Bachelor of Arts in English
Learn to think deeply and write clearly with an English degree.
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Master Language. Master Thought.
Command the power of words and sharpen the skills that set you apart with a Bachelor of Arts in English at Concordia University Irvine.
Study works that have shaped minds, cultures, and societies for centuries while honing the critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and writing skills that make English majors indispensable in any field. Through courses that explore faith, literature, and culture, you’ll grapple with the questions of what it means to be human — and discover how stories, past and present, reveal truth, creativity, and the power of ideas.
Career Relevant
Gain real-world skills for a life of service and leadership.
Collaborative Classes
Learn in classes with a 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio.
Caring Community
Become part of our close, connected community.
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English isn’t just about reading books. It’s about training your mind to think strategically, communicate with impact, and adapt in a fast-moving world. In this program, you’ll develop skills that set you apart:
- Sharp critical thinking and analysis
- Creative problem-solving under pressure
- Cultural and historical awareness for real-world context
- Command of written and verbal communication
- A competitive edge in the age of AI: The human brain still outperforms any machine in judgment, interpretation, and original thought
You’ll join a community of thinkers: students and faculty who challenge, debate, and push each other to excel, building intellectual camaraderie that prepares you for leadership.
Core courses give you mastery over major literary traditions: Shakespeare, Literary Theory, American and English Literature I & II. Electives let you hone your craft in areas like Modern and Contemporary Literature, Modern Drama and Film, and Creative Writing (Intro to Genre and Craft, Topics in Creative Writing).
By the end of the program, you’ll not only understand literature. You’ll know how to think, create, and compete at the highest level.
Next Start
January 11, 2027
Curriculum
Core Curriculum (Sample Courses):
- ENG341 – American Literature I
- ENG342 – American Literature II
- ENG361 – English Literature I
- ENG362 – English Literature II
- ENG451 – Senior Seminar in English
- ENG466 – Shakespeare
- ENG471 – Literary Theory
- WRT333 – Topics in Creative Writing
View the Concordia University Irvine Online Catalog for a full list of courses.
Upon completing your English degree, you’ll be able to:
- Create a sustained argument employing the writing process and context-appropriate conventions.
- Analyze and assess literary texts and contexts using appropriate research tools and methods.
- Recognize and evaluate Christian themes, tropes, hallmarks of Christian confession or struggle, and other religious distinctives in literature.
- Identify and differentiate literary periods, major writers, critical theories, and genres.
- Serve society in ethical and merciful ways, examining benefits gained and challenges encountered.
- Engage and analyze literary arts by recognizing and critiquing elements of literature including literary types, forms, and figurative language in both written and oral presentations.
- Develop an increased appreciation for different cultures and societies through language learning: etymological, structural, pronunciation, or literary examples.
Tuition and Fees
At Concordia, we understand that investing in your education is a significant decision. That’s why we offer a variety of scholarships and financial aid options to help make your academic journey more affordable. In fact, 100% of our students receive some form of financial assistance! View tuition costs and fees for undergraduate programs.
Admission Requirements
View the Application page for full details on application and admission requirements.
Nationally Recognized Q&I Curriculum
Concordia University Irvine is among a distinctive group of universities that offer a comprehensive liberal arts curriculum for all of its students. Our nationally recognized Enduring Questions & Ideas curriculum (Q&I, for short) is carefully crafted so that you discover the purpose of a liberal arts education — to grow intellectually, ethically, and spiritually.
Career Outcomes
An English degree trains you to think strategically, communicate with authority, and solve problems. In the age of AI, a humanities degree makes graduates indispensable across industries because skills like critical thinking, creativity, and complex problem solving are distinctly human strengths that technology cannot replicate.
Graduates with an English degree have built careers in fields such as1:
- Leadership and management
- Business and financial operations
- Marketing, publishing, and communications
- Arts, media, and entertainment
- Education and library services
Your English degree prepares you for roles where ideas, analysis, and clear communication matter, including law, public relations, writing and publishing, graduate studies, or any field where sharp thinking and persuasive communication provide a competitive edge.
Academic Opportunities
You can tailor your English degree to your goals by adding a related minor, pairing it with a double major, or preparing for graduate study. Some students also pursue their California teaching credential alongside their undergraduate degree or transition into the Master of Arts in Education (MAEd) program.
Programs that complement the English major include:
Extracurricular Activities
English majors at Concordia don’t just study literature — they live it. You’ll find creative and collaborative outlets all across campus, including:
- Around the World Semester®
- Student Leadership
- The Concordia Courier
- The Clearlight Yearbook
- The Aerie
- The Writing Studio
- Study Abroad
- Mission and Service Learning
- Concordia Cares
Life at Concordia
Join a community where you’re free to explore your interests and pursuits, make relationships that last a lifetime, and develop your own relationship with God. What will you explore?
Explore Financial Aid
Reduce your tuition costs with financial aid — with help from a team that wants to make your time at Concordia as affordable as possible.
Meet Our Faculty
FAQs
What is an English major?
An English major sharpens your ability to think strategically, communicate with impact, and tackle complex ideas. You’ll engage with literature across eras and cultures — from classic British and American works to contemporary voices — building skills in analysis, interpretation, and persuasive expression.
At Concordia, you can also develop your craft through courses in creative writing, film, modern and contemporary literature, and drama, giving you versatile tools to excel in any competitive field.
What can you do with an English degree?
An English degree trains you to think strategically, communicate with authority, and solve problems—skills that AI can’t replicate. As Robert Goldstein, COO of BlackRock, notes, critical thinking, creativity, and bold problem-solving are human strengths in high demand.
Graduates launch careers in leadership, business, marketing, publishing, media, and education—any field where sharp ideas and persuasive communication give you a competitive edge.
From 2023 to 2033, English degree holders are projected to work in roles such as1:
- Writers and authors
- Editors
- Librarians and educators
- Managers and administrators
- Lawyers and legal researchers
- Communication and media specialists
Can you go to law school with an English major?
English is one of the most popular pre-law majors because it builds essential skills in reading comprehension, analysis, and argumentation. In fact, in 2022, 76% of English majors who applied to law school were accepted.2 English graduates’ ability to write clearly and reason logically makes them well-suited for success in legal studies.
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Sources
1U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, on the internet, at:
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/field-of-degree/english/english-field-of-degree.htm (viewed Jan. 9, 2025).
2U.S. News & World Report, Choosing the Best Undergraduate Major for Law School, on the internet, at:
- https://www.usnews.com/education/blogs/law-admissions-lowdown/articles/choosing-the-best-undergraduate-major-for-law-school (viewed Jan. 9, 2025).
Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.