California State University

What you'll study

This undergraduate programme combines survey courses in major literary traditions with specialised study in language, literary theory and writing. You will normally take a mix of lower-division foundational courses and upper-division electives. Typical modules and subject areas include:

• Literary surveys — introductory sequences covering British, American and selected world literatures, from historical to contemporary works.
• Periods and genres — focused study of specific eras (for example, Renaissance, Romantic, Victorian, Modernist, Postcolonial) and genres (poetry, drama, the novel).
• Literary theory and criticism — methods and schools of interpretation, including close reading, formalist, feminist, postcolonial and cultural approaches.
• Language and linguistics — fundamentals of English grammar, sociolinguistics, history of the English language and issues of language variation and change.
• Writing and rhetoric — advanced composition, rhetoric studies, argumentation, technical and professional writing; often including courses in creative writing.
• Electives and special topics — options such as digital humanities, literature and film, ethnic literatures, gender studies, environmental literature and translation studies.
• Capstone or senior seminar — a substantial research project, portfolio or seminar that integrates literary study and scholarly writing.

Many campuses also provide opportunities for internships, undergraduate research, teaching practica and community-engaged projects to give practical experience alongside academic study.

Entry requirements

Admission is through the California State University system or via the specific campus application process. Typical entry expectations include:

• Secondary school completion — a recognised high-school diploma or equivalent.
• Academic preparation — satisfactory performance in a broad secondary curriculum, including college-preparatory English courses; some campuses may publish a minimum grade-point average or specific course prerequisites.
• Transfer students — community college transfer pathways are well established; applicants with an Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) or equivalent coursework may receive priority consideration for major preparation.
• English language proficiency — for international applicants, demonstrated proficiency in English via recognised tests or approved institutional equivalents is required.
• Supplementary materials — while most campuses do not require a portfolio for the general English major, applicants interested in creative writing tracks or competitive honours programmes may be asked to submit writing samples.

Admissions criteria and documentation vary by campus; applicants should consult the specific California State University campus for exact requirements and recommended preparatory courses.

Career prospects

Graduates with a BA in English Language and Literature develop versatile skills valued across many sectors. Typical career paths include:

• Education — secondary teaching (with appropriate credentialing), educational support roles and further study in education.
• Publishing and media — editorial work, copywriting, journalism, content development and literary publicity.
• Communications and public relations — corporate communications, marketing, social media management and nonprofit communications.
• Legal and policy fields — many students use the degree as preparation for law school or roles requiring strong analytical and writing skills.
• Business and technical roles — technical writing, user experience (UX) writing, grant writing and information design.
• Graduate study and research — advanced degrees in literature, linguistics, creative writing, library science, or other interdisciplinary fields.

Alumni often combine their degree with internships, certificates or minors (for example in digital media, business or education) to target specific professions.

Why study at California State University

The California State University system offers affordable, accessible undergraduate education with a range of campus environments and specialisations. Studying English within the system provides access to experienced faculty who teach both foundational courses and specialised seminars, opportunities for hands-on learning through internships and local partnerships, and a large alumni and employer network across the state.

The system’s strong transfer pathways from community colleges, emphasis on applied learning and wide selection of elective courses let students tailor their degree to career goals or postgraduate plans. For students who prioritise value, practical experience and a supportive campus community, a BA in English at California State University offers solid preparation for both professional life and further academic study.