Bachelor of Arts in English

In Saint Louis University’s English program, students engage the world of literature and the art of language. SLU's English majors do more than read great books; they encounter diverse perspectives and learn to read their place in the world. Award-winning English faculty train students to think critically and creatively, write with precision and style and analyze how language shapes culture. Through courses in literature, creative writing and rhetoric, as well as personalized mentorship, Bachelor of Arts in English students reimagine what their futures might hold. SLU’s English alumni often credit the department’s emphasis on writing, analytical rigor and creativity for their success in varied careers. Whether you wish to pursue law or education, marketing or medicine, an M.F.A. or an MBA, an English degree will help you get there. Saint Louis University’s English major is flexible and student-centered, with small classes emphasizing discussion, critical thinking and reflection. A spine of four required courses brings majors together as a cohort to explore foundational questions, such as: Why English? What are the functions of literature and rhetoric for communities beyond the university? What role does creative storytelling play in shaping cultures of justice. Students craft their own paths through the rest of the major, following their passions in literary studies, creative writing and rhetorical studies. From true crime podcasts and Shakespeare’s plays to climate change novels and new media writing, elective courses cover a range of literary histories and genres while drawing connections to the present. Many electives within the English major also fulfill University Undergraduate Core requirements, giving students time and freedom to explore. The English curriculum concludes with a senior capstone experience in which students work with a faculty mentor to complete a significant research or creative project of their own design. he English department offers opportunities for students to supplement their regular course of study with research experiences, internships and community-based learning.  

Career Path 

Graduate career path includes Author (Fiction/Nonfiction), Copywriter, Technical Writer, Content Writer, Editor (Books, Journals, Magazines), Proofreader, Grant Writer, Publishing Assistant, Journalist, Broadcast Writer, News Reporter, Columnist, Media Researcher, Public Relations Specialist, Social Media Manager, Communications Coordinator, Teaching Assistant (English), Secondary School Teacher, Academic Advisor, Developer (Language Arts), University Lecturer (Entry-Level), Literacy Program Coordinator, Corporate Communications Specialist, Human Resources Specialist, Brand Strategist, Corporate Trainer, Marketing Communications Specialist, Market Research Analyst (Cultural/Linguistic Trends),Cultural Affairs Officer, Organizational Development Assistant, Community Outreach Coordinator, Nonprofit Program Coordinator (Education/Arts Focus), Advocacy Communications Specialist.