Senior English major Halle Mason poses for a portrait while holding a stack of books in the O'Shaughnessy-Frey Library Center in St. Paul on November 21, 2017. Mason is obsessive about Jane Austen and publishes a popular blog about dating.

Bachelor of Arts in English

It goes beyond reading and writing well. English at the University of St. Thomas prepares you to not only write powerfully and read perceptively, but to see the world in new and diverse ways. Our program develops your talents for the rigorous demands of the modern day workplace.

Why Study English at St. Thomas?

Crafting compelling stories is so important in the digital media age. Our program immerses you in innovative courses focusing on topics such as American and British classics, romanticism, storytelling and cutting-edge literature. Experiential learning opportunities, internships, study abroad courses, collaborative research with faculty—needless to say, you graduate from St. Thomas with the tools and skills you need for the real world.

Well-Rounded and Flexible

  • Course Requirements
  • Four-Year Plan
  • Degrees Awarded
  • Outside the Classroom
  • Course Requirements

    Our program exposes you to the world of literature, starting with an introduction to English studies. Advanced courses cover topics like British and American literature, diversity literature, genre studies, theoretical frameworks and so much more. The program culminates with a capstone seminar, homing in on a specific literary theme in your senior year.

    Four-Year Plan

    Your four-year plan will vary because we want you to pursue your passions. We recommend connecting with a faculty member so you can start planning early on in your undergraduate career.

    Degrees Awarded

    • Bachelor of Arts in English
    • Combined Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in English
    • Minor in English

    Outside the Classroom

    English students can apply for membership in Sigma Tau Delta, the International English Honor Society, and its affiliated campus Literary Club. Students in the Literary Club go on theater outings and offer readings and other fun activities during the academic year.

    Course Requirements

    Course Requirements

    Our program exposes you to the world of literature, starting with an introduction to English studies. Advanced courses cover topics like British and American literature, diversity literature, genre studies, theoretical frameworks and so much more. The program culminates with a capstone seminar, homing in on a specific literary theme in your senior year.

    Four-Year Plan

    Four-Year Plan

    Your four-year plan will vary because we want you to pursue your passions. We recommend connecting with a faculty member so you can start planning early on in your undergraduate career.

    Degrees Awarded

    Degrees Awarded

    • Bachelor of Arts in English
    • Combined Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in English
    • Minor in English

    Outside the Classroom

    Outside the Classroom

    English students can apply for membership in Sigma Tau Delta, the International English Honor Society, and its affiliated campus Literary Club. Students in the Literary Club go on theater outings and offer readings and other fun activities during the academic year.

    Person sits at a table with a laptop writing in a notebook.

    Career Paths

    We give you the tools and knowledge you need to work in a variety of different industries after graduation.

    • Law
    • Editing
    • Writing
    • Teaching
    • Marketing
    • Non-profit administration

    Broaden Your Horizons

    You will challenge your perspective with an English degree through study abroad opportunities, internships and your coursework.

    Study Abroad

    In the last five years, 180 students have taken English study abroad courses in seven European countries.

    Internships

    Our students intern with prestigious local publishers, including Graywolf Press, Coffee House Press and Milkweed Editions.

    Conferences

    We encourage all of our students to get involved with faculty-led research. Our students present their research at local and national literature conferences.

    Unique Opportunities

    Research. On-campus jobs. Graduate studies. English provides all of these opportunities for our students, and we want you to be a part of it.

    Collaborative Research

    English faculty are always eager to discuss their research interests with students, and want to collaborate with students on projects. Cassie Froese spent last summer working on a Young Scholars project with Dr. Heather Bouwman that explored the evolution of female agency in middle-grade and young adult fantasy books.

    Center for Writing

    We offer paid positions for students in our Center for Writing. Rachel Smith '18 used her experience working as a paid peer consultant in the Center for Writing as a stepping stone to a graduate program at Purdue University.

    Fast-track

    We offer a fast-track program to graduate with a bachelor’s and master’s degree in English in five years. Tove Conway enrolled in the program so she can pursue advanced literary study and move closer to her goal of becoming an English professor.

    It's More Than Reading and Writing

    English students have access to a bounty of opportunities, including on-campus events with renowned authors and study abroad courses all over the world.

    English student video

    See the World in a New Way

    English students not only know how to read and write well, they possess an adaptable skill set that allows them to “switch gears” at a moment’s notice. No matter what their path is, they are equipped with the tools they need for a successful career.

    Take the Next Step

    best-value-logo-2022-transparent.pngThere is more to learn about St. Thomas; including our ranking as a Best Value School by U.S. News & World Report, the many classroom and extracurricular activities that will be part of your student experience and so much more. Schedule a visit to see our beautiful campus or start your application today.