Northern Arizona University

What you'll study

The programme builds a foundation in literary history, critical theory and academic research while offering elective depth in areas such as British and American literature, world literatures, contemporary theory, and genre studies. Core components typically include introductory and advanced courses in literary analysis, Shakespeare, the novel, poetry, drama, and approaches to literary criticism. You will develop close reading and persuasive writing skills through seminars and composition courses, and you can choose electives or concentrations in creative writing, professional and technical writing, rhetoric and composition, or a literature-focused pathway.

• Foundations in literary interpretation and critical theory
• Survey courses: British, American and world literature
• Genre and period-focused modules: Shakespeare, modernism, contemporary fiction, postcolonial literature
• Advanced seminars in specialised topics and capstone research or thesis
• Practical writing: professional/technical writing, editing, and digital rhetoric
• Opportunities for internships, practicum placements and study abroad

The degree is usually structured around a combination of general education requirements, a set of required major courses, electives within the major, and free electives. Small-group seminars and upper-division classes emphasise discussion, sustained research projects and written portfolios; independent study and collaborative projects with faculty are common. Students interested in teacher certification follow an additional sequence of education courses and student-teaching practicum to meet state licensure requirements.

Entry requirements

Admission to the BA in English is through Northern Arizona University’s undergraduate admissions process. Typical expectations for first-year applicants include a high school diploma or equivalent and a competitive academic record in college-preparatory coursework. NAU has adopted flexible admissions practices; standardised test scores (SAT/ACT) may be optional for many applicants. Transfer applicants should present college transcripts and usually need a minimum GPA for transfer admission; specific credit transferability depends on course equivalence.

• High school graduation or equivalent
• Competitive high school GPA and college-preparatory coursework
• Standardised tests: submitted where required or opted into by the applicant
• Transfer students: official college transcripts and a minimum cumulative college GPA as per university transfer policy
• Some concentrations or scholarships may request a writing sample, personal statement or portfolio
• Prospective secondary education majors must meet additional programme admission standards for teacher preparation and complete state-mandated certification requirements

Career prospects

Graduates with a BA in English from NAU enter a wide range of fields that value analytical reading, clear writing and critical thinking. Common career paths include secondary-school teaching (with appropriate certification), editing and publishing, journalism, content strategy and digital communications, technical writing, public relations and marketing, and non-profit and community development roles. Many graduates also go on to postgraduate study in English, creative writing, law, library and information science, or other professional programmes.

• Secondary and post-secondary education (with additional certification or graduate study)
• Publishing, editing and literary organisations
• Content creation, copywriting and digital media
• Technical and professional writing for industry and government
• Communications, public relations and marketing
• Graduate study in humanities, law, library science and other professional programmes

Why study at Northern Arizona University

Northern Arizona University offers a liberal-arts environment with small-class teaching and accessible faculty who are active in research and creative work. The programme emphasises both traditional literary study and practical writing skills, so graduates leave with adaptable communication abilities valued by employers. NAU provides extracurricular opportunities such as student literary journals, writing centres, internships through campus partnerships, and study-abroad options that enrich textual and cultural study.

Located in Flagstaff, the university offers a campus community with a distinctive regional setting and access to cultural resources and volunteer placements across northern Arizona. NAU’s career and academic support services help students plan internships, build portfolios and transition into the workplace or graduate study.