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English Major

What is a Major in English?

A major in English prepares you to think critically and solve problems. You can tailor your degree to your areas of interest, choosing an author, historical context, and genre to study. The sophisticated thought and analysis of literature will take you more deeply into literary studies or specifically prepare you for careers in education or law.

Why Study English at Virginia Tech?

We specialize in a range of authors, genres, and historical periods, ensuring you will have a mentor to guide you on your quest for knowledge. Our literature, pre-education, or pre-law options help propel you into your chosen career field through alumni industry connections. Our students have gone on to careers in publishing, law, teaching, and technical writing. 

 
3
Degree Options: Pre-education, Pre-law, Literature

 
22
Average Class Size

 
3
Study Abroad Programs

Careers and Further Study

What can you do with a major in English?

Jobs Held by Our Graduates

  • Law
  • Government
  • Entertainment
  • Publishing
  • Teaching
  • Higher education
  • Marketing

Beyond the Classroom

Experiential Learning

Collaborate

Talk to a professor about designing your own research project to take a deeper look at a topic of your interest. You'll work closely with a faculty advisor to plan a course of action and discuss your findings. You can also participate in a collaborative project where you help a faculty member with their research.

collaborate
Get Experience

By working in the field, you'll earn job experience and learn more about the industry of your interest. Literature majors have recently interned with national corporations, local schools, and law firms.

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Study Away

We host a faculty-led trip to London, an exchange program with Loughborough University, and a Wintermester Experience that visits different locations each year. These experiences enrich your understanding of the history and culture of the English language and its literature.

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Strong Community

You will join an active and welcoming community. Our student organizations include the English Club, Linguistics Club, Creative Writing Club, and Sigma Tau Delta. We hold an annual literary festival, Glossolalia, that features original works including readings and performances by students and visiting writers.

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Bachelor of Arts in English Degree

English Major Requirements

  • Introduction to Critical Reading
  • Introduction to Critical Writing
  • Literary History
  • Acts of Interpretation
  • Writing and Digital Media
  • Capstone Experience 

Minor and Elective Hours

Our program gives you the opportunity to build knowledge in another area by pursuing a minor, double major, or cognate.


120 hrs
B.A. English

45 hrs
General Education

39 hrs
Major Requirements

36 hrs
Elective


 

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