Our Bachelor’s in English Language & Literature (English Studies) develops agile readers, incisive writers, and culturally aware communicators. Students explore literature across periods and places, study the English language and linguistics, and practice advanced research and writing—preparing for impactful careers in media, education, publishing, public service, and beyond. Program design aligns with internationally recognized standards for English studies, general-education learning, and language proficiency frameworks.
Program Goals
Graduates will:
Build broad knowledge of English-language literatures, theories, and contexts.
Master advanced written, oral, and digital communication for varied audiences.
Analyze language and meaning using tools from literary studies and linguistics.
Conduct ethical, independent research using scholarly methods and documentation.
Demonstrate intercultural awareness and inclusive, global perspectives.
Apply critical and creative thinking to real-world problems and professional settings.
Program Learning Outcomes
By graduation, students will be able to:
Perform close readings of complex texts, relating form, genre, and context.
Synthesize and evaluate scholarly sources; produce research-based arguments using appropriate citation styles.
Write clearly and persuasively across genres (analytical, creative, professional), demonstrating command of rhetoric and revision.
Explain core concepts in linguistics (phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, pragmatics) and apply them to language data.
Demonstrate advanced English proficiency in academic and professional registers (target CEFR B2–C1).
Use digital tools (corpora, DH platforms) to analyze, curate, and present texts ethically.
Communicate findings to specialist and non-specialist audiences through presentations, publications, or public-facing projects.
Pathways Available
Concentration tracks: Literature; Linguistics & TESOL; Creative Writing; Digital Humanities & Publishing; Translation & Interpreting (EN <> other languages).
Minors / double majors: Combine English with Communication, Business, Computer Science, Education, or International Relations.
Undergraduate research & publication: Honors thesis; student journal; conference participation (e.g., Sigma Tau Delta).
Competitive fellowships & service: Teaching, editing, or communications internships; post-grad opportunities such as Fulbright ETA (country-specific).
Graduate progression: MA English, Linguistics, TESOL, Journalism/Communication, Law (via separate admission).
Possible Career Options
English majors work across sectors that prize research, writing, analysis, and audience-focused communication. Examples (with U.S. outlook data):
Writer/Author (including content strategist, copywriter, storyteller). Projected growth ~4% (2024–2034).
Editor (developmental/copy/online). Median pay $75,260 (May 2024).
Technical Writer (software, health, engineering documentation).
Public Relations Specialist / Communications (corporate, nonprofit, government).
Interpreting/Translation (for bilingual graduates; additional language required).
Teaching: Secondary English (with separate teacher licensure) or adult ESL; longer-term, postsecondary roles with graduate study.
Related creative/media fields: Publishing, digital content, film/media production support.
Program Curriculum & Structure (120 credits over 8 semesters)
University Core (30 cr.)
Foundational courses in writing, quantitative reasoning, natural & social sciences, arts & humanities.
English Major Core (60 cr.)
First-Year Foundations (12 cr.)
Academic Writing & Research (with intensive revision) – LO: Apply rhetorical strategies for purpose/audience; integrate and cite sources.
Introduction to Literary Studies – LO: Perform close reading; apply basic critical vocabulary.
Fundamentals of Linguistics – LO: Describe core linguistic levels; analyze data sets.
Core Surveys & Methods (18 cr.)
British Literature I & II; American Literature; World/Global Anglophone Literature – LO: Situate texts historically and comparatively.
Literary Theory & Criticism – LO: Apply major theoretical approaches to analysis.
Research Methods in English Studies – LO: Design and conduct a supervised research project; ethics & IRB awareness.
Language & Rhetoric (9 cr.)
History of the English Language; Grammar & Style; Rhetoric & Composition – LO: Explain language change; produce audience-appropriate prose.
Digital & Professional Practice (6 cr.)
Digital Humanities Lab or Publishing Workshop – LO: Use DH tools; edit, design, and produce publishable artifacts.
Capstone Experience (3 cr.)
Senior Thesis / Applied Project / Creative Manuscript with public presentation. LO: Synthesize discipline knowledge; communicate to diverse audiences.
Experiential Learning (3 cr.)
Credit-bearing internship, community-engaged project, or study-away.
Concentration (choose one, 24 cr.)
Literature: Genre seminars (poetry, drama, novel), postcolonial studies, gender studies, special topics. Outcome: Advanced interpretive/theoretical proficiency.
Linguistics & TESOL: Phonetics/phonology, syntax, sociolinguistics, second-language acquisition, practicum. Outcome: Analyze language use; connect to ELT practice (non-licensure).
Creative Writing: Poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, editing, literary journal production. Outcome: Produce publishable creative work; peer-editing leadership.
Digital Humanities & Publishing: Text encoding, corpora, editorial workflows, book history. Outcome: Apply computational/digital methods; manage editorial projects.
Translation & Interpreting (for bilinguals): Theory & practice, CAT tools, domain translation. Outcome: Translate ethically/accurately; prepare for certification routes.
Free Electives (6 cr.)
Customize with languages, media studies, business communication, or coding for humanities.
Alignment: Curriculum outcomes map to recognized benchmarks for English degrees and general-education learning (QAA English, AAC&U VALUE). Language proficiency targets are described using CEFR descriptors.
Assessment Methods
Analytical & research essays scored with institutionally adapted AAC&U VALUE rubrics (e.g., Written Communication, Critical Thinking, Information Literacy).
Creative portfolios (poetry/fiction/nonfiction) with iterative drafting and reflective commentary.
Oral presentations & debates with rubric-based evaluation of audience awareness and delivery.
Linguistics problem sets and applied analyses.
Digital projects (editions, exhibits, data visualizations) assessed for design, accessibility, and ethical use.
Capstone thesis/project with proposal, draft, final submission, and public defense/reading.
Entry Requirements
Academic: High school diploma (or international equivalent) with a strong record in English-medium coursework.
English proficiency (if applicable): Applicants educated outside English or in non-English-medium schools should demonstrate proficiency through recognized tests (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL iBT, DET) or prior study in English. Minimum score thresholds are set by the University and may be satisfied by equivalent evidence (e.g., CEFR B2/C1). Links to test providers for reference: IELTS, TOEFL iBT, Duolingo English Test; proficiency descriptors referenced via CEFR.
Recognition, Honors & Awards
Proposed Internal Awards (you can launch immediately)
(Institution-created; showcased at commencement and on student transcripts/badges.)
Dean’s Award for Literary Excellence – best critical or creative thesis.
Outstanding Undergraduate Research in English – exemplary scholarly project or conference paper.
Community Engagement in English – impactful literacy, translation, or outreach project.
Digital Humanities Innovation Prize – best digital edition/exhibit.
Excellence in Linguistics & TESOL Practice – top performance in applied linguistics/practicum.
Editorial Leadership Award – distinguished service to the student journal or publishing lab.
External Recognitions to Pursue (real organizations)
Sigma Tau Delta (International English Honor Society) – establish a campus chapter; students gain access to national convention presentations, scholarships, and publications.
Quality Matters (QM) Course & Program Certification – seek QM certification for online/hybrid English courses and, longer-term, program-level certifications in Online Program Design/Support/Learner Success.
TESOL International Association – align TESOL-related coursework with TESOL standards; encourage student/faculty applications for TESOL awards, grants, and leadership mentoring.
Why English at AACTD?
Standards-aligned design (QAA English benchmarks; AAC&U VALUE; CEFR references).
Career-ready skills with demonstrable outcomes in writing, research, and communication valued across industries (see BLS career profiles linked above).
High-impact learning through research, internships, digital publishing, and public scholarship.
