The degree program prepares students for active engagement and professional success
in a wide range of career areas. In addition to liberal studies, language and introductory
courses, the curriculum includes upper-level courses and electives designed to allow
students to immerse themselves in their areas of concentration. Students learn from
faculty members who encourage them to think critically, communicate effectively and
make connections between their studies and professional aspirations. Outside of the
classroom, students broaden their educational experience through organizations and
clubs such as the literary journal the Nomad, the Fall Speaker Series and Spring Literary
Festival, the international English honor society, the Creative Writing Club, and
Catamount Cinema Studies. The university supports English majors by offering a number
of dedicated scholarship and award opportunities.
Where You'll Go
In today’s job market, employers consistently look for potential employees who are
critical and creative thinkers, and articulate professionals—WCU English graduates
exceed these expectations. Graduates become editors, publishers, critics, magazine
and fiction writers, media correspondents, educational technologists, travel writers,
public relations specialists, museum curators, speech writers, or project managers.
Others choose to pursue graduate and professional studies in law, medicine, library
science, and graduate English in order to deepen their knowledge and further expand
their career opportunities.
At Western Carolina University, English takes students where they want to go. Alumni
include editors, lawyers, writers, bankers, children’s authors, technical editors
and NASCAR publicists. The university’s English program offers students a Bachelor
of Arts degree with classes in creative writing, film, literary studies, the art of
argumentation, linguistics, and professional writing. Taught by professors who are
experts and enthusiasts in diverse subject areas, students routinely augment their
learning through literary, creative, and research opportunities. With this in mind,
it’s no wonder that English majors lead not only the university but also the nation
in service, undergraduate research and community engagement. Learn more by visiting
the College of Arts and Sciences and explore all available programs.
Degree Options
School
College of Arts & Sciences, Department of English
Location
Cullowhee Campus
Length
Full and Part-Time
Time to Complete:
4 Year Average
Credits:
120 Credit Hours
App Deadline:
Admission through general WCU undergraduate enrollment; no separate major-entry application
required
More About Our Bachelor of Arts in English Program
WCU’s B.A. in English invites students to explore language, literature, and writing
in ways that sharpen critical thinking, creativity, and communication—skills that
translate into countless professional pathways. The program offers a rich foundation
in literary studies, rhetorical analysis, cultural perspectives, and writing craft,
allowing students to engage deeply with texts from diverse periods, voices, and genres.
Students can tailor the degree to their interests by choosing from concentrations
such as Literature, Professional Writing, English Studies Pedagogy, and more. Through
discussion-based courses, hands-on writing projects, research opportunities, internships,
and mentorship from dedicated faculty, students develop strong analytical abilities
and expressive confidence. Graduates leave prepared for careers in education, publishing,
editing, communications, marketing, public service, or graduate study in English and
related fields.
WCU’s English B.A. combines rigorous study of language and literature with flexible
curricular options, enabling students to explore creative writing, media analysis,
global literature, writing for professional contexts, or even prep for teaching and
further academic work.
The variety of concentrations ensures that students can tailor their education to
suit very different paths — creative authorship, scholarly literature study, media
& digital content, professional writing careers, global or intercultural applications,
or educational and teaching-related work.
Graduates leave with polished communication abilities, strong analytical and interpretive
skills, and a broad liberal-arts perspective — making them competitive for careers
in publishing, writing, editing, media, education, public policy, marketing, communications,
non-profits, law, or graduate school.
