Discover what you can learn and where an English major can take you

The Department of English provides opportunities for our students to develop literacy, critical thinking, and communication skills, as well as the knowledge of literature and aesthetic appreciation expected of culturally literate citizens and future teachers in our public schools.

Interests

  • Classical or contemporary literature
  • The philosophy and practice of teaching language arts
  • Creative writing
  • Professional writing or grant writing
  • Intellectual inquiry and discussion
  • Editing and Publishing

Learn

  • To comprehend and interpret a variety of literary, non-literary, and visual texts
  • To make clear, organized, and well-reasoned arguments
  • To evaluate, incorporate, and document information
  • To analyze, develop, and synthesize concepts
  • To improve grammar, mechanics, and formal writing skills 

Go!

  • English Teacher
  • Journalist or Editor
  • Marketing Researcher
  • Librarian
  • Public Relations Liaison
  • Communication Specialist
  • Language School Director
  • Technical Writer or Editor
  • Digital Content Strategist
  • Novelist, Poet

Degrees & Programs

Undergraduate

Bachelor of Arts in English
BA in English is the path to your future!

  • Core classes in American, British, and World Literatures
  • Innovative courses designed to improve research and writing skills
  • Shakespeare
  • Elective classes in literature, creative writing, language and linguistics, teaching, professional writing, film, rhetoric, and publishing

BA in English with Single Subject Matter Preparation (SSMP)
SSMP is your path to junior high school and high school English Teaching!

  • Core English BA coursework
  • English coursework in rhetoric, linguistics, and teaching writing and literature
  • GE coursework in communications, theater, and computing

English Minor

  • Core coursework in literature
  • Elective classes in literature, creative writing, language and linguistics, teaching, professional writing, film, rhetoric, and publishing

BA in English with Concentration in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
TESOL is your path to the world!

  • Core English BA coursework
  • English coursework in linguistics, grammar, language acquisition, and teaching
  • Graduates also earn a TESOL Certificate

TESOL Certificate Program

  • TESOL Certificate can be earned by students in majors other than English, English MA students, and students in other graduate programs
  • English coursework in linguistics, grammar, language acquisition, and teaching
  • Writing and literature courses for non-English majors

English and TESOL Concentrations for Liberal Studies Majors

  • Core English coursework in relevant subjects
  • TESOL Concentration students can earn TESOL Certificate with extra coursework

Graduate

  • Master of Arts in English with a Concentration in Literature
  • Master of Arts in English with a Concentration in Rhetoric and the Teaching of Writing (RTW)
  • Master of Arts in English with a Concentration in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
  • Dual concentration options
  • TESOL Certificate Program

"As an alumna of the English Department, some of the most rewarding experiences I had resulted from the relationships I built with my instructors. Through their support, I was able to have access to new academic and professional opportunities."

  Sandra Cruz
English Alumna

Alumna, Sandra Cruz
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Career Opportunities

  • Arizona State University
  • Basis Independent School
  • Castro Valley Unified School District
  • Colegio Atid
  • Elliot Benson Research
  • Fresno State University
  • Information Management Associates
  • Innov8 Partners
  • Merced County Human Services Agency
  • Modesto Bee
  • Modesto Junior College
  • Official Jett Program USA
  • Ripon High School
  • ROI Communications
  • Sacramento Bee
  • Stanford Graduate School of Business
  • Texas Tech
  • TriTech Software Systems
  • Turlock High School
  • Turlock Jr. High
  • UC Merced
  • UC Santa Cruz
  • U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs

Updated: July 10, 2023