English
Bachelor of Arts
Shaping the written word
Many English majors have their sights on a future as a teacher or writer, but the degree opens doors to many other types of professions, too. In the B.A. in English program, you will gain a broad liberal arts education and build critical thinking and writing skills that are highly valued in careers in education, publishing, communications, politics and law — to name a few.
As an English major, you will undergo intensive training in creative and/or professional writing and develop your professional communication skills. You will examine a variety of literary genres and form a solid understanding of how English language and literature shape and reflect cultures around the world. Depending on your career goals, you can focus your studies on literature, creative writing, professional writing or linguistics.
Overview
Related Topics
Pen your future
Degree fit
This program could be a good fit if you:
- Enjoy literature and language.
- Are a strong reader and writer.
- Have an interest in history and culture.
- Have an interest in creative writing.
- Like an intellectual challenge.
Students graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in English will complete 120 required credits toward the degree in addition to UIdaho core requirements.
Check out the B.A. in English degree curriculum to learn more.
Career outcomes
Current job openings
2,098 in ID, WA, OR, MT and HIPotential careers and mid-career salaries
- Postsecondary English Language and Literature Teachers
$82,694 - Secondary School Teachers
$78,774 - Editors
$69,313 - Technical Writers
$90,023 - Writers and Authors • Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers
$48,419
* Career data provided by Lightcast.
Financial aid and scholarship opportunities
Financial aid
Paying for college can feel overwhelming, but U of I’s Financial Aid Office is here to help. Our experienced financial aid counselors can assist you in exploring financial aid options, making informed financial decisions and addressing common concerns.
To maximize aid and scholarship possibilities, be sure to complete your FAFSA. For information on FAFSA deadlines and answers to common questions, visit the University of Idaho FAFSA website.
Plan ahead — estimate your cost of attendance with U of I’s Cost Calculator.
Scholarships
The English Department offers generous undergraduate scholarships thanks to donors who support our students’ success. Each year, we award about $200,000 to English majors in areas such as professional writing, linguistics, creative writing, literature and secondary English education. We award scholarships to a majority of our students who maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher and demonstrate excellence in their academics. Scholarships help students continue their studies, excel in coursework and pursue opportunities such as research and study abroad. Awards are based on academic achievement, classroom performance, financial need or a combination of these factors.
- Erma M. Scholtz Coppage & Richard P. Coppage Scholarship
- Earl & Ada David Scholarship
- Grace V. Nixon English Scholarship
- Malcolm & Carol Renfrew English Scholarship
- Leishman English Award
- George W. & Kathryn S. Woodbury Scholarship
- Hogue Family Centennial Scholarship
Explore available scholarships on our Scholarships website.
Clubs and involvement opportunities
Hands-on learning
Writing opportunities are available to students through:
- Internships with Fugue and Thistle literary magazines.
- Service-learning projects in the community, such as writing for local businesses.
- Jobs with on-campus publications.
Hands-on learning opportunities include:
- Participating in Sigma Tau Delta honors society.
- Contributing to Thistle undergraduate literary magazine.
- Interning for Fugue nationally-recognized literary magazine.
- Sharing creative and academic work at public events.
- Writing grant proposals for real clients.
- Working as peer tutors in the Writing Center.
Application information
Undergraduate applications open each September and admissions are processed on a rolling basis. Qualified students are admitted and considered for scholarships and financial aid as applications are received.
Explore admission requirements and apply on our Admissions website.