Fresno Pacific University

What you'll study

The major requires 42 units of core courses, including:

• Core: COM 480 Narrative; LIT 415 Shakespeare; LIT 460 Critical Approaches to Literature
• American literature (choose one): LIT 355 Beginnings to 19th Century; LIT 360 20th Century; LIT 364 Hispanic Literature of the United States
• British literature (choose one): LIT 420 Romantic and Victorian Literature; LIT 425 Modern and Contemporary British Literature
• Communication studies (choose one): COM 395 Text and Performance; COM 400 Intercultural Communication; COM 450 Communication Theory
• Contemporary studies (choose one): COM 380 Film Studies; COM 410 Media and Society; LIT 371 Contemporary Literature and Critical Theory
• Language studies (choose one): COM 350 Visual Rhetoric; HIST 368 Ancient and Medieval Rhetoric; PHIL 455 Philosophy of Language
• Creative writing (choose two): COM 300 Creative Writing: Fiction; COM 310 Poetry; COM 320 Nonfiction; COM 330 Writing and Reading Journalism; COM 346 Scriptwriting
• Electives (choose four examples listed): HIST 364 Classical Mythology; LIT 400 Medieval Life, Thought and Literature; LIT 405 England in the Renaissance World; LIT 426 C.S. Lewis; LIT 449 Literature and Film; LIT 465 Literature for Children and Young Adults; THEO 400 Theology and the Arts

The catalog also highlights study abroad in England, cross-cultural learning experiences, and a sample three-year curriculum map illustrating fall/spring/summer sequencing to complete a 120-unit degree.

Entry requirements

Applicants follow Fresno Pacific University's undergraduate admission steps: submit an application (online or printable mail-in), send official transcripts to the Office of the Registrar (electronic or sealed mail), and complete the FAFSA (FPU FAFSA code 001253). Recommended high school preparation includes four years of college-preparatory English, three years of college-preparatory math, two years of social studies, one year of lab science, one year of performing arts, and three years of the same foreign language with a C- or better. The catalog notes accepted students typically have GPAs around 3.2–3.6; prospective applicants should consult an admission counselor about eligibility.

Career prospects

The program prepares students for the single subject credential route to teach high school English and supports careers in editing, journalism, law, library science, publishing and related fields where strong writing, analysis and communication skills are valued.

Scholarships & funding angle

Fresno Pacific points applicants to cost and financial aid resources and instructs students to complete the FAFSA (add FPU using code 001253). The university's admissions and financial aid offices can advise about scholarship opportunities, institutional aid and steps to apply.