LIBERAL ARTS
English Degree
Liberal Arts Bachelor’s Degree Programs
With a degree in English, you will study the language, stories, and poetry that shape our lives. English students sharpen their communication skills and explore literature, critical theory, cultural studies, and creative writing. Prepare for careers in a world shaped increasingly by the powers of text, imagination, and tale.

Take Me To
Why should I earn an english degree?
In Demand
100 percent of BVU English majors from the class of 2018 were either employed or enrolled in graduate or professional studies within six months of graduation.
Vital Skills
You’ll learn to think critically about your own culture, other cultures, and yourself by analyzing written works, movies, video games, and more.
Versatility
English is a skill you’ll use every day in every career—you’ll have plenty of ways to use your degree, even if you’re unsure about your career path.
What Can I Do With a English Degree
- Journalist
- Radio, television, or film producer
- Copywriter
- Teacher
- Public relations manager
- On Campus - Storm Lake
- Hybrid
On Campus
Storm Lake
Why study English at BVU?
Real-life experience: The English program sponsors an annual, student-produced literary and fine arts magazine, FACES, and you’ll be in charge of all aspects of production. Students also edit Hot Dish Magazine, an online literary journal featuring works by high school writers.
Immersion: Blog and work in social media; listen to acclaimed poets, speakers, and authors; produce magazines; and take part in academic conferences, internships, and senior capstone projects.
Expertise: Work alongside award-winning faculty to build problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.

Join a Welcoming Community.
Share Remarkable Experiences.
TANNER JENSEN
Tanner’s dream job is becoming an editor. Last interim, he took the first steps in this journey as he helped publish Hot Dish, a BVU-sponsored literary magazine. Tanner reviewed and made edits to fiction and poetry submissions of high school authors and learned the challenges many editors face when judging submissions. He also attended the Luther Writing Festival, where he explored what the world of writing looks like. These experiences are preparing Tanner for post-graduation.
Hybrid
Hybrid Learning
You can earn your English degree without leaving your community. Hybrid courses combine the benefit of live video instruction with the convenience of online learning. In addition to a weekly class, hybrid students complete their coursework online and receive personalized advisement from local BVU site staff.
English Courses
- Major in English (37-43 Credit Hours)
- ENGL 220 Introduction to Literature
- ENGL 250 American Literature
- ENGL 260 British Literature
- ENGL 276 World Literature
- ENGL 300 Advanced Composition
- ENGL 320 Creative Writing
- ENGL 331 Introduction to Linguistics
- ENGL 490 Major Portfolio
- ENGL 491 Senior Seminar
- 1 elective ENGL 300 or above
- 1 elective ENGL 370 or above
- 2 elective ENGL 400 or above
- Minor in English (37-43 Credit Hours)
- ENGL 220 Introduction to Literature
- ENGL 250 American Literature
- ENGL 260 British Literature
- ENGL 276 World Literature
- ENGL 300 Advanced Composition
- ENGL 320 Creative Writing
- ENGL 331 Introduction to Linguistics
- ENGL 340 Introduction to Literary Theory
- ENGL 490 Major Portfolio
- ENGL 491 Senior Seminar
- 9 credit hours of English electives numbered above 300; at least two of the courses should be at the 400 level; one course must be in American literature; one course must be in World literature
- 2 semesters of same foreign language at the college level, or a passing MLA or CLEP score
- Minor in English (18 Credit Hours)
- ENGL 220 Introduction to Literature
- ENGL 250 American Literature
- ENGL 260 British Literature
- ENGL 331 Introduction to Linguistics
- ENGL 300 Advanced Composition or ENGL 320 Creative Writing
- One English elective 340 or above
- Major in English with Teaching Licensure 5-12 (43 Credit Hours)
- ENGL 220 Introduction to Literature
- ENGL 250 American Literature
- ENGL 260 British Literature
- ENGL 276 World Literature
- ENGL 300 Advanced Composition
- ENGL 331 Introduction to Linguistics
- ENGL 332 Modern English Grammar
- ENGL 340 Introduction to Literary Theory
- ENGL 350 Shakespeare
- ENGL 490 Major Portfolio
- ENGL 491 Senior Seminar
- One English elective 400 or above
Support work
- SEDU 333 Young Adult Fiction and Nonfiction
- SEDU 454 Reading Strategies and Instructional Methods
- Plus requirements for secondary education and education core
A foreign language is not required for major in English with teaching licensure.
- Major in English with Teaching Licensure K-8 (27 Credit Hours)
- Major in Elementary Education
- ENGL 250 American Literature
- ENGL 260 British Literature
- ENGL 300 Advanced Composition
- ENGL 331 Introduction to Linguistics
- ENGL 332 Modern English Grammar
- ENGL 350 Shakespeare
- THME 200 Fundamentals of Acting or THME 310 Oral Interpretation of Literature
- Two courses numbered ENGL 370 or above
- Minor in English with Teaching Licensure 5-12 (43 Credit Hours)
- ENGL 220 Introduction to Literature
- ENGL 250 American Literature
- ENGL 260 British Literature
- ENGL 300 Advanced Composition
- ENGL 331 Introduction to Linguistics
- ENGL 332 Modern English Grammar
- ENGL 340 Introduction to Literary Theory
- ENGL 350 Shakespeare
Support work
- SEDU 333 Young Adult Fiction and Nonfiction
- SEDU 454 Reading Strategies and Instructional Methods
- Plus requirements for secondary education and education core
Financial Aid & Scholarships
We’ll help you figure out your options for financial assistance and possible scholarships.
Learn MoreEnglish Faculty
Our instructors are committed to helping you build the future in Iowa and beyond.
See Our FacultyTransfer Your Credits
Do you have previously earned credits or an associate degree? BVU accepts most—if not all—of your credits so you don’t have to retake courses.
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