John Hopkins University

What you'll study

The programme balances historical and contemporary approaches to English-language literature with coursework in the history and structure of the English language and sustained practice in writing and research. Students take a mix of introductory courses, thematic and period seminars, elective options across British, American and global English-language literatures, and a senior capstone (research thesis or integrative project).

Programme structure

• Typically a four-year undergraduate pathway combining major requirements with general education and elective courses.
• Lower-division courses introduce literary analysis, methods, and the history of the English language; upper-division study emphasises small seminars, independent research, and specialised electives.
• A senior requirement usually takes the form of a substantial research essay or a capstone project supervised by a faculty member.
• Language study and opportunities for study abroad or internships are commonly integrated into students' degree plans.

Typical modules and subjects

• Introduction to Literary Study and Critical Methods
• Survey courses in British and American Literature (from medieval to contemporary)
• Shakespeare and Renaissance Literature
• 19th- and 20th-century Novel and Poetry
• Contemporary Fiction and Postcolonial Literature
• History of the English Language and Sociolinguistics
• Literary Theory and Criticism
• Advanced Writing Workshops and Non‑fiction/Creative Writing options
• Seminars in specialised topics (gender and literature, digital humanities, race and literature, environmental literature)
• Senior thesis or capstone seminar

Entry requirements

Admission to Johns Hopkins University is competitive and based on a holistic review of academic record, recommendations, personal statement, and extracurricular engagement. For the English major, successful applicants typically present a strong secondary‑school transcript with rigorous coursework in literature and writing.

• Secondary qualifications: A strong high-school diploma or equivalent with advanced coursework where available (advanced placement, International Baccalaureate, A‑levels or comparable national examinations).
• Subject background: Evidence of sustained literature and writing study at secondary level is preferred; there is no formal requirement for prior study in linguistics, though coursework in language, history or humanities is helpful.
• Standardised tests and English proficiency: Follow the university's guidance on standardised testing and on English-language proficiency tests (e.g. TOEFL, IELTS) for applicants whose first language is not English.
• Portfolio: Creative or academic writing samples can strengthen an application where optional submission is permitted; check the admissions guidance for current portfolio policies.

Career prospects

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

• Publishing and editing (book, journal and digital publishing)
• Writing and content production (journalism, copywriting, technical and creative writing)
• Communications, public relations and marketing
• Education and teaching (often followed by teaching certification or graduate study for classroom roles)
• Law, public policy and advocacy (frequent next steps include professional schools such as law or public administration)
• Library, archival and cultural heritage work (often combined with specialised postgraduate training)
• Graduate study in literature, linguistics, creative writing or interdisciplinary humanities fields

Why study at Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins combines the resources of a major research university with substantial support for undergraduate humanities study. Students benefit from access to extensive library collections, research opportunities with faculty, and interdisciplinary collaboration across departments.

• Small upper-level seminars and close mentorship from faculty who are active researchers in literature and language studies.
• A strong emphasis on writing and research preparation, including support from campus writing centres and research librarians.
• Opportunities for internships and community engagement in Baltimore's vibrant cultural scene, and connections to publishing, policy and arts organisations.
• Paths to interdisciplinary study—students can easily combine literature with fields such as history, film and media, digital humanities, or cognitive science.