The English Major
The English major offers students a rich liberal arts education solidly grounded in the study of language and literature. In addition to acquiring broad knowledge of literary traditions in English across multiple genres and historical periods, students majoring in English learn to engage critically with many kinds of texts, frame and research original questions, and use evidence analytically. In the process, they explore the capacities of language to create, deepen understanding, solve problems, and take action in the world.
The major in English is composed of:
- a 17-hour common core
- a specialization in Creative Writing, Literature, Language, and Culture, or Professional Writing
- 12-15 hours of English electives
Graduates of the Virginia Tech English BA have found success in a variety of fields, including technology, publishing, law, medicine, business, government, higher education, public school teaching, creative writing, editing, and document design.
Creative Writing (CW)
The Creative Writing option prepares students who want to develop proficiency in the writing of poetry, fiction, playwriting, writing for young people, and creative non-fiction.
Literature, Language, and Culture (LLC)
The Literature, Language, & Culture option offers students an apprenticeship to the study of literary and cultural texts and their contexts. Within the LLC option, students may further specialize in Pre-Law, Literature, Pre-Education, or Cultural Studies.
Professional Writing (PW)
The Professional Writing option combines coursework on the methods, forms, and issues of workplace writing with hands-on client or service-learning projects. Internships are strongly encouraged.