Simmons University

What you'll study

The programme offers a balance of historical survey, thematic study and skills-based courses. You will develop close-reading and interpretive skills alongside training in research methods, rhetoric and composition. Typical modules include:

• Introduction to Literary Studies: methods of textual analysis, close reading and argumentation.
• Survey Courses: British literature to 1800, nineteenth-century fiction, modern and contemporary British and American literature.
• American Literature: major traditions from early American writing through to contemporary voices, including multicultural and transnational perspectives.
• Genre and Period Courses: studies in poetry, the novel, drama and Shakespeare.
• Literary Theory and Criticism: introduction to theoretical frameworks from formalism and historicism to postcolonial and feminist theory.
• Language and Linguistics: courses in the structure of English, sociolinguistics and the history of the language.
• Creative Writing Workshops: fiction, poetry and creative nonfiction practice with peer critique and revision.
• Capstone or Senior Thesis/Project: an extended research paper or creative project supervised by faculty.
• Electives and Interdisciplinary Options: film and media studies, digital humanities, publishing practicum, and courses linked to history, gender studies, or cultural studies.
• Experiential Learning: internship placements in publishing, journalism, marketing or cultural institutions and opportunities for undergraduate research and study abroad.

The curriculum typically follows a four-year degree structure with general education requirements plus major-specific credits and electives, allowing students to tailor the degree toward professional or graduate-study goals.

Entry requirements

Admission to the undergraduate programme is based on academic records and a holistic review of the applicant. Typical requirements include:

• Completion of secondary education or equivalent with a strong record in English and humanities courses.
• A competitive high-school GPA; specific thresholds are provided by the admissions office.
• Supplementary materials such as a personal statement and one or more academic references.
• For international applicants, proof of English language proficiency through recognised tests or school-based evidence.
• Applicants with substantial writing experience may be asked to submit a short writing sample; portfolios are sometimes requested for those emphasising creative writing.

Credit for prior college coursework or advanced placement may be considered in accordance with university policy. Applicants should consult Simmons admissions for exact documentation requirements and guidance.

Career prospects

Graduates with a degree in English Language and Literature are well placed for a range of careers that value analytical thinking, clear communication and strong writing. Common pathways include:

• Publishing and editorial work (acquisitions, copyediting, production).
• Journalism, content creation and digital media.
• Marketing, public relations and communications roles in the non-profit and private sectors.
• Education and library services (many students pursue teacher certification or postgraduate qualifications for library science).
• Law, public policy and graduate study in humanities fields; the degree provides good preparation for professional programmes.
• Arts administration, cultural programming and museum work.

The university's career services, alumni network and Boston location support internship and job placement in a range of cultural and commercial organisations.

Why study at Simmons University

Simmons provides a liberal-arts environment with small class sizes and close faculty mentoring, enabling personalised guidance on research and creative work. Based in Boston, the programme benefits from proximity to a rich literary and cultural ecosystem—publishers, libraries, museums and professional opportunities are accessible for internships and collaborative projects.

The English programme emphasises experiential learning: students can take internships through the career centre, participate in undergraduate research, work with the university's writing centre, and pursue interdisciplinary study across departments. For students interested in leadership and applied learning, Simmons' focus on professional development and strong alumnae/i networks helps bridge the transition from degree to career or graduate study.