English

Students who complete a Bachelor of Arts in English learn how to use language and writing to transform society through the tools of the 21st century. English majors critically evaluate, interpret, appreciate and create a broad range of print, digital, aural and visual texts.

Admission Information

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Quality classroom experiences

English majors develop an understanding of subject matter in relation to larger historical and/or cultural contexts. Students learn through immersive discussions, small class sizes, and recitation courses.

Stand Out in courses like

Multiethnic American Literature
Introduction to Literary Theory and Criticism
Postcolonial Literature
Shakespeare

Curriculum

In the Bachelor of Arts in English program, students learn how imaginative texts address cultural concerns and shape the world around them. Students studying literature learn and apply critical terminology, construct arguments about literary texts, and reflect on their own lives and the lives of others. The program culminates in an experiential learning process, with students writing a thesis and presenting their work to an audience of peers and scholars.

Students have the opportunity to work for Prairie Margins, the undergraduate literary magazine, and develop skills in writing, editing, layout, publishing and publicity.

Internships and Careers

Our graduates go on to work in a variety of satisfying and challenging careers across various industries, including graduate study, law, teaching, academic advising, and more.

Average Starting Salary & BGSU Placement Rate

$36,296* — English graduates average starting salary according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers

88.89% of English graduates report they're employed, in graduate school or starting a business within six months of graduation

(BGSU data compiled from students who completed the related questions on the graduation survey.)

Go Far in your career

Academic Advising
Education
Law
Libraries
Public Relations

More Information

The English Literature program is part of the English Department in the BGSU College of Arts and Sciences.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the baccalaureate degree, students in English are expected to:

Use writing effectively — including current modes and evolving techniques and technologies — to explore subject matter and to communicate;
Develop understanding of subject matter in relation to larger historical and/or cultural contexts, including multicultural contexts;
Make connections between theory and practice, applying that theory not only to understand texts, but also to solving problems, and teaching effectively;
Develop skills of creative and/or critical thinking.

Accreditation

Bowling Green State University [BGSU] is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. BGSU has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 01/01/1916. The most recent reaffirmation of accreditation was received in 2012-2013. Questions should be directed to the Office of Institutional Effectiveness.

More information on accreditation

Professional Licensure

Bowling Green State University programs leading to licensure, certification and/or endorsement, whether delivered online, face-to-face or in a blended format, satisfy the academic requirements for those credentials set forth by the State of Ohio.

Requirements for licensure, certification and/or endorsement eligibility vary greatly from one profession to another and from state to state. The English program does not lead to professional licensure.

More information on professional licensure

* Job placement and salary information was compiled by the Office of Academic Assessment through the Graduation Survey from AY2015-2018. The data are gathered around the time of Commencement and a follow-up survey six months post Commencement. For the salary question, data for programs with fewer than fifteen responses are not included. Salaries for those programs are from the National Association of Colleges and Employers Summer 2019 Survey. For questions regarding the data, contact assessment@bgsu.edu.

Updated: 03/04/2021 03:52PM