May 22, 2026  
2026-2027 University Catalog 
    
2026-2027 University Catalog

English, B.A.


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Academic Departments and Programs

(120 UNITS)

The Bachelor of Arts in English prepares students to enter professions that expect excellence in reading and writing, including education, publishing, creative and professional writing, public service, law, medicine or business. The major may be combined with preparation for elementary and secondary school teaching. In addition, it can provide a foundation for students who intend to pursue advanced degrees in preparation for teaching at the college level. The curriculum is designed to prepare students to examine the diverse ways in which writing and literature let us see the past, understand advanced rhetorical and linguistic techniques, and make sense of the world through narrative.

In addition to the requirements for the major, students must meet all other university requirements for a bachelor’s degree. Please consult the Graduation Requirements for the Bachelor’s Degree  section in this catalog for complete information. All courses in the major require a “C” (2.0) or better. When selecting courses — 30 units of which must be upper-division — students are urged to consult a faculty adviser in the Department of English, Comparative Literature and Linguistics. ENGL 101 , a graduation requirement for all students, is not part of the English major but is a prerequisite to further work in English.

Electives (12 units)


Choose from English, Comparative Literature or Linguistics courses numbered 201 and above. ENGL 301  may not be used to fulfill elective requirements.

Early Literature Requirement


In addition to the Medieval, Early Modern and 18th-Century Literature requirement, 3 units must focus on literature before 1800. This may be satisfied by completing CPLT 324 ENGL 211 , ENGL 221 ENGL 416  or a second course in Medieval, Early Modern and 18th-Century Literature.

Total (120 units)


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Academic Departments and Programs