Undergraduate Programs
Program Overview
Our undergraduate degree program offers a comprehensive study of the English language and literature. The curriculum explores traditions and literary works from different English-speaking countries, and it also emphasizes writing skills and critical theory to enable students to approach literature as an artistic medium and intellectual discipline. Students develop essential skills in writing and textual analysis, enriching their academic and personal aspirations. We also offer cultural exchange opportunities beyond the classroom that include public lectures, poetry readings, and the publication of journals dedicated to criticism and creative writing.
Five Reasons to Get an English Degree
- Sharpen Your Critical Thinking and Analytical Skills: English majors gain critical thinking and analytical skills through exploring complex texts, scrutinizing rhetorical strategies, and merging diverse perspectives.
- Become Known as an Effective Communicator: Effective communication skills that are crucial for success in various careers. Employers and organizations highly value individuals who are able to articulate complex ideas and craft persuasive arguments with clarity, coherence, and precision.
- Invest In Your Personal Growth and Self-Expression: Literature and creative writing help students explore their identities, values, and beliefs while fostering personal growth and self-expression.
- Join in Intellectual Exploration: Explore language, literature, and culture from different perspectives to develop a deeper understanding of the world.
- Open the Door to Versatile Career Opportunities: Majoring in English offers a wide range of highly transferable skills that lead to more career opportunities in fields such as publishing, journalism, education, law, marketing, libraries, and public relations.
Program Offerings
Bachelor of Arts in English
An English major provides a wide understanding of the literary works in the English language. It enables students to read comprehensively, think critically and creatively, communicate effectively, and argue persuasively. The major covers a comprehensive scope to provide a firm foundation for success in almost any field. It uncovers the entire classic history of English writing while also being future-oriented, allowing you to navigate a society in which various forms of verbal expression continually increase in number and expand in influence.
The skills developed through majoring in English, including writing, editing, and critical and analytical thinking. These skills are highly sought after by a wide range of employers and schools of law, medicine, and other post-baccalaureate schools and programs.
Available Concentrations
The cultural studies concentration analyzes popular culture and electronic media culture through critical models shaped by cultural theory. It incorporates ideas from various fields such as film studies, materialist philosophy, ethnic and race studies, feminist and gender studies, and queer studies. The program develops students' analytical and interpretive skills and introduces them to various critical approaches to popular culture and electronic media culture.
The creative writing concentration helps students develop their writing craft and critical thinking skills through a workshop setting and literature courses. It equips them with professional skills for various industries and prepares them for graduate studies in English and creative writing.
The literature concentration is a historical study of English language and literature in Britain and the US, as well as multi-ethnic literatures and translations. It also provides training in composition and critical theory. Students develop skills in writing and textual analysis that complement other academic studies and prepare students for law, communications, and journalism.
The concentration in Professional Writing equips students with the practical skills and knowledge necessary to excel in various writing-intensive careers. By focusing on real-world applications of writing, this concentration prepares students to communicate effectively in professional settings. Students engage in a rigorous curriculum that covers a wide range of writing styles and formats, from technical documents to creative content.
The writing and rhetoric concentration covers writing studies, professional writing, and technical communication. Students learn to create effective texts for diverse audiences by combining theory and practice. They gain skills in analysis, research, writing, and editing, preparing them for a variety of industries and fields.
Minor in English
An English minor can complement nearly all other academic disciplines. Every industry benefits from hiring professionals who are able to effectively articulate their ideas through written and verbal communication. Our department offers three minors in literature, creative writing, and professional writing.The creative writing minor helps students explore literary expression and develop practical skills in crafting original works of literature across genres. Through workshops and critiques, students refine their writing style and critical thinking skills in a supportive learning environment. Upon completion, students emerge as versatile writers equipped with creative vision and technical proficiency to thrive in various literary contexts.
The English minor program helps students gain a comprehensive understanding of major authors, works, genres, and movements within British and American literature. It develops critical reading skills and enhances writing proficiency, enabling students to analyze texts thoughtfully and communicate effectively in academic and professional settings.
The professional writing minor teaches students to create effective print and digital texts for different audiences and purposes. They learn project management skills, professional writing genres, visual design, research, and critical thinking. This program prepares them to succeed as versatile communicators in various professional contexts.
Career Opportunities
An English Degree equips individuals with a versatile skill set that transcends boundaries and opens doors to a range of career paths. The mastery of writing, literacy, critical thinking, and problem-solving makes English majors dynamic professionals who are poised to excel in any field. The question then arises, where can an English degree take you?
- Publishing: Editing, proofreading, copywriting, and content creation roles within book, magazine, or digital publishing companies.
- Journalism: Reporting, writing, and editing for newspapers, magazines, online publications, or broadcast media.
- Education: Teaching at the primary, secondary, or post-secondary levels, including roles as English teachers, professors, or educational administrators.
- Marketing and Advertising: Content creation, copywriting, branding, and communications roles within advertising agencies, marketing firms, or corporate marketing departments.
- Public Relations: Crafting press releases, managing media relations, and developing communication strategies for organizations in various industries.
- Content Writing and Digital Media: Writing and producing content for websites, blogs, social media platforms, and digital marketing campaigns.
- Technical Writing: Creating user manuals, instructional guides, and technical documentation for software companies, engineering firms, or government agencies.
- Corporate Communications: Writing internal communications, executive speeches, and public-facing materials for businesses and organizations.
- Nonprofit and Advocacy Work: Writing grant proposals, fundraising appeals, and advocacy materials for nonprofit organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), or government agencies.
- Freelance Writing and Editing: Pursuing self-employment as a freelance writer, editor, or content creator, offering services to a variety of clients across industries.
- Law: English majors often pursue careers in law, utilizing their strong analytical and communication skills to excel in legal professions.
"I am forever indebted to UNLV's English department and its amazing collection of professors, many of whom have inspired me academically, pushed me professionally, and remain some of my closest friends."Anthony Brinkley, Bachelor of Arts in English, Class of 2021
Expanding Our Students’ Horizons Outside the Classroom
We encourage English students to actively apply their knowledge to real-world situations, engage in productive dialogues with their peers and scholars, and become a part of our prestigious international honors society.
Sigma Tau Delta
Our honor society, Sigma Tau Delta, brings together students and faculty to recognize and promote excellence in English studies, literary research, and other intellectual pursuits that enrich human understanding and expression.Sigma Tau Delta offers a friendly environment for English students to explore the subject in greater depth, arrange literary events, participate in community service, and revel in their enthusiasm for all aspects of English language and literature.
For more information, visit our Student Resources page.
The English Club
The English Club is an UNLV-Based RSO that provides a safe place for like-minded individuals to discuss books, literature, and anything English based. The RSO also has weekly book club meetings over Discord to discuss a previously selected book.
For more information, email Jarret Keene at jarret.keene@unlv.edu or visit the English Club’s Involvement Center page.
Scholarships
The English Department and the College of Liberal Arts proudly offer multiple scholarships to help students achieve their academic goals. Scholarship offerings include the following:
For more information, visit the College of Liberal Arts’ Grants, Scholarships & Awards page.
Contact
If you have any questions about our undergraduate programs, complete our Request for Information form.