Shape the Conversation
Explore literature, writing and language while building analytical, communication and creative problem-solving skills. Through faculty mentorship, discussion and writing across genres, you’ll learn to think critically and prepare for careers across industries and fields.
Why Earn Your English Literature Degree at St. Edward’s?
The best way to study literature and writing is to experience them firsthand. At St. Edward's, you'll connect with visiting authors, attend live performances, publish your work, study abroad and complete internships that turn your passion for reading and writing into real-world experience. Every opportunity helps you grow as a thinker, writer and communicator—preparing you for wherever your story leads next.
Gain Professional Experience
Put your writing, research and critical thinking skills to work through internships with publishers, nonprofit organizations, advocacy groups, literary centers and communications teams. Recent students have gained experience with organizations including the Harry Ransom Center, Badgerdog, Annie's List and the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
Study Beyond the Classroom
Study literature, creative writing and culture from a global perspective through St. Edward's partner universities in Ireland, Scotland and England. Expand your understanding of language, storytelling and diverse perspectives while experiencing life abroad.
Pursue Your Passion
Explore the authors, ideas and literary movements that inspire you through faculty-mentored research. Present your work at the Symposium on Undergraduate Research and Creative Expression or at professional conferences, building the confidence and experience to stand out after graduation.
Prepare for What's Next
An English Literature degree prepares you for careers wherever strong communication, critical thinking and creativity are essential. Graduates pursue opportunities in publishing, marketing, communications, education, law, nonprofit leadership, public relations, government and graduate study.
Life as an English Literature Student at St. Edward's University
Great stories begin with great conversations. As an English Literature major, you'll join a community that values curiosity, creativity and collaboration. Beyond the classroom, you can gain hands-on publishing experience by writing, editing or designing for student publications, including The Sorin Oak Review, Arete, Hilltop Views and B. Hooved. Along the way, you'll build your portfolio, develop professional skills and connect with classmates who share your passion for language, literature and ideas.
A Highly Successful English Literature Program
An English Literature degree from St. Edward's combines the timeless study of literature with hands-on experiences that prepare you for what's next. Through internships, undergraduate research, close faculty mentorship and opportunities across Austin's vibrant literary, nonprofit and creative communities, you'll graduate ready for a wide range of careers, graduate study and meaningful work.
Frequently Asked Questions about an English Literature Degree from St. Edward's University
What You Will Learn
Learn to analyze literature alongside professors who share your passion for the printed page and develop a global mindset by studying a diverse range of authors from different cultures and communities.
Students in the English Literature major choose one of three specializations, while building a broad foundation in American and British literature from a variety of periods.
- The General Specialization offers literature electives that appeal to more specific interests like Native American Literature, Literature of Crime and Punishment, Uncanny Literature, and Science and Fiction.
- The Creative Writing Specialization guides students through Poetry and Fiction workshops, Writing for Stage and Screen, Fantastical Fiction and Creative Nonfiction.
- The Language Arts Teaching Specialization provides students with writing and linguistics coursework to fulfill teacher education requirements in Texas.
What Skills You'll Gain
Upon completing the English Literature program, you’ll be ready to…
- Analyze American and British literature across multiple time periods.
- Confidently meet teaching-education requirements to teach English in Texas.
- Write a screenplay with new worlds and developed characters.
- Use critical thinking to understand elaborate texts for various audiences and purposes.
- Creatively and effectively communicate complex messages for appropriate audiences.
- Implement research methods to successfully construct and introduce an idea or argument.
Find what you need to apply and important deadlines. When you are ready, there are three ways for you to apply to St. Edward’s:
Add St. Edward’s to your list of schools if you’re using the Common Application to save time applying to your top colleges.
If you are applying to multiple schools in Texas, you can use ApplyTexas whether you’re a Texas resident or not.
Freshman ApplyTexas Application
It’s easy to apply using our convenient online application.
Major Requirements: The Bachelor of Arts with a major in English Literature requires 42 hours of core coursework, providing a strong foundation in literary history and analysis and many elective options. Students choose additional electives from one of three specializations: General Literature, Creative Writing, and Language Arts for Teachers.
General Education Requirements: The English literature degree requires an average of 38-44 hours of general education courses that students complete over four years in addition to their major courses and electives.
View the full degree plan for our English Literature major.
See the most current Undergraduate Bulletin for the complete list of courses required and course descriptions for this major.
Students in this specialization gain a broad foundation in American and British literature from a variety of periods, and also take literature electives that appeal to more specific interests.
Major Requirements: 42 hours of English Literature major courses are required.
View the full degree plan for the English Literature - General major (PDF).
A few examples of electives in the General specialization have included:
- Native American Literature
- Literature of Crime and Punishment
- Science and Fiction
- "Radicals and Revolutionaries" in Literature
- Uncanny Literature
- Literature of Love
See the most current Undergraduate Bulletin for the complete list of courses required and course descriptions for this specialization.
2. English Literature with a Creative Writing Specialization
The Creative Writing specialization also offers a broad foundation in American and British literature from multiple periods, but allows students to take electives in creative writing.
Major Requirements: 42 hours of English Literature major courses, 9 hours of which are concentrated on creative writing.
View the full degree plan for English Literature with a Creative Writing Specialization (PDF).
A few examples of Creative Writing electives within the Literature major have included:
- Poetry and Fiction workshops
- Writing for Stage and Screen
- Fantastical Fiction
- Creative Nonfiction
See the most current Undergraduate Bulletin for the complete list of courses required and course descriptions for this specialization.
3. English Literature with a Language Arts Teaching Specialization
The Language Arts Teaching specialization offers a broad foundation in American and British literature from multiple periods but provides students with writing and linguistics coursework to fulfill teacher education requirements in Texas.
Major Requirements: 42 hours of English Literature major courses, 12 hours of which are concentrated on writing and linguistics.
The required writing and linguistics courses are these:
- Grammar and Style
- Introduction to Creative Writing
- Analyzing Rhetoric
- Workplace Writing
View the full degree plan for English Literature with a Language Arts Teaching Specialization (PDF).
See the most current Undergraduate Bulletin for the complete list of courses required and course descriptions for this specialization.
The English Literature minor makes an excellent pairing with nearly any other major. Recently, for instance, students have paired the English Literature minor with majors in Video Game Development, Criminal Justice, Biology, Communication, Business, and many others. Talk to any of our English Literature professors to figure out how to make this minor work for you.
Required Courses
Students who wish to earn an English Literature minor must take the following coursework, totaling 18 hours.
Introduction to Literary Studies: ENGL 2300 – 3 hours
Select three hours from the following courses.
- American Literature I: ENGL 2301 – 3 hours
- American Literature II: ENGL 2302 – 3 hours
- British Literature I: ENGL 2322 – 3 hours
- British Literature II: ENGL 2323 – 3 hours
Select three additional hours from any 2000-level ENGL course.
- English Literature Elective: ENGL 2300 – 3 hours
Select nine additional upper-division hours of elective courses.
- English Literature Elective (three times): ENGL 3300+ – 9 hours
See the most current Undergraduate Bulletin for the complete list of courses required and course descriptions for this major.
English Literature students can go into a wide range of careers, across industries and sectors, such as:
- Publishing
- Marketing
- Communications
- Public Relations
- Education
- Journalism & Media
- Law
- Nonprofit Leadership
- Government & Public Service
- Human Resources
- Content Strategy
- Graduate & Professional School
Yes. With our Accelerated Graduate Pathways, you can complete your BA English Literature and one of six master’s degrees in as little as five years, saving time and money. See details and requirements.
- English Literature (Creative Writing) to Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- English Literature (General Specialization) to Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- English Literature (Creative Writing) to MS in Digital Marketing and Analytics
- English Literature (General Specialization) to MS in Digital Marketing and Analytics
- English Literature (Creative Writing) to MS in Organizational Leadership
- English Literature (General Specialization) to MS in Organizational Leadership
Success coaches and academic advisors guide you through undergraduate and graduate courses to maximize benefits.
At St. Edward’s, our faculty are outstanding scholars, thought leaders, teachers and mentors who bring energy and enthusiasm to our vibrant learning community. They take pride in getting to know you, helping you achieve your goals and celebrating your successes.
View a list of our faculty members and their contact information on the Department of English webpage.
Preparing for Your Future in English Literature
A future in English Literature is built on the ability to think critically, communicate clearly and understand the power of language and ideas. Whether you're pursuing a career in publishing, marketing, communications, education, law, nonprofit leadership or another field, an English Literature degree from St. Edward's University prepares you with the writing, research and analytical skills employers value. You'll graduate ready to launch your career or continue your education in graduate or professional school with confidence.
Making an Impact
Meet the students, alumni and faculty shaping the future through writing, storytelling, education, publishing, communications and community leadership. Their experiences show how an English Literature degree from St. Edward's University prepares graduates to think critically, communicate with purpose and make a meaningful impact wherever their careers take them.