University of North Florida

What you'll study

The English Language and Literature programme provides a mix of required core modules and flexible electives that allow you to build interests in areas such as British and American literatures, contemporary and postcolonial writing, literary theory and language study. You will practise critical reading and advanced academic writing while exploring genres from poetry and drama to the novel and creative nonfiction.

• Core literature surveys — historical and thematic courses in British, American and global literatures that introduce major authors, periods and movements.
• Literary theory and criticism — introduction to methods and approaches used to interpret texts, including formalist, historical, feminist, postcolonial and contemporary theoretical frameworks.
• Genre and topic electives — specialised classes such as Shakespeare, modernism, nineteenth‑century novel, contemporary fiction, poetry workshop and film & literature.
• Language and linguistics — courses that cover linguistics, syntax, semantics and sociolinguistics, useful for students interested in language study or applied language fields.
• Creative writing options — workshops and craft classes in fiction, poetry or creative nonfiction; some students may compile a creative portfolio as part of their work.
• Research methods and capstone — a senior seminar or capstone project that emphasises original research or a sustained creative project, and prepares students for postgraduate study or professional work.
• Practical skills — courses and activities that develop digital literacy, editing, publishing fundamentals, public-facing writing and oral presentation skills.

Entry requirements

Admission to the University of North Florida requires a high school diploma or its equivalent and successful completion of college preparatory coursework. Prospective students should demonstrate strong English-language skills through their high school record.

• First‑year applicants: completion of secondary education with a college‑preparatory curriculum, including coursework in English. Admission is based on a holistic review of transcripts and other supporting materials as required by the university.
• Transfer students: submission of official college transcripts; credit for prior coursework in English and general education may be applied toward the degree in line with UNF transfer policies.
• International applicants: proof of English proficiency is required; the university accepts a range of recognised English tests or other evidence of proficiency in accordance with its admissions guidelines.
• Students interested in creative writing concentrations may be encouraged to submit a writing sample or portfolio as part of department advising, although formal admission to the major is handled through university processes.

Career prospects

Graduates with an English degree pursue a wide variety of careers that draw on skills in critical thinking, clear writing and close analysis. Many go on to further study; others enter the workforce directly in fields that value communication and interpretation skills.

• Publishing, editing and literary agencies
• Journalism, content strategy, copywriting and digital media
• Public relations, marketing and communications roles in the private and public sectors
• Law school and careers in law or policy (often following postgraduate study)
• Secondary and postsecondary teaching (teacher certification or graduate degrees may be required for classroom positions)
• Nonprofit and cultural organisations, museums and arts administration
• Graduate study in English, creative writing, library science, education or related fields

Why study at University of North Florida

The University of North Florida offers a supportive undergraduate environment with small seminar classes, accessible faculty and opportunities for one‑to‑one mentoring and supervised research. Located in Jacksonville, the programme benefits from proximity to a diverse, growing metropolitan arts community and local internship partners in publishing, media and cultural organisations.

• Access to campus resources such as the writing centre, career services and undergraduate research programmes to help develop practical experience alongside academic study.
• Opportunities for internships and community partnerships in Jacksonville that connect classroom learning to professional experience.
• Faculty engaged in a range of research and creative work, providing students with mentorship in literary scholarship, creative writing and language studies.