Salisbury University

What you'll study

The English programme combines survey and specialised courses in literature with studies in language, composition, rhetoric and creative practice. Core areas typically include British and American literature from medieval to contemporary periods, world and postcolonial literatures, literary theory and criticism, and courses in linguistics and the history of the English language.

• Introductory and intermediate courses in literary interpretation and critical writing
• Period and author-focused courses (for example: Shakespeare, nineteenth-century realism, modernism, contemporary fiction)
• Genre courses such as poetry, drama and the novel
• Studies in rhetoric and composition, professional writing and digital rhetoric
• Creative writing workshops in fiction, poetry and nonfiction (where offered)
• Language courses covering linguistics, grammar and sociolinguistics
• Capstone experiences such as a senior seminar, research project or practicum
• Opportunities for internships, independent study and study-abroad to apply textual and writing skills in real-world settings

Entry requirements

Applicants normally need a high-school diploma or equivalent and a record of strong performance in English and humanities courses. Salisbury University considers academic transcripts and a personal statement; standardised test submission may be optional depending on institutional policy. International applicants must demonstrate English-language proficiency through recognised tests or equivalent qualifications.

Specific departmental recommendations may include preparatory coursework in literature and writing. Applicants interested in creative-writing concentrations may be invited to submit a short portfolio of original work, though portfolio requirements vary by pathway.

Career prospects

A degree in English Language and Literature prepares graduates for a wide range of careers that value strong communication, analysis and research skills. Common pathways include:

• Secondary education (with completion of state teacher-certification requirements or a post‑baccalaureate certification programme)
• Publishing, editing and literary production
• Professional writing, technical writing and content strategy for businesses and non-profits
• Public relations, marketing and communications roles
• Law, library and information science, and graduate study in literature, cultural studies or creative writing
• Museum, archive, and heritage organisations, particularly in roles involving interpretation, outreach and writing

Why study at Salisbury University

Salisbury University offers a teaching-focused environment with relatively small class sizes and direct faculty mentorship, allowing students to develop strong research and writing portfolios. The university’s location on Maryland’s Eastern Shore provides connections to regional cultural institutions and internship opportunities, while also being within reach of larger metropolitan areas for networking and work placements.

Students benefit from hands-on learning options—such as internships, community-engaged projects, and senior capstones—that bridge classroom study and professional practice, and from advising that helps tailor the major to career goals or graduate-study plans.