Our BA in English program invites you to think critically, communicate clearly, and become a thoughtful, engaged citizen and professional. Build a strong foundation in both storytelling and writing as you read, analyze, and respond to a variety of literature and learn to communicate through creative, professional, and technical writing.
What is an English degree?
Reduce tuition by up to $24k
Why earn a degree in English?
Our BA in English equips students for professional success in numerous fields, including writing, law, journalism, marketing, teaching, and more. With a clear path to graduation and a career-focused curriculum, our program remains flexible and personable, tailored to your learning journey.
Student Media
Write for the student newspaper or, join the student advisory board for literary journals for fiction, poetry, and visual art.
Portfolio development
You’ll build a portfolio showcasing your strong writing skills and storytelling ability, a valuable asset in the job market.
Supportive environment
Our faculty, staff, and students create a learning environment cultivating creativity, innovation, and a sense of community.
Industry-aligned curriculum
Our program aligns with industry trends and expectations, you’ll graduate with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed.
English teacher education
Our English Education program is available for students interested in teaching English at the secondary level.
Creative or Professional Writing Certificate
Add a creative writing or professional writing certificate to further refine writing techniques across themes and styles.
What you’ll learn in your English program
In our program, you'll gain solid grounding in the importance of storytelling and writing. English majors read and analyze literature to discover how stories help them better understand human behavior, societies, cultures, historical contexts, and important contemporary and enduring issues. They also compose their own stories and learn to communicate effectively through multiple forms of creative, professional, and technical writing.
- Analyze literature and other writing in detail to identify and evaluate the ideas of others
- Integrate multiple historical, theoretical, and/or cultural perspectives in order to interpret literature and other writing
- Apply advanced written communication skills to inform and engage others around important ideas
- Compose creative writing that reflects an aesthetic and artistic understanding of the world
- Connect literary and creative training to future goals as citizens and professionals.
Explore English courses
- This degree will require you to complete a total of 120 credits.
- You will complete 42 gen ed credits, 30 core credits, 48 elective credits, and 1 capstone or internship.
Sample courses
| Class code | Class title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ENGL 120 | Literary Topics | 3 credits |
| ENGL 145 | Creative Expression | 3 credits |
| ENGL 146 | Humanity, Conflict, and Nonviolence | 3 credits |
| ENGL 315 | Business Writing | 3 credits |
| ENGL 401 | Capstone/Internship | 3 credits |
How much does a BA in English cost?
The cost of your degree will depend on several factors, like scholarships, housing, meal plans, and transfer credits. New students also pay a $100 matriculation fee. You will also need to budget for books, supplies, materials, transportation, personal costs, loan fees, and other expenses. Explore the cost of attendance.
Full-time student living on campus
| Expense | By semester | By year |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time tuition (12-18 credits)* | $19,674 | $39,348 |
| Housing** | $4,313 | $8,625 |
| Food*** | $3,135 | $6,270 |
| Technology fee | $150 | $300 |
| Total direct charges (billable) | $27,272 | $54,543 |
*Based on 2026-2027 tuition and fees. Tuition and fees are subject to change each summer.
**This cost is estimated, actual housing cost will vary by student selections.
***Cost estimate based on 3 meals per day.
How much does campus housing cost?
When it comes to housing, St. Ambrose University offers diverse options to meet the needs of our students. From traditional dormitories to apartment-style living, there’s something for everyone. The cost of our housing will vary based on where you decide to live and the meal plan you choose.
St. Ambrose University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Accreditation and recognitions provide the assurance we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability.
How does SAU support English students?
Our English faculty offers expertise across professional domains. Working closely with each faculty member, students explore career paths and achieve academic objectives. Faculty members publish widely, ensuring comprehensive guidance inside and outside the classroom. They prioritize student support, collaborating closely to provide prompt assistance and reliable guidance.
English program faculty
Other support resources
Student Success Center
At St. Ambrose, we want you to thrive. Access free tutoring, study groups, and supplemental instruction through our Student Success Center.
Accessibility Resource Center
Whether you need classroom accommodations, alternative exam arrangements, or disability support strategies, our Accessibility Resource Center is here to help.
Career services
Our Academic and Career Planning Center is ready to help you polish your resume and land the job or internship that will launch your career.
Are there scholarships available for English students?
At St. Ambrose University, we believe that education should be accessible to all. That's why we offer a variety of scholarships and financial aid options to help make college more affordable for our students. We are committed to providing our students with the resources they need to succeed academically and financially.
Ambrose Advantage Scholarship
Through the Ambrose Advantage Scholarship program, a tuition-free St. Ambrose University education is available to any Pell Grant-eligible Iowans. Learn more about the Ambrose Advantage.
Merit-based and institutional scholarships
St. Ambrose offers excellent scholarships and grants based on your strong academic performance, your talent in fine arts or athletics, or your community involvement. Explore SAU scholarships.
Transfer credits
At SAU, you may be able to transfer previous college credit toward your bachelor’s degree, saving you significant time and money. Learn how to transfer credits.
Don’t let cost hinder your future
"Cost is obviously a big thing for anybody going to college. When I found out about the Ambrose Advantage, it took the stress off me and my family. Now I can focus on my classes and getting a start on my career."
-Bailey Hird, Fairfield, Iowa
What’s on campus for English students?
If you’re looking for an immersive experience in convergent media St. Ambrose is the place for you. The best part? You can access each of these opportunities on your first day on campus.
Join, The Buzz, St. Ambrose’s independent student newspaper. Choose editorial content, report stories, publish newsletters, take photos, and sell and design advertising.
Take part in Quercus on the student advisory board, SAU's literary journal for fiction, poetry, and visual art.
Join Sigma Tau Delta, the English Honor Society.
Diverse campus experience
"The liberal arts aspect is amazing, and there are so many different and diverse student clubs and organizations you can explore. St. Ambrose is a great place to find out who you are."
-Murphy Garcia ‘19, BA in Art and BA in Spanish
What are the admission requirements for a BA in English?
Here are the admissions requirements for our English program.
- You must have graduated from an accredited high school or earned a GED
- You must have a minimum cumulative, unweighted GPA of 2.5
- You must provide an official high school transcript
International student requirements
If you live outside of the U.S. there are different admissions requirements. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Official transcripts from secondary education
- A minimum 2.5 CGPA out of a 4.0 scale, or equivalent
- Proof of English language proficiency (minimum scores: TOEFL - 79, IELTS - 6.0)
- Copy of your passport and other documentation
What can I do with an English degree?
Your education and degree can help you reach your professional goals. St. Ambrose University can never promise a career or particular outcome upon graduating. We encourage you to explore potential jobs and employment settings. Here is a list of potential job titles, traits, and settings a graduate in our English program could achieve.
Potential Job Titles
- Author
- Editor
- Technical writer
- Literary agent
- Paralegal
- Archivist
Potential employment settings
- Law offices
- Publishing industries
- News publishers
- Professional services
- Library
- Government offices
Top Traits of a English student
- Strong communication skills
- Attention to detail
- Creative thinking
- Organization
- Creative
- Empathic
Industry facts
- Employment of paralegals and legal assistants is projected to grow 4 percent from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
- The median annual wage for paralegals and legal assistants was $59,200 in May 2022.
- 38% of technical writers work in professional, scientific, or technical service industries and make on median $79,960 per year, with about five years of experience.
- The job market for technical writers is set to grow in the next ten years with a job outlook growth set to 7% with about 53,300 jobs being created.
For more information on financial employment and wages, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook: Technical Writers, Paralegals and Legal Assistants.
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Become who you are meant to be
With more than 50 undergraduate and graduate programs, there’s something for everyone at St. Ambrose University! Explore our programs to find your place at SAU.
