Dominican University of California

What you'll study

The programme combines historical and thematic study of literature with courses in language, rhetoric and writing practice. You will explore a mix of survey and specialised modules, develop a sustained research project, and can choose electives that reflect interests in creative writing, literary theory, or digital approaches to texts.

• Core literary periods and traditions – courses in British literature, American literature, and world literature that span medieval to contemporary texts.
• Genre and thematic studies – focused modules on poetry, drama, the novel, gender and sexuality in literature, and race and postcolonial studies.
• Language and rhetoric – modules in linguistics, rhetoric and composition, and the history of the English language to build analytical tools for language use and variation.
• Creative writing – workshops and craft courses in fiction, poetry and non‑fiction that emphasise revision, peer critique and publication strategies.
• Theory and criticism – introduction to literary theory, cultural studies and critical methods for reading texts in context.
• Research and capstone – a senior seminar or capstone project (often a research paper or substantial creative portfolio) under faculty supervision.
• Practical experience – internships, community‑engaged learning and opportunities to work with campus publications or local cultural organisations, taking advantage of the Bay Area's libraries, publishers and media outlets.

Entry requirements

Admission is through the university's undergraduate application process. Applicants are typically expected to hold a secondary school completion certificate or equivalent and to submit academic transcripts. Admission decisions take a holistic view and commonly consider the following:

• Academic record – high school coursework and grades demonstrating preparation for college‑level reading and writing.
• Personal statement – a short essay that indicates interest in literature, writing, or related fields and explains academic or professional goals.
• Letters of recommendation – usually from teachers or mentors who can speak to academic readiness and potential.
• Supplementary materials – portfolios or writing samples are recommended or required for certain creative writing tracks.
• English language proficiency – for international applicants, evidence of English ability through recognised tests or approved alternative pathways.

Transfer students should provide college transcripts and a record of completed coursework; credit evaluation and placement are determined by the university. Standardised test scores may be optional depending on institutional policy.

Career prospects

A degree in English Language and Literature prepares graduates for a wide range of careers that value analytical thinking and communication. Common paths include:

• Education – secondary teaching (often followed by a teaching credential), tutoring or education administration.
• Publishing and editing – roles in book and journal publishing, copyediting and editorial assistance.
• Communications and media – work in public relations, journalism, content strategy, social media and corporate communications.
• Creative industries – writing, screenwriting, digital content creation, and arts administration.
• Law, policy and graduate study – many graduates go on to law school, graduate programmes in literature or creative writing, or careers in public service and non‑profits.
• Technology and business – roles such as technical writing, UX writing, marketing and research where strong writing and critical analysis are valued.

Internships, campus career services and faculty mentorship help students build practical experience and professional networks, particularly within the Bay Area.

Why study at Dominican University of California

Dominican offers a small, student‑centred liberal arts environment with close faculty mentoring and small class sizes that allow sustained discussion and individual feedback. The English programme emphasises writing across the curriculum and supports both scholarly and creative pathways.

• Faculty engagement – opportunities for one‑on‑one mentorship, undergraduate research and supervised capstone projects.
• Experiential learning – established links to Bay Area cultural institutions, internships and community‑engaged courses that connect classroom study to professional contexts.
• Flexible electives – interdisciplinary options across humanities and social sciences, enabling combinations with fields such as media studies, education or digital humanities.
• Preparation for next steps – advising focused on graduate school preparation, teacher certification pathways and career planning in writing‑intensive professions.

Together these features make Dominican's English programme well suited to students seeking a rigorous, communicative and professionally oriented liberal arts degree.