Marymount University

What you'll study

The programme combines survey and specialised courses to give you a broad foundation in literature and language along with opportunities for focused study. Core areas include British and American literary histories, world and contemporary literatures, literary theory and criticism, and the study of language and linguistics. Students take modules in composition and rhetoric, advanced academic writing, research methods, and courses that emphasise interpretation across media.

Typical modules you might encounter include:

• Introduction to Literary Studies / Critical Reading and Writing
• Survey of British Literature and Survey of American Literature
• World Literature or Postcolonial Literature
• Literary Theory and Criticism
• Linguistics or History of the English Language
• Creative Writing: Fiction, Poetry or Nonfiction
• Rhetoric and Public Discourse / Professional Writing
• Senior Seminar or Capstone Project involving original research or a substantial creative portfolio

The programme emphasises active learning: small seminars, close faculty mentorship, opportunities for independent study, and practical experiences such as internships, editorial work on student publications, and community-engaged projects. Electives and special topics allow you to pursue interests in areas such as drama, film and media studies, gender and literature, digital humanities, or literary translation.

Entry requirements

Applicants normally need a recognised secondary-school diploma or equivalent. Admission decisions are based on a combination of academic records (transcripts), a personal statement or essay demonstrating interest in literature and writing, and one or more letters of recommendation. Marymount typically considers the strength of written work as part of the application; applicants interested in creative-writing tracks may be asked to submit a short writing sample or portfolio.

Standardised tests may be optional depending on the applicant's circumstances and the university's current admissions policy. Mature applicants and transfer students should provide college transcripts and may be asked to discuss how prior coursework will transfer into the programme. International applicants must meet English language proficiency requirements if their prior education was not in English.

Career prospects

Graduates with a BA in English Language and Literature develop versatile communication, analytical and research skills that are attractive to a range of employers. Common career paths include:

• Publishing, editing and literary agencies
• Journalism, content creation and digital media
• Marketing, public relations and communications roles
• Teaching at primary/secondary level (usually with additional teacher certification) and educational programming
• Legal, business or public service careers, often following graduate study or professional training
• Non-profit and advocacy organisations, fundraising and outreach
• Graduate study in English, creative writing, library and information science, law or related fields

Marymount’s location near Washington, D.C. also provides practical internship opportunities in publishing houses, cultural institutions, government communications and NGOs, helping students build professional networks and experience before graduation.

Why study at Marymount University

Marymount offers a small-college environment within a university that values a liberal-arts approach to teaching. Class sizes are typically small, allowing close interaction with faculty and personalised academic advising. The English programme emphasises strong writing pedagogy and hands-on learning, supported by a writing centre and faculty with active research and professional experience in areas such as literary scholarship, creative writing and rhetoric.

Proximity to the Washington, D.C. region gives students exceptional access to internships, archives, museums and literary events, while study-abroad and exchange opportunities allow exploration of literature and language in international contexts. Career services and alumni networks help translate classroom learning into career-ready skills and post-graduation pathways.