Southern Methodist University

What you'll study

The BA in English Language and Literature provides a broad foundation in literary history and the study of language alongside practical work in writing and research. Core work typically includes surveys of British and American literature, courses in Shakespeare and Renaissance literature, nineteenth- and twentieth-century studies, and modules on modern and contemporary literatures.

Students also study literary theory and criticism, textual analysis, and rhetoric and composition. Options and electives commonly available to majors include:

• Medieval and early modern literature
• Victorian literature and culture
• Modernism and post‑war literatures
• African American, Asian American and transnational literatures
• Poetry and fiction workshops or creative writing courses
• Digital humanities, literary linguistics and stylistics
• Film and media studies as they relate to narrative and adaptation
• Independent study and a senior capstone or thesis project

The programme is typically taken alongside the university core curriculum, and majors are encouraged to pursue interdisciplinary electives, internships and study-abroad options; a strong emphasis is placed on close seminar discussion, sustained research papers and public-facing writing.

Entry requirements

Admission to Southern Methodist University is determined by the university admissions process. For the English BA, successful applicants typically present a strong secondary-school record with particular strength in English/language arts subjects and samples of written work. Typical application materials include:

• Completed university application and official school transcripts
• A personal statement or college essay demonstrating writing ability
• Letters of recommendation from teachers or counsellors
• Standardised test scores where required or submitted (policies may vary)
• For international applicants, proof of English language proficiency (for example, TOEFL or IELTS) if applicable

Transfer applicants should provide college transcripts and a record of college-level coursework in humanities and writing. Entry to particular seminars or advanced modules may require completion of introductory courses or permission of the instructor.

Career prospects

Graduates with a BA in English Language and Literature develop strong analytical, research and communication skills that are valued across many fields. Typical career paths include:

• Publishing, editing and literary agency work
• Journalism, content creation and digital media
• Marketing, public relations and corporate communications
• Law, public policy and graduate study (English is a common pre‑law and humanities preparation)
• Secondary education (often combined with teacher certification) and academic research at the graduate level
• Nonprofit, cultural organisations and museums, especially in programming, fundraising and communications
• Library and information science (usually followed by a specialised postgraduate degree)

SMU encourages internships and work placements that connect classroom study to workplace experience, and many students gain experience with local media, arts organisations and businesses in Dallas and the region.

Why study at Southern Methodist University

Southern Methodist University offers a humanities-focused environment within a mid-sized private university, with small seminars and regular interaction with faculty in Dedman College. The university’s location in Dallas gives students access to a large cultural scene—museums, theatres, publishing and media companies—which supports internships and community partnerships.

Students benefit from dedicated writing resources, opportunities for undergraduate research and options to combine literature study with creative writing, film studies or interdisciplinary minors. The programme’s emphasis on close reading, historical context and effective writing prepares graduates both for immediate employment and for advanced study in the humanities, professional schools or creative fields.