Brigham Young University

What you'll study

The programme balances literary study and practical writing. Core coursework typically includes surveys of British and American literature, studies in world and contemporary literatures, and topical courses in genres such as poetry, drama and the novel. You will also encounter courses in literary theory and criticism, textual analysis, and research methods.

Practical components emphasise composition, rhetoric and advanced writing: academic writing, professional and technical writing, persuasive composition, and opportunities in creative writing. Many students take electives that intersect with linguistics, cultural studies, media studies and digital humanities.

Programme structure commonly features introductory requirements, intermediate literature and writing classes, elective specialisms, and a capstone or senior seminar where students conduct a sustained research or creative project. Small seminars, close textual work, and peer workshops are important parts of the learning experience.

• Literary surveys (British, American, global)
• Periods and genres (medieval, Renaissance, eighteenth-century, nineteenth-century, modern and contemporary literature)
• Critical theory and interpretive methods
• Advanced composition, rhetoric and professional writing
• Creative writing workshops and manuscript development
• Electives in linguistics, film and media, cultural studies and digital textual analysis
• Senior seminar or capstone research/creative project

Entry requirements

Applicants must meet Brigham Young University’s general undergraduate admission requirements, which include a secondary school diploma or equivalent and a record of strong coursework in English and related humanities subjects. Admissions decisions are based on academic performance, course selection, and other supporting materials submitted to the university.

To declare the English major, students typically complete a set of lower-division prerequisites in composition and introductory literature and maintain a minimum GPA in those courses; specific departmental thresholds for declaration and progression are set by the English department. Prospective students should consult BYU Admissions and the English Department for the most current guidance on prerequisites, placement and any additional documentation.

Career prospects

A BA in English Language and Literature prepares graduates for a range of careers that prize analytical reading, clear writing and critical thinking. Common paths include:

• Secondary education and teaching (often combined with appropriate certification)
• Publishing, editing and literary agency work
• Journalism, communications, public relations and content strategy
• Technical and professional writing, grant writing and documentation roles
• Law, business and public service — fields where persuasive writing and analysis are valued
• Graduate study in literature, creative writing, library science, education and related disciplines

Graduates frequently gain practical experience through internships, student publications, editing positions and community partnerships in the Salt Lake Valley and beyond, which support entry into these careers.

Why study at Brigham Young University

Brigham Young University offers a programme grounded in close faculty mentorship and a strong liberal-arts curriculum. The English Department emphasises classroom discussion, individual advisement and opportunities for undergraduate research and publication. Small seminars and workshop-style classes allow sustained interaction with faculty and peers.

Students benefit from campus resources such as writing centres and libraries with extensive humanities collections, as well as extracurricular opportunities like literary journals, theatre collaborations and public readings. The university’s connections in the region create internship and networking possibilities in publishing, education and media. For students seeking a values-informed academic setting, BYU’s community and support services provide a distinctive environment for intellectual and professional growth.