We See Your Future in English
Grow as a writer, speaker and thinker with a Bachelor of Arts in English focused on creativity and critical problem-solving.
Bachelor of Arts in English
Pursue your passion for language and literature and delve into American and British literature with a bachelor’s degree in English from Norfolk State University. As an English major at NSU, you’ll elevate your reading and writing comprehension while exploring the deeper meanings behind literature that has inspired and influenced readers for centuries. Whether you’re interested in Chaucer or Toni Morrison, we offer courses for every curious student.
A degree in English is remarkably versatile. You’ll have access to a huge variety of jobs with an English degree in fields as diverse as law, business, education, the arts and publishing — to name only a few. As you earn your Bachelor of Arts in English at NSU, you’ll join a rich community of scholars and peers who share your love of literature and learning.
Teach with a bachelor’s degree in English
If you want to share your passion for English in its many forms, our bachelor’s degree in English with a secondary education endorsement provides you with the skills, knowledge and credentials to immediately become qualified to teach English at the secondary level. Inspire your students to become lifelong readers and learners.
B.A. English Degree at a Glance
- Average Class Size: 20 Students
- Formats Offered: In Person, Hybrid
- Total Credit Hours: 120
View bachelor’s degree in English plans of study | Request more information | Apply now
Why Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in English at NSU?
For over 40 years, our Bachelor of Arts in English degree program has helped aspiring teachers, writers and thinkers find rewarding jobs with an English degree that emphasizes critical thinking, collaboration and diversity.
Exceptional career preparation
If you’re like most aspiring English majors, you’re probably wondering how to find satisfying jobs with an English degree. Well, you’re in luck. Earning a bachelor’s degree in English lets you build a solid foundation in skills and knowledge that translate to nearly every industry, such as researching, editing and writing.
Experienced and attentive English faculty
Take advantage of our small class sizes to work closely with our distinguished, award-winning faculty members. With years of experience as teachers and in writing, editing and publishing, they demonstrate their professionalism and commitment to learning both inside and outside the classroom.
A degree in English with community
While reading and writing may seem like solitary activities, the truth is that earning your Bachelor of Arts in English is anything but. Prepare for team-focused jobs with an English degree that encourages collaboration and group problem-solving. In addition to the lively discussions you’ll have in classes, you can also join our student-run literary journal, The Norfolk Review, to meet other English majors and make lifelong personal and professional connections.
What Courses Will I Take as an English Major?
As an English major at NSU, you’ll develop a comprehensive knowledge of all literary genres, as well as creative writing, linguistics and rhetoric. You’ll explore a broad range of literary texts that represent the diversity of our multicultural world.
The degree in English requires completion of a minimum of 120 hours: 60 hours of general education classes, including four semesters of a foreign language, and 60 hours of English courses, covering both American and British literature.
Some of the courses you’ll take when you earn your bachelor’s degree in English at NSU include:
- Young Adult Literature
- Women’s Studies
- African-American Literature
- Writing Short Stories
View the full Bachelor of Arts in English degree curriculum.
Where Will My Degree in English Take Me?
With a degree in English from NSU, you’ll be well positioned for many rewarding and meaningful careers. As an English major, you can find employment in a variety of settings, such as legal firms, private or public schools, journals and newspapers, technology companies, film and television, government agencies and financial institutions.
Career outlook for English majors
Increase your chances of finding fast-growing jobs with an English degree from NSU. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for postsecondary teachers is predicted to grow 12% over the next decade, significantly higher than the average for other occupational fields. If you’re interested in law, our undergraduate degree in English is a great first step for continuing on to law school. Jobs for lawyers are expected to grow 9%, with 46,000 openings each year.
Your NSU bachelor’s degree in English will become a strong foundation for the pursuit of roles that include:
- Lawyer
- Copywriter
- Editor
- Publisher
- Educator
- Novelist
- Poet
- Policy analyst
- Paralegal
How Do I Get Started in the Bachelor’s Degree in English Program at NSU?
Do you have questions about submitting your application? Wondering about what kinds of financial aid are right for you? The Department of English and Foreign Languages at Norfolk State University has the resources and advisors to guide you through your journey to earning a degree in English.
Learn more about the requirements for the Bachelor of Arts in English program.
“I am honored to be a part of the English and foreign language department. I am a proud English major! The faculty here have nurtured me, challenged me and helped me grow into a better scholar, writer and advocate of my future. “
– Melissa S., ’ B.A. English
Degree Programs Related to Our Bachelor’s Degree in English
Accreditation for Norfolk State University
Norfolk State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, master's, and doctorate degrees.