English B.A.

English majors are in love with words — how they sound to the ear, how they look on a page and how, artfully chosen and arranged, they express a thought. English majors also know something that many people don’t stop to consider: A command of words and a broad, descriptive vocabulary sharpen the mind and develop critical thinking skills. In our program, you’ll explore the magnificent and colorful English language — how legendary writers down through the centuries have wielded its words and how you will do the same. 

Master the written and spoken word.

The program gives you a sound education in reading, writing, and thinking. The facility for learning that you gain through this type of education will become part of your skill set, equipping you for the changes that arise in modern life and the need to adapt. 

Your instructors will take you on this learning journey via different avenues — that is, their areas of specialization. You’ll study American humor, contemporary fiction, creative writing, film, poetry, African-American literature, Shakespeare, the Victorian novel, public speaking, writing for business and industry, and popular American culture. 

Perhaps, you’ll debut your written pieces in the Elm City Review , an annual literary magazine of student writing, edited and published by student members of the campus Literary Club in conjunction with a faculty adviser. 

Another benefit of our program:  It offers more Honors courses than any other discipline at the University of New Haven. This means that, if you qualify, you can satisfy our general core requirements with courses that are more intellectually exciting and challenging than the usual core curriculum.

Finally, thanks to classes that seldom exceed 20 students, you’ll get individual attention from your instructors. Dedicated to improving their students’ analytical and language skills, they are accessible outside of class as well as in it.

Depending on where your interests and abilities lie, you may choose the literature concentration, the writing concentration, or both.

The literature concentration requires ten literature courses, chosen from four required categories. The writing concentration requires six writing courses, ranging from applied writing to creative writing, plus four literature courses.

Think of the career paths you can take.

Think a degree in English isn’t practical? Think again. Thanks to above-average writing ability, solid critical thinking skills, the ability to communicate effectively, and creative approaches to problem solving, English majors are in demand by many types of businesses.  In fact, certain hiring managers actually require a degree in English. Find out about the myriad of career possibilities available to English graduates.