming an English major at KU.

English Major Highlights

Our courses prepare you for success in fields such as public relations, publishing, journalism, creative writing, education, research, social media and more.

The following points are just some of the experiences that make KU one of the best colleges to pursue an English degree in Pennsylvania.

Program Highlights:

  • Attend English study abroad opportunities in Ireland or London
  • Apply for degree-specific scholarship opportunities
  • Get real publishing experience with The Keystone News or Shoofly Literary Magazine
  • Submit work and participate in English conferences hosted by KU
  • Personalize your degree with our diverse selection of English and writing courses

Student Learning Outcomes

  • English (BA)
    1. SLO 1 (Reading) Upon completion of the BA in English, students will be able to critically and empathetically read and interpret diverse and multi-modal texts. 

    2. SLO 2 (Writing) Upon completion of the BA in English, students will be able to make effective choices in researching, arguing, and multi-modal composition.

    3. SLO 3 (Diversity) Upon completion of the BA in English, students will recognize the value of diversity and demonstrate an understanding of the role that texts play in promoting a more just and equitable world. 

    4. SLO 4 (History) Students demonstrate the ability to read, paraphrase, and interpret texts that illustrate social change over time because they are written in a historically inflected form of English. 

    5. SLO 5 (Professionalization) Upon completion of the BA in English, students will articulate the potential of skills learned in classes to be useful in a variety of careers. 

Quotation Mark

I transferred to Kutztown University as a sophomore, and my experience with the English program made it my only choice for graduate studies. The tight-knit community of field-leading professors supported and challenged me in equal measure, launching me to my first international conference – among other new heights. The skills I gained in concise communication, efficient research, and critical thinking continue to be invaluable in my technology career.

David Eltz '18, LMS Administrator, Kutztown University

Career Outcomes

Top Internships Locations
The Washington Center
Boy Scouts of America
ArtsQuest
Tolkien Society
The Journal of Dracula Studies
National Journalism Center
Hearst Magazines
The George School
Top Job Placements
Reading Eagle
WFMZ
Strunk Media Group
WebFX
Zenescope Entertainment
Law Offices of Peter Angelos
Kutztown University
Lehigh University

Frequently Asked Questions about the English Major

  • What can I do with an English degree?

    KU's English major equips you with a versatile skillset that can lead to many rewarding career paths. Here are the most common jobs you can get with an English degree, along with their national salaries (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023):

    • Social Media Analyst: $66,365
    • Editor: $67,575
    • Writer: $73,690
    • Reporter: $45,325
    • Marketing Director: $157,620
    • Sales Manager: $135,160
    • Web Developer: $84,960
    • Librarian: $64,370
    • Public Relations Specialist: $66,750
  • What on-campus career experience can I get as an English major?

    One of the best parts about becoming an English major at Kutztown University is your opportunity to get writing and editing experience before you graduate. 

    We highly encourage you to check out the different English clubs below:

  • Is an internship required to complete an English degree?

    Yes, an internship is required for the English major at KU. You will need to obtain at least three credits to graduate, although you can earn up to 9 total credits towards your degree.

    It's important to note that you must also take ENGL 380: Proseminar before your internship. This class focuses on preparing you to find an internship and begin your career after graduation. Students often intern at nearby businesses and organizations as well as on campus to gain real-world experience.

    If you need assistance in finding an internship, you can contact your academic advisor or our Department Chair at jshaw@kutztown.edu.