Bachelor of Arts in English
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Spell Out Your Career Aspirations With a Versatile BA in English
Degree:
Bachelor of Arts in English Degree
Application:
$0 application fee. No essays/exams.
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.
Degree Requirements
To receive the Bachelor of Arts in English degree, students must complete at least 180 quarter units as articulated below, 45 of which must be completed in residence at National University, 76.5 of which must be completed at the upper-division level, and a minimum 69 units of the University General Education requirements. 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.
National University awards credit in quarter units, with each academic year divided into four 12-week quarters.
Each quarter is made up of three 4-week classes, with one class per month. Under the current policy, 4.5 units of credit are awarded for courses.
Preparation for the Major
1 Course
Introduction to Literature
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ENG 102
An overview of the main genres of literature, including fiction, poetry and drama. Examines literary language and different approaches to literary criticism designed to increase student confidence when responding to literature.
Requirements for the Major
9 Courses
Choose any FOUR of the following FIVE survey courses:
British Literature I
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ENG 240 and; LIT 100
A survey of important British authors and literary trends from Chaucer through the middle of the 18th century.
British Literature II
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ENG 240 and LIT 100
A survey of important British authors and literary trends from the late 18th century through the modern era, with a focus on Romantic, Victorian and Modernist writers and texts. Some attention will also be paid to colonial and post-colonial writing in English.
LIT 321 American Literature I
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ENG 240 and LIT 100
A survey of important American authors and literary trends through the late 19th century. Texts will be situated in relation to cultural, philosophical, social and historical contexts, e.g., Puritanism and its legacies, varieties of American Romanticism, debates over slavery and gender roles, formation of national identities.
American Literature II
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ENG 240 and LIT 100
A survey of important American authors and literary trends from the late 19th century through the present. Texts will be situated in relation to cultural, philosophical, social and historical contexts. Particular attention will be paid to the modernist canon and to works by women and authors of color that respond to American literary heritage and social conditions.
History of Literary Theory
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ENG 240 and LIT 100
A survey of major arguments about the nature of literature, literary expression, and literary experience from Plato through the mid-20th century.
Shakespeare
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ENG 240 and LIT 100
An examination of major works of William Shakespeare.
Contemporary Literary Theory
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ENG 240 and LIT 100
A survey of important contemporary literary theories and their application to literary analysis and criticism.
Contemporary World Literature
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ENG 240 and LIT 100
Study of contemporary literary works from diverse cultures outside the Anglo-American literary tradition.
Choose ONE of the following THREE courses:
African American Literature
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ENG 240 and; LIT 100
Examination of important representative works by U.S. African-American writers and theoretical approaches relevant to studying that literature. Emphases may vary in different sections.
U.S. Latino Literature
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: LIT 100 and ENG 240
Examination of important representative works by U.S. Latino writers and theoretical approaches relevant to studying that literature. Emphases may vary in different sections.
Gender and Literature
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ENG 240 and LIT 100
A study of the representations of gender in literature to better understand changing literary aesthetics. Discusses assumptions about the ways gender permeates language and discourse.
English Capstone Course
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: Satisfactory completion of 8 upper-division LIT courses
This course is designed as the culmination of the English B. A. program. Students will bring the skills in literary study, analysis, research and writing learned in the program to bear on an original work of literary scholarship. Students will also be given the opportunity to revisit and revise several papers written in previous classes in the major. This course is an eight-week Practicum. Grading is H, S, or U only.
Upper-Division Electives for English Major
7 Courses
Choose TWO additional upper division LIT courses And one of the following:
Film as Art
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ENG 102
Survey of the art of cinema from the silent period to the present; examines film techniques and theories; explores film styles and genres, focusing on elements such as lighting, editing, and cinematography; establishes a basis by which students can make aesthetic judgments.
Communication Theory
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ENG 102
Provides a broad survey of the theoretical approaches employed in the study of communication. Focuses on theories relevant to many levels of interaction from interpersonal to mass and mediated communication. Also explores how and why theories are developed and how they can be evaluated.
Persuasion
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ENG 102
Introduces learners to the principles, functions, and practices of social influence. Examines how to influence others’ attitudes, beliefs, opinions, values, and behaviors through communication. Explores scientifically established principles of persuasion that are used in contemporary media.
Representation in the Media
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ENG 102
An exploration of the ways in which popular media represents our diverse and dynamic culture. The course focuses particularly on images and narratives of race and gender on television, in the movies and in popular culture. It also examines the cultural forces that influence how such representations are produced and perceived, their political and behavioral consequences, and various methods for analyzing and critiquing popular media.
Interactive Storytelling
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ENG 102
Introduces the evolution of storytelling, from oral delivery to written and interactive texts, and transmedia publication. Examines the effects of this evolution on storytellers and participants. Offers hands-on creation of online identities and texts.
Strategic Writing
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ENG 102
Teaches strategic writing and presentation for traditional and new media platforms. Provides students practice in creating content that meets organizational objectives, and in applying communication theory and persuasion techniques. Learners develop content for advertising, PR, and corporate communications.
English Grammar
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ENG 102
Analysis of Modern English structure using the methods of traditional grammar. Topics studied: parts of speech, grammatical functions, phrase, clause, and sentence types, and nominal and verbal categories. Nature and usefulness of prescriptive rules of grammar. How to teach traditional grammar as presented in the secondary English curriculum. Instruction will encourage students to demonstrate critical understanding of traditional grammar, of contemporary syntactic analysis, and of the strengths and weaknesses of those systems in secondary education.
Fundamentals of Linguistics
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ENG 102
An introduction to contemporary linguistics. Covers the phonology, morphology and syntax of the English language with an emphasis on language acquisition as related to the developmental stages of childhood. The course is especially designed for students intending to teach elementary school students.
Nature Writing
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ENG 102; ENG 240, or ENG 334A
An advanced course for students interested in using writing as a means of exploring the natural world. This course surveys nature writing in its various forms (essays, articles, poetry, journals, etc.) as well as effective nature writing strategies. This course is designed to give students a basis for future personal creative work.
Film in a Global Context
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ENG 240
Examines how international cinema represents various aspects of societies and cultures outside the U.S. Representative films of Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America, Australia and Oceania, and Canada may be studied.
Popular Culture
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ENG 102
Introduces students to the concept and origins of popular culture and to social theories used by academics to analyze its impact on self and culture in modern consumer societies. Topics include mass media, TV, the internet, video games, sports, leisure, fashion, celebrity, shopping, advertising, and youth culture.
American Film and Society
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ENG 102
A critical examination of the complex relationship between film and society and the processes by which film both influences and is influenced by society. Emphasizes the importance of locating the meaning of film texts within social and historical perspective and identifies how the film industry influences the presentation of different groups of people and issues in society. Explores the interrelationship between film and technology, the impact of narrative and the institution of Hollywood on the sociological imagination and the nature of representation, particularly as it applies to race, class and gender.
And Any FOUR additional upper division courses in the School of Arts, Letters, and Sciences
Concentration in Literary Studies
The Concentration in Literary Studies is recommended for students interested in a literature-focused degree, applying to graduate programs in English, or teaching English.
Total Requirements for Concentration in Literary Studies
4 Courses
Any FOUR additional LIT courses may be selected from the list below that have not already been taken to fulfill the requirements of the Major.
Mythology
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ENG 240 and LIT 100
An examination of mythology. This course recognizes that myth-making is a creative activity central to all cultures, including our own society. Students analyze and compare mythological narratives from a variety of cultures.
Contemporary Fiction
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ENG 240 and LIT 100
An upper-level seminar in contemporary fiction. Students will discuss and analyze major genres and movements in contemporary fiction, focusing on American fiction. Students will situate contemporary fiction in current political, cultural, historical and philosophical trends to better understand the relationship between fiction and the contemporary world.
Contemporary Poetry
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ENG 240 and LIT 100
A survey of important authors, movements, trends, and critical stances in contemporary poetry, with an emphasis on American poetry.
Children’s Literature
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ENG 240 and LIT 100
Provides students with a foundation for teaching children to read and learn through reading. Students learn to identify the stages in reading development, select appropriate literary texts for diverse learners at each stage, analyze children’s literary texts, and assess the literacy and language development of young learners.
World of the Short Story
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ENG 240 and LIT 100
A look at short stories. The reading list includes varieties of form and style in short fiction drawn from world literature and focuses on contemporary writing.
Studies in Poetry
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ENG 240 and LIT 100
Focused study of a particular theme, genre, period, or author.
Studies in the Novel
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ENG 240 and LIT 100
Focused study of a particular theme, genre, period, or author.
Studies in Drama
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ABA 620
An examination of the conventions and varieties of dramatic texts and performance, focusing on drama of the 20th century. Includes discussion of both Western and non-Western traditions.
Contemporary World Literature
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ENG 240 and LIT 100
Study of contemporary literary works from diverse cultures outside the Anglo-American literary tradition.
Literature of the Americas
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ENG 240 and LIT 100
This course will provide students with a hemispheric perspective to the study of the literatures of the Americas. The readings will come from a variety of prominent 20th century U.S. and Latin American literary texts. All works will be read in English translation.
Guided Study (variable units)
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ENG 240 and LIT 100 and Completion of at least one upper division LIT course with a grade of C or better.
Individual instruction on a literary topic under direction of instructor. May be repeated once with different subject matter. Requires prior approval of appropriate academic department.
Concentration in Written Communication
The Concentration in Written Communication is recommended for students interested in improving their skills as writers and communicators in the workplace and elsewhere.
Total Requirements for the Concentration in Written Communication
4 Courses
Students are to choose any FOUR courses from the following list below:
Persuasion
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ENG 102
Introduces learners to the principles, functions, and practices of social influence. Examines how to influence others’ attitudes, beliefs, opinions, values, and behaviors through communication. Explores scientifically established principles of persuasion that are used in contemporary media.
Strategic Writing
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ENG 102
Teaches strategic writing and presentation for traditional and new media platforms. Provides students practice in creating content that meets organizational objectives, and in applying communication theory and persuasion techniques. Learners develop content for advertising, PR, and corporate communications.
Mediated Messaging
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: COM 385, or COM 394
English Grammar
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ENG 102
Analysis of Modern English structure using the methods of traditional grammar. Topics studied: parts of speech, grammatical functions, phrase, clause, and sentence types, and nominal and verbal categories. Nature and usefulness of prescriptive rules of grammar. How to teach traditional grammar as presented in the secondary English curriculum. Instruction will encourage students to demonstrate critical understanding of traditional grammar, of contemporary syntactic analysis, and of the strengths and weaknesses of those systems in secondary education.
Technical Writing
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ENG 102; (Only Business, Engineering and Nursing majors may fulfill the requirement by taking ENG 334A)
A workshop to help students whose careers will involve communicating technical information clearly. Students are encouraged to practice on professional models in their own disciplines while learning those attributes common to all effective technical writing.
Editing
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ENG 240
Editing for style, clarity, and coherence in a variety of academic and non-academic contexts, including editing of one’s own and others’ writing and collaborative writing/editing.
Writing Technologies
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ENG 240
A survey of the history of writing technologies and their cultural effects. Students will also explore uses of contemporary technologies including digital text forms and generative AI.
Nature Writing
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ENG 102; ENG 240, or ENG 334A
An advanced course for students interested in using writing as a means of exploring the natural world. This course surveys nature writing in its various forms (essays, articles, poetry, journals, etc.) as well as effective nature writing strategies. This course is designed to give students a basis for future personal creative work.
Concentration in Creative Writing
The Concentration in Creative Writing is recommended for students interested in improving their skills and/or pursuing a graduate degree or career in composing fiction and poetry.
Preparation for the Concentration
1-2 Courses
Students will take either:
Intro to Creative Writing
4.5 Quarter Unit
An introduction to poetry and fiction writing using the collaborative workshop method. No previous creative writing experience is required.
Or both of the following ENG courses:
Fiction Writing I
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ENG 102
An introductory course in writing short fiction. Students will focus on the basic elements of fiction writing and write their own original work. Students will also analyze published work and discuss each other’s writing in a traditional workshop format. Designed to give students a basis for future creative work.
Poetry Writing I
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ENG 102
An introductory level poetry workshop. Students will compose their own original poems and study the basics of the craft of poetry along with a general historical overview of the history of poetry and its developments. This course is designed to give students a basis for future personal creative work.
Preparation for the Concentration
1-2 Courses
Any FOUR additional LIT courses may be selected from the list below that have not already been taken to fulfill the requirements of the Major.
Fiction Writing II
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ENG 150, or ENG 201
An intermediate course in writing fiction. Students will build on principles learned in ENG201, focusing on developing compelling and original fiction. Students will also discuss the importance of revision, and engage in thorough critiques of each other’s original work.
Poetry Writing II
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ENG 150, or ENG 202
An intermediate workshop in poetry. Students will compose their own original poems and continue the study of the craft of poetry, focusing on the modern tradition.
ONE of the following:
Nature Writing
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ENG 102; ENG 240, or ENG 334A
An advanced course for students interested in using writing as a means of exploring the natural world. This course surveys nature writing in its various forms (essays, articles, poetry, journals, etc.) as well as effective nature writing strategies. This course is designed to give students a basis for future personal creative work.
Contemporary Fiction
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ENG 240 and LIT 100
An upper-level seminar in contemporary fiction. Students will discuss and analyze major genres and movements in contemporary fiction, focusing on American fiction. Students will situate contemporary fiction in current political, cultural, historical and philosophical trends to better understand the relationship between fiction and the contemporary world.
Contemporary Poetry
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ENG 240 and LIT 100
A survey of important authors, movements, trends, and critical stances in contemporary poetry, with an emphasis on American poetry.
Creative Writing Project
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: Successful completion of all other requirements of the Concentration in Creative Writing.; ENG 301; ENG 302; and one of the following courses; ENG 375, or LIT 401, or LIT 402
Students will produce a fiction or poetry project as the culmination of their work in the Creative Writing Concentration.
Career Outlook
Data Source: The career outcomes data presented is sourced from Lightcast, which provides insights based on real-time job postings, public datasets, and analytics. Lightcast derives its data from sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW), and the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES). While accurate and reliable, this data reflects general labor market trends and may not represent individual outcomes or specific local conditions. For more details on Lightcast’s methodology, visit their Data Overview.
Here are some careers this degree could prepare you for:
Please select the state you will work in to view job data in your area
- Top Jobs in this field
- Median Salary
- Job Openings
- Writers and Authors
-
$53,272
avg. salary (USA) -
18,024
job openings (past yr.) past year
ALl of USAMost Desired Skills
- Marketing
- Social Media
- Content Creation
- Copywriting
- Journalism
- Proofreading
- Search Engine Optimization
ALl of USATop Companies Hiring
- Pearson Education
- Innovaxis Marketing Consulting
- Ford
- Nexstar Media Group
- Caesars Entertainment
- CDM Smith
- Amazon
- Technical Writers
-
$80,348
avg. salary (USA) -
4,306
job openings (past yr.) past year
ALl of USAMost Desired Skills
- Technical Writing
- Project Management
- Technical Documentation
- Proofreading
- Marketing
- Templates
- Request For Proposal
ALl of USATop Companies Hiring
- Merck & Co.
- GovCIO
- Johnson & Johnson
- Prime Therapeutics
- Deloitte
- Grifols
- Elevance Health
- Editors
-
$69,619
avg. salary (USA) -
13,259
job openings (past yr.) past year
ALl of USAMost Desired Skills
- Journalism
- Marketing
- Proofreading
- Project Management
- Social Media
- Copy Editing
- Workflow Management
ALl of USATop Companies Hiring
- Wolters Kluwer
- EBSCO Industries
- Pearson Education
- NBC
- TELUS
- Penguin Random House
- Springer Nature Group
- Secondary School Teachers
-
$65,104
avg. salary (USA) -
80,288
job openings (past yr.) past year
ALl of USAMost Desired Skills
- Lesson Planning
- Classroom Management
- Curriculum Development
- Learning Styles
- Mathematics Education
- Instructional Strategies
- Differentiated Instruction
ALl of USATop Companies Hiring
- Success Academy
- Clark County School District
- Charter Schools USA
- IDEA Public Schools
- Chicago Public Schools
- Stride K12
- YMCA
- Middle School Teachers
-
$64,004
avg. salary (USA) -
51,054
job openings (past yr.) past year
ALl of USAMost Desired Skills
- Lesson Planning
- Mathematics Education
- Classroom Management
- Science Education
- Curriculum Development
- Differentiated Instruction
- Learning Styles
ALl of USATop Companies Hiring
- Uncommon Schools
- Stride K12
- Kipp Massachusetts
- Kipp Austin Public Schools
- Springfield Public Schools, MO
- Wake County Public Schools
- Jefferson County Public Schools
- Elementary School Teachers
-
$63,405
avg. salary (USA) -
114,982
job openings (past yr.) past year
ALl of USAMost Desired Skills
- Lesson Planning
- Classroom Management
- Curriculum Development
- Learning Styles
- Primary Education
- Special Education
- Instructional Strategies
ALl of USATop Companies Hiring
- Wake County Public Schools
- Clark County School District
- State Of West Virginia
- Broward County Public Schools
- Institute Of Reading Development
- KinderCare Education
- Ulster Boces
- Office Clerks
-
$43,548
avg. salary (USA) -
348,097
job openings (past yr.) past year
ALl of USAMost Desired Skills
- Data Entry
- Administrative Support
- Office Supply Management
- Office Management
- Office Equipment
- Invoicing
- QuickBooks (Accounting Software)
ALl of USATop Companies Hiring
- UNC Health
- State of New York
- State of Arkansas
- State of Michigan
- Coalition Technologies
- Ascension
- LHC Group
- Short-Term Substitute Teachers
-
$37,376
avg. salary (USA) -
60,005
job openings (past yr.) past year
ALl of USAMost Desired Skills
- Lesson Planning
- Classroom Management
- Special Education
- Learning Styles
- Individualized Education Programs (IEP)
- Working With Children
- Child Development
ALl of USATop Companies Hiring
- Broward County Public Schools
- Charter Schools USA
- Scoot Education
- Zen Educate
- Ess Education Support Services
- Ulster Boces
- Guidepost Montessori
- Proofreaders and Copy Markers
-
$45,188
avg. salary (USA) -
1,086
job openings (past yr.) past year
ALl of USAMost Desired Skills
- Proofreading
- Marketing
- Project Management
- Copywriting
- Journalism
- Punctuation and Capitalization
- Workflow Management
ALl of USATop Companies Hiring
- Innovaxis Marketing Consulting
- Ford
- Publicis Groupe
- Lincoln Financial Group
- Amazon
- Pearson Education
- Williams Lea
- Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers
-
$52,331
avg. salary (USA) -
18,117
job openings (past yr.) past year
ALl of USAMost Desired Skills
- Search Engine Optimization
- Journalism
- Speechwriting
- Proofreading
- Blogs
- Marketing
- Strategic Communication
ALl of USATop Companies Hiring
- Blushark Digital
- Volunteermatch
- Gamerant.Com (Aka Game Rant)
- City of New York
- Comic Book Resources
- Fedwriters
- Johns Hopkins University
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.
Admissions
Transfer Students Welcome
Enrolling in a university is a big decision. That’s why our dedicated admissions team is here to guide you through the admissions process and help you find the right program for you and your career goals.
To that end, we’ve simplified and streamlined our application process, so you can get enrolled in your program right away. Because we accept and review applications year round, you can begin class as soon as next month, depending on your program and location of choice.
Learn more about undergraduate, graduate, military, and international student admissions, plus admissions information for transfer students. You can also learn more about our tuition rates and financial aid opportunities.
To speak with our admissions team, call (855) 355-6288 or request information and an advisor will contact you shortly. If you’re ready to apply, simply start your application today.
Pricing
The cost shown is the estimated price for this degree. Many National University students are eligible for scholarships or financial aid, which may substantially lower a degree program’s cost.
You can visit our Tuition Estimator to see what scholarships and discounts are available and get more information about expected costs. You can also start the application process and receive counseling from our Enrollment team on the costs of your degree
Scholarships and Financial Aid
National University is dedicated to making higher education affordable, as well as accessible. Through NU scholarship offerings, eligible students are able to reduce the financial burden of college, start classes sooner, and finish their programs faster while focusing on achieving their goals.
Accreditations
The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accredits public and private schools, colleges, and universities in the U.S.
Why National University?
We’re proud to be 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 245,000 alumni worldwide.
“National University has impacted my career. You can immediately apply what you learn in class to your business.”
Francisco R.,
Class of 2016
What makes a degree
with National University unique?
Free Tutoring Sessions
Access personalized tutoring sessions at no cost — empowering your learning.
Online
Flexibility meets quality education with our online learning option.
24/7 Support
Get assistance anytime, anywhere with our round-the-clock support services.
Military Friendly
Committed to serving those who serve — diverse resources and support for veterans and family. Military and Veteran Admissions.
Mentoring Network
Individual student and alumni career guidance, professional development opportunities, and customized career support.
Transfer Students Welcome
NU makes it easy to get your degree, even if you started it with another university. Learn more about transferring to NU.
Accelerate Your Career With NU
At National University, you’re part of a family. As a student, you’ll have the support of staff, faculty members, students, and alumni who will be there with you every step of the way, cheering you on as you pursue your goals.
Our network of 245,000 alumni is a large global community that provides our graduates with the professional connections to get a leg up in your new career.
FAQs
English majors often go on to fulfill their professional goals in teaching, media, journalism, writing, public relations, and many other areas requiring solid written and oral communication skills. National University’s Bachelor of Arts in English can also help you develop the critical thinking and analytical skills needed to evaluate written materials, regardless of medium.
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.
National University’s BA in English is designed to help you develop the written and verbal skills that can help you become marketable in just about any field and any type of organization. Employers in every industry need professionals who are proficient in writing and communicating. With your English degree, you’ll be equipped with the qualifications to pursue positions* like:
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.
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, learn more here: Bachelor of Arts in English with Single Subject Matter Preparation and Inspired Teaching and Learning Preliminary Single Subject Teaching Credential (California).
Students enrolled in the BA English program who have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 and are within six courses of completing the BA program may register for the BA English/MA English transition program. They do so by asking their academic advisor to submit a plan change into the transition program.
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.
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.
Additional Resources
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 on 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.
National University degrees do not guarantee employment or salary of any kind. Prospective students are strongly encouraged to review desired job positions to review degrees, education, and/or training required to apply for desired positions. Prospective students should monitor these positions as requirements, salary, and other relevant factors can change over time.
*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
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