In our BA program, you'll engage historical and contemporary texts in depth, while also developing critical and creative writing experience. 

You'll hone interpretive skills by connecting words on the page to broader social, economic, cultural and political conditions. You'll not only read texts, but craft your own, with opportunities to write poetry, long-form essays, short stories and research-driven projects. Our program offers concentrations in literary studies, creative writing or English education.

Outside the classroom, gain hands-on experience managing, editing and publishing with Foothills, the undergraduate literary journal. Or intern with our partner, Tethered by Letters, to hone publishing and editing techniques. You can also take these skills beyond campus by studying abroad.

Our BA in English develops critical thinking, reading and writing abilities essential to graduate studies and a wide range of careers. Writing-based roles in publishing, marketing, law, nonprofits and technology are ever-expanding. We offer specific programs in publishing, education and professional writing to help you develop these career skill sets.

Concentrations

Literary Studies

This concentration is for students who wish to pursue the traditional approach to the discipline of English literary criticism, scholarship and theory. Students interested in a broad knowledge of the discipline and/or continued study in graduate or professional programs should choose this concentration.

Creative Writing

This concentration is for students who wish to create original works in poetry, fiction, nonfiction or translation, and who seek training from practicing writers in these areas. The program emphasizes, more than many such programs, the study of literature and theory. It is appropriate for students who plan to seek the MFA or PhD in English.

English Education

This concentration is for students who wish to teach English language and literature at the secondary school level. Students explore a range of writings from medieval British to postcolonial literatures of the Americas, and in addition take courses in language and writing.

The English Program at DU Offers:

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    A faculty of writers, critics and scholars who regularly publish in the best journals and presses

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    Small class sizes, allowing you to work one-on-one with some of the best writers and literary scholars in the country

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    Opportunities to apply what you learn beyond the classroom, including study abroad, internship opportunities, working on or publishing in the Foothills literary journal, and more

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    The chance to earn pre-admission to our MA program

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Degree Requirements

  • To major in English, students complete 44–60 credits in one of three areas of concentration: literary studies, creative writing or English education.
  • No more than 12 credits of coursework at the 1000 level may be taken, and at least 12 credits must be taken at the 3000 level.
  • For distinction in the major you need to maintain a GPA of 3.5 and complete either a critical or creative thesis.
  • The secondary major is 44 credit hours.
  • The minor is 24 credit hours.

View Degree, Minor & Distinction Requirements

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Study the diverse cultures of literary texts and find new ways to tell your own story.

Are you ready to study English and literary arts at DU? 

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