University of Mary Washington

What you'll study

The English Language and Literature degree emphasises close reading, critical theory, historical context and creative and professional writing. You will study a broad chronological range of Anglophone literatures alongside options in literary theory, rhetoric, linguistics and cultural studies.

• Core courses: introductory seminars in literary analysis, research methods, and writing-focused classes that develop argumentation and source use.
• Period studies: courses covering medieval, early modern, eighteenth-century, nineteenth-century, and contemporary literature, with particular attention to how genres and forms change over time.
• Theory and criticism: modules introducing major theoretical approaches such as formalism, historicism, feminism, postcolonial theory and queer theory.
• Language and rhetoric: study of linguistic structure, rhetoric, composition pedagogy, and courses that examine how language shapes meaning.
• Electives and special topics: film and media studies, digital humanities, environmental literature, American literature, British literature, and electives that allow cross-disciplinary work.
• Capstone experience: a senior seminar or thesis project that integrates research and writing, often involving archival work, extended essays or collaborative projects.
• Experiential learning: internship opportunities with campus publications, local cultural organisations, editing and publishing houses, and community literacy programmes.

Structure

The programme combines foundational general education requirements with a departmental sequence of lower- and upper-level courses. Students typically begin with introductory analysis and composition classes, progress to thematic and period-specific courses, and complete a senior-level capstone. Flexible elective options enable minors or double majors.

Entry requirements

Admission to the University of Mary Washington is based on a holistic review of secondary school performance and supporting materials. For the English programme, applicants should demonstrate strong performance in high school English and writing-intensive courses and submit a personal statement or writing sample when prompted.

• Completion of a recognised secondary school diploma or equivalent.
• Competitive academic record with emphasis on coursework in English, humanities and writing.
• Required application materials typically include transcripts, a personal statement and guidance counsellor or teacher recommendations; standardised test submission policies may vary and are considered alongside other credentials.
• Transfer applicants should supply college transcripts and typically submit examples of college-level writing.

Career prospects

Graduates with a BA in English Language and Literature develop strong analytical, research and communication skills valued across many sectors. The degree prepares students for both immediate employment and advanced study.

• Publishing and editing: roles in copy editing, editorial assistantships, and production for trade and academic publishers.
• Writing and communications: careers in journalism, content strategy, social media, technical writing and copywriting.
• Education: secondary school teaching (typically followed by state certification programmes) and higher education preparation for graduate study.
• Law and public policy: many graduates progress to law school or roles in advocacy, policy research and non-profit communications.
• Libraries, archives and cultural institutions: positions in special collections, archives, museums and public history projects (often paired with postgraduate qualification).
• Business and government: roles requiring clear communication, critical thinking and project management, including human resources, marketing and fundraising.

Why study at University of Mary Washington

The University of Mary Washington is an undergraduate-focused liberal arts university with small class sizes and sustained faculty-student mentorship. The English department places particular emphasis on writing across the curriculum and hands-on learning through internships, student-run literary publications and community-engaged projects.

• Faculty engagement: accessible professors who supervise research and creative projects at the undergraduate level.
• Writing emphasis: a campus-wide commitment to writing development, with resources such as a writing centre and portfolio-oriented courses.
• Experiential opportunities: internships with local and regional cultural organisations, study abroad options that complement literary study, and chances to publish work in student journals.
• Careers support: career services and alumni networks that help translate humanities skills into professional pathways and graduate study preparation.