Bachelor of Arts in English

Bachelor of Arts in English

Spell Out Your Career Aspirations With a versatile BA in English
A BA in English is an excellent starting point for a career in teaching, media, advertising, writing and publishing; for graduate or professional studies in English, communications, or law; and for advancement in any field in which communication skills are important.
National University’s Bachelor of Arts in English emphasizes literary analysis, diversity, critical thinking, and written and oral communication skills through a rigorous curriculum of literature, composition, language and linguistics, and communication studies.
NU’s curriculum is designed for students seeking a flexible way to earn their degree. Offered online in the four-week class format, you can complete the program at an accelerated pace under a supportive and dedicated faculty of active practitioners.
For those that wish to enter the teaching profession, NU’s BA in English provides the transferable expertise you need to pursue your grade-level of choice – and the committed support of our faculty to help you get there. If you are interested in teaching English or Language Arts in middle or secondary schools, you should learn more about our Bachelor of Arts in English with Single Subject Matter Preparation and Inspired Teaching and Learning Preliminary Single Subject Teaching Credential (CALIFORNIA).
Millions in Scholarships
Explore National University’s scholarship opportunities.
Eligibility requirements apply.
Program Learning Outcomes
As a graduate of National University’s Bachelor of Arts in English, you’ll understand how to:
- Knowledgeably discuss the major writers, works, movements, and periods of the British and American literary traditions
- Apply close reading skills to analyze literary and other texts
- Critically examine the relevance of variables of human diversity such as race, ethnicity, gender, class, and sexuality to the understanding and cultural significance of literature
- Apply relevant cultural and historical information in the analysis of literary texts
- Critically evaluate the assumptions and implications of major critical approaches to literature
- Analyze the significance of genre conventions to the meanings and effects of literary works
- Explain and defend their own criteria for evaluating works of literature
- Collaborate with others to develop more complicated interpretations or arguments
- Compose sophisticated written arguments about works of literature, incorporating appropriate close reading, research, and writing skills
NU’s BA in English is designed for students looking to improve as a researcher or writer. For those who wish to enter the teaching profession, our curriculum provides the transferable expertise you’ll need to enter your grade-level of choice – and the committed support of our faculty to help you get there.
NU’s BA in English can be completed by taking four-week courses, one course at a time so that you can finish faster without sacrificing your family or work obligations.
Writers
- Technical writers
- Proposal Writers, Coordinators & Managers
- Copywriters
- Content Writers
- Authors
- News Analysts, Reporters & Editors
Communications, Public Relations Professionals
- Marketing Coordinators & Specialists
- Public Relations Managers
- Marketing Product Managers
- Social Media Coordinators, Specialists & Managers
- Digital Marketing Specialists, Content Marketing Specialists
- Communications Specialists, Coordinators, Managers
- Fundraising Coordinators
- Multimedia Journalists
- Producers & Directors
- Grant Writers
Administrative or Account Support Positions
- Administrative Assistants & Executive Assistants
- Account Coordinators & Managers
- Project Coordinators Managers
- Program Coordinators & Managers
- Store Managers
- Human Resource Assistants
Teaching & Tutoring at the K-12 level
Research roles
- Research Associates, Assistants, Coordinators & Analysts
Paralegals & Legal Assistants
* SOURCE: Emsi Labor Analyst- Report. Emsi research company homepage at https://www.economicmodeling.com/company/ (Report viewed: May 3, 2022. DISCLAIMER: The data provided is for Informational purposes only. Emsi data and analysis utilizes government sources to provide insights on industries, demographics, employers, in-demand skills, and more to align academic programs with labor market opportunities. Cited projections may not reflect local or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth. Current and prospective students should use this data with other available economic data to inform their educational decisions.
Students in the BA English/MA English transition program may take any one 600-level ENG course (excluding ENG 689 or ENG 699) as an elective within the BA English program. For students in the BA English/MA English transition program, the University will waive one MA English course taken as part of the BA degree if the grade earned is a “B” or higher.
No graduate units will be awarded; instead, the University will waive the MA English course taken as part of the BA degree. However, students must still meet the residency requirements for the MA English program (45 quarter units). Students must apply to and begin the MA English program within six months of completing the BA English program.
In the absence of transfer credit, additional general electives may be necessary to satisfy total units for the degree. The following courses are specific degree requirements. Students should refer to the section on undergraduate admission procedures for specific information on admission and evaluation. (All students receiving an undergraduate degree in Nevada are required by State Law to complete a course in Nevada Constitution.)
Introducing the Opportunity Scholarship
In honor of our students, and in celebration of our 50th anniversary, National University is investing $30 million in new student scholarships. To learn more about the Opportunity Scholarship, how you can apply, and how much you can save, inquire today.

Melinda Campbell, Ph.D.
Professor and Lead Faculty, Philosophy & Academic Information Literacy
“Our students earn a BA in English but also take courses in education, too. As a result, our graduates emerge with a single subject teaching credential in English as well as a BA in English.”
Contact Us
Take the first step by starting your application online today.
To speak to an enrollment advisor about this program, please email [email protected].
FAQs
A bachelor’s degree in English can set you on any number of career paths. You’ll develop reading, writing, verbal, and critical thinking skills that will make you marketable in fields like journalism, marketing, PR, and other areas that depend on people who have a strong command of the language and can clearly communicate their thoughts.
An English degree can also lay the groundwork for students who want to further their studies to become teachers or apply to law school. Employers value English majors because of their well-rounded and versatile skills.
Bachelor’s degrees differ from school to school, but National University offers an innovative way to help you make the most of your time. We offer four-week classes, so you can focus on one subject at a time, one month at a time, and finish your degree faster. Plus, with year-round enrollment, you don’t have to wait to apply; you can begin classes as soon as next month.
Earning a Master’s in Business Administration can further sharpen your critical thinking, decision-making, and leadership skills. An MBA is a globally recognized program that can have tremendous value in all sectors of the job market, and if you know where you want to drive your career, you can choose a program with a specialization in your particular area of interest.
In order to become a teacher, you’ll need to pass the required tests for teacher certification in the state where you live. NU’s BA in English provides the transferable expertise you need to enter your grade-level of choice – and the committed support of our faculty to help you get there.
If you are interested in teaching English or Language Arts in middle or secondary schools, you should consider enrolling in our Bachelor of Arts in English with Single Subject Matter Preparation and Inspired Teaching and Learning Preliminary Single Subject Teaching Credential (CALIFORNIA).
Related Programs
- B.A. Strategic Communications Program Website
- Master of Arts in English
- Bachelor of Arts in English for Aspiring Teachers
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Why Choose National University?
We’re a veteran-founded, San Diego-based nonprofit. Since 1971, our mission has been to provide accessible, achievable higher education to adult learners. Today, we educate students from across the U.S. and around the globe, with over 185,000 alumni worldwide.
Program Disclosure
Successful completion and attainment of National University degrees do not lead to automatic or immediate licensure, employment, or certification in any state/country. The University cannot guarantee that any professional organization or business will accept a graduate’s application to sit for any certification, licensure, or related exam for the purpose of professional certification.
Program availability varies by state. Many disciplines, professions, and jobs require disclosure of an individual’s criminal history, and a variety of states require background checks to apply to, or be eligible for, certain certificates, registrations, and licenses. Existence of a criminal history may also subject an individual to denial of an initial application for a certificate, registration, or license and/or result in the revocation or suspension of an existing certificate, registration, or license. Requirements can vary by state, occupation, and/or licensing authority.
NU graduates will be subject to additional requirements in a program, certification/licensure, employment, and state-by-state basis that can include one or more of the following items: internships, practicum experience, additional coursework, exams, tests, drug testing, earning an additional degree, and/or other training/education requirements.
All prospective students are advised to review employment, certification, and/or licensure requirements in their state, and to contact the certification/licensing body of the state and/or country where they intend to obtain certification/licensure to verify that these courses/programs qualify in that state/country, prior to enrolling. Prospective students are also advised to regularly review the state’s/country’s policies and procedures relating to certification/licensure, as those policies are subject to change.
*Positions may require additional experience, training, and other factors beyond successfully completing this degree program. Depending on where you reside, many positions may also require state licensure, and it is the responsibility of the student to ensure that all licensure requirements are met. We encourage you to also review program-specific requirements. Any data provided on this page is for informational purposes only and does not guarantee that completion of any degree program will achieve the underlying occupation or commensurate salary.