Indiana University Bloomington

What you'll study

The BA in English Language and Literature combines coursework in literary history and genres with training in language, rhetoric and critical theory. Core study typically includes surveys of British and American literature from medieval to contemporary periods, introductions to world literatures in translation, and courses in literary theory and criticism. You will also take modules in linguistics and the structure of English, composition and rhetoric, and options in creative writing, film and media studies, children's literature, and digital humanities.

• Foundational courses: introduction to literary analysis; major authors and periods (medieval, renaissance, eighteenth century, nineteenth century, twentieth and twenty-first century)
• Theory and methods: literary theory, cultural studies, critical approaches to reading and research
• Language and rhetoric: syntax and morphology of English, sociolinguistics, rhetoric and composition
• Applied and elective options: creative writing workshops, film and media, digital humanities methods, archival research
• Capstone experience: senior seminar or honours thesis/project options that develop research, close-reading and sustained argument

Students may combine the major with minors or certificates in related areas (for example, creative writing, journalism, museum studies or digital humanities), pursue study abroad, and access special collections such as the university's rare books and manuscripts holdings for directed research projects.

Entry requirements

Admission to Indiana University Bloomington's undergraduate programmes normally requires a completed secondary school credential equivalent to a US high school diploma and a strong record of academic achievement. Applicants are considered on the basis of high school transcripts, a personal statement or application essay, and other supporting materials such as letters of recommendation where requested.

• Domestic applicants: successful completion of college-preparatory courses with competitive grades; standardised tests may be optional depending on the university's current admissions policy.
• International applicants: secondary-school completion equivalent and evidence of English language proficiency through an accepted test score or approved alternative.
• Transfer applicants: college transcripts demonstrating successful completion of college-level coursework; applicants should review transfer credit policies for the English major.

Because English is a writing-intensive field, applicants who can demonstrate strong written work, analytical skills, and engagement with literature, writing or language study are particularly well suited to the programme.

Career prospects

Graduates with a BA in English Language and Literature leave with advanced communication, critical thinking and research skills that are valued across many sectors. Common career paths include:

• Publishing and editing (trade and academic), literary agencies and book marketing
• Teaching and education (secondary school teaching with appropriate certification; work in educational programmes)
• Written communication roles in journalism, corporate communications, public relations and content strategy
• Legal and policy careers (many graduates go on to law school or roles requiring strong analytical writing)
• Digital media, library and archival work, nonprofit and cultural organisations
• Further study in literature, creative writing, linguistics or interdisciplinary graduate programmes

Students often gain practical experience through internships, work with campus publications, involvement with literary and writing organisations, and research projects that enhance employability.

Why study at Indiana University Bloomington

Indiana University Bloomington offers a large and diverse Department of English with a wide range of faculty specialisms across historical periods, genres and theoretical approaches. The campus provides strong research resources, including major libraries and rare-book collections that support undergraduate research and independent projects.

Students benefit from a lively cultural scene, numerous student-run publications and writing groups, and opportunities to take courses in related schools and departments—such as media, communication and the arts—so the degree can be tailored to individual interests. Support services, advising for majors and career-centred programming help students translate their study into internships and postgraduate options.

The programme's combination of rigorous textual study, practical writing experience and research opportunities makes it a solid foundation for a broad range of careers or further academic study.