University of South Carolina

What you'll study

The programme emphasises sustained study of literary traditions, language structure, and the practices of writing and rhetoric. Core work typically covers close reading and critical interpretation of British, American and world literatures, as well as courses in literary theory and research methods. Students encounter a mix of chronological and thematic survey modules alongside specialised seminars.

• Literary periods and genres: surveys and seminars in medieval, Renaissance, eighteenth‑century, nineteenth‑century, modern and contemporary literatures; poetry, drama and the novel.
• Theory and criticism: introduction to literary theory, critical methods and interpretive practice.
• Language and linguistics: courses on grammar, sociolinguistics, history of the English language and discourse analysis.
• Rhetoric and writing: advanced composition, rhetoric, technical and professional writing, digital rhetoric and multimodal composition.
• Creative writing: workshops and craft classes in fiction, poetry and creative nonfiction (often available as an elective or track).
• Capstone and research: senior seminar or capstone project that develops independent research, close reading and scholarly writing skills.

Students may personalise their degree by choosing electives, pursuing minors or selecting tracks such as literature, creative writing, or rhetoric and composition. Opportunities exist to take interdisciplinary modules, participate in internships, and undertake study abroad to broaden cultural and historical perspectives.

Entry requirements

Applicants should present a complete secondary school record demonstrating strong achievement, with particular strength in English or humanities subjects. Admissions decisions consider the full application profile, including transcripts and any required personal statement. Some special pathways and scholarship programmes (such as honours options) may have additional criteria.

• Academic preparation: successful completion of a high‑school curriculum with evidence of strong reading and writing skills.
• Application materials: standard undergraduate application materials as required by the university; consult the university admissions office for exact documentation.
• Additional considerations: applicants interested in creative writing or specialised honours tracks may be encouraged to submit a writing sample or portfolio.

Career prospects

Graduates with a BA in English Language and Literature typically move into careers that require advanced communication, analytical and research skills. The degree prepares students for a broad range of sectors and for further study.

• Publishing, editing and literary agencies
• Journalism, content creation and digital media
• Marketing, public relations and communications
• Technical and professional writing
• Education and teaching (initial teacher certification requires additional credentialing)
• Law, library and archival work, and graduate study in humanities

Many students combine the English major with internships and minors (for example in business, media studies or education) to align academic strengths with specific career goals.

Why study at University of South Carolina

The University of South Carolina offers a comprehensive English programme housed within a large public research university, giving students access to a wide range of faculty expertise and course options. The department provides opportunities for undergraduate research, small advanced seminars and creative writing workshops, as well as practical experiences through internships with local publishers, media organisations and public institutions in Columbia.

• Resources: strong library collections and archives support literary research and historical study.
• Teaching and mentorship: opportunities to work closely with faculty on research projects and independent study.
• Enrichment: guest lectures, reading series and extracurricular literary groups connect students to the wider literary community.
• Pathways: clear routes to graduate study, professional schools and careers in communication, education and the creative industries.