English (BS/BA)

Program Overview

Explore the power of language, literature, writing, and critical thinking with a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in English from the University of North Alabama. This undergraduate program helps students develop the communication, analytical, research, and interpretive skills that are valuable across a wide range of professional fields. UNA’s English major offers three undergraduate options: English, Professional Writing, and Language Arts. The major is designed to give students a broad background in literature and language as preparation for teaching, future study, or careers in many fields.

Why Choose This Program?

  • Build highly transferable skills. Through the study of literature, language, writing, and analysis, students develop communication and critical thinking skills that apply across many career paths.
  • Study literature, language, and writing in depth. Students engage with literary genres, cultural contexts, professional writing, editing, design, and language-based study depending on their chosen option.
  • Explore study abroad opportunities. The English Study Abroad Program to the United Kingdom includes experiences connected to literary history, theatre, and cultural sites in places such as Stratford-upon-Avon, Bath, Canterbury, and London.

Options + Tracks

English

A degree in literature develops students’ creative and critical minds who wish to master the English Language. Through the study of multiple literary genres, students gain the analytical skills needed to excel in a variety of professional experiences and graduate programs.

Professional Writing

Cultivating business minds for tomorrow’s workforce, a degree in professional writing equips students with the skills and professional etiquette needed to outshine the competition. This option is designed to prepare students interested in using their communication skills for careers in government, business, industry, social service, or freelance writing. This major focuses on composition, editing, and design of creative and technical writing.

Language Arts

A degree in Language Arts allows students to pursue a variety of education-based careers in English. Students develop strong interpersonal skills alongside a working knowledge of the English Language. An Education major is also required for this option

Curriculum & Coursework

The BA/BS in English requires 120 total credit hours. Students complete general education requirements, English major core requirements, a prescribed supporting course, one major concentration option, and electives as needed. A minor, second major, or second degree is required for some English major options.

Sample Courses:

  • EN 201 Advanced Critical Reading
  • EN 211 Survey of British Literature
  • EN 221 American Literature through Whitman
  • EN 403 Shakespeare

Career Paths & Outcomes

English graduates are prepared for careers that require strong writing, reading, research, editing, analysis, storytelling, and communication skills. Depending on their chosen option, students may pursue careers in education, publishing, writing, editing, communications, technical writing, nonprofit work, business, law, media, public service, or related fields.

Common Career Paths:

  • Writer
  • Editor
  • Technical Writer
  • Professional Writer
  • Content Strategist
  • Communications Specialist
  • Copywriter
  • Publishing Assistant

Student Experience

English students join a department focused on language, literature, writing, and the humanities. Students can participate in academic, creative, and professional development opportunities, including English Club, Sigma Tau Delta, UNA Writers’ Series, the Center for Writing Excellence, and study abroad opportunities.

Opportunities Include:

Meet the Faculty

Dr. Sidney Blaylock
Assistant Professor
sblaylock@una.edu

Dr. Daryl Brown
Professor
dwbrown@una.edu

Dr. Erin Fitzgerald
Assistant Professor
efitzgerald@una.edu

Dr. Kelly Latchaw
Assistant Professor
kllatchaw@una.edu

Mr. Jason McCall
Assistant Professor
jmccall2@una.edu

Dr. Jason Price
English Dept. Chair, Associate Professor
jprice7@una.edu

Dr. Tammy Winner
Professor
twinner@una.edu

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