English BA
- Major
- BA
- In-Person
- Greeley
- Literature, Culture, and Creativity
- Writing, Editing, and Publishing
4 Years
Program Overview
The English BA at UNC is about more than reading books or writing papers; it’s about exploring how language, culture and storytelling shape the world, and learning how to ask questions, solve problems and think critically, all tools you’ll use in your own life and career.
What you’ll do as an English major:
- Study literature, writing, film and media
- Build skills in research, critical thinking and communication
- Work on creative and academic projects with close support from faculty
- Get hands-on experience through editing, internships or community opportunities
Whether you want to teach, write, create or just dive deeper into your love of language, this program gives you room to grow and paths to follow.
To earn your English BA at UNC, you’ll complete 42-45 credits of English major coursework plus an 18-credit minor for a total of 120 credits.
Choose one concentration to focus your studies and shape your career path:
- Literature, Culture, and Creativity Concentration: 45 credits exploring literature from classic to contemporary, including literary theory, cultural analysis and creative writing options
Degree requirements – Literature, Culture, and Creativity Concentration
- Writing, Editing, and Publishing Concentration: 42 credits focused on professional writing, editing, publishing, and digital media, plus a required minor or certificate in your area of interest
Degree requirements – Writing, Editing, and Publishing Concentration
Both concentrations build critical thinking and communication skills essential for careers in writing, editing, media, law, education and beyond. To learn more about coursework and career paths, explore the concentrations below.
Whether you’re majoring in education, business or psychology, these minors are a great way to explore your interests and strengthen your writing and critical thinking skills.
- English Minor
Study literature, language and ideas across time and cultures. This 18-credit minor strengthens your ability to think critically, write clearly and understand the human experience.
- Writing Minor
Build a portfolio of work that shows off your voice, versatility and writing chops. In this 18-20 credit minor you’ll learn to write for different audiences, platforms and purposes, from creative storytelling to professional communication.
This plan is a recommended schedule to complete this bachelor’s degree in 4 years. Courses are subject to availability. Students must consult with their major advisor to receive information on any additional graduation requirements and course sequence guidance.
- Literature, Culture, and Creativity Concentration
Four-Year Plan – Literature, Culture, and Creativity Concentration
- Writing, Editing, and Publishing Concentration
Four-Year Plan – Writing, Editing, and Publishing Concentration
Concentrations
Customize your English degree with a focus that fits your goals.
- English BA – Literature, Culture & Creativity Concentration
Study everything from Shakespeare to video games, mythology to graphic novels, creative writing to digital humanities. Complete 45 credits of English coursework including literary theory, cultural analysis and courses in alternative communities, genre studies, and creative or professional writing. Choose from the widest range of electives to match your interests, with an 18-credit minor to complement your studies.
You’ll learn to:
- Analyze literature, media, and culture through multiple theoretical lenses
- Write creatively across genres – fiction, poetry, screenwriting and nonfiction
- Understand how language, power and identity shape communities
- Apply critical thinking to contemporary issues from environment to technology
Perfect for students who love reading and writing but want to explore their creativity. Build skills that work anywhere—from writing for media companies to preparing for law school.
English BA – Writing, Editing, and Publishing Concentration
Turn your writing skills into a career. This concentration focuses on professional writing, editing and publishing. You’ll graduate ready for jobs in media, marketing, publishing and digital content creation.
Complete 42 credits of English coursework in professional writing, editing, document design and digital media. Add a required minor or certificate (12-18 credits) in any field to gain specialized expertise – business for corporate writing, psychology for health communications, computer science for technical writing.
You’ll learn to:
- Write for different audiences and platforms including web, social media, and technical documents
- Edit professionally using industry-standard practices and digital tools
- Design and produce publications from concept to finished product
- Gain real experience through internship opportunities
The concentration includes hands-on courses and optional internships that prioritize career readiness over abstract theory.
Earn Your BA and MA in 5 Years
Dive deep into literature, culture and creative expression through Colorado’s only accelerated English program. You’ll take graduate courses during your senior year, finish your master’s faster and grow as a writer, thinker and storyteller. This program prepares you for careers in publishing, teaching and beyond.
Our flexible two-year master’s program welcomes graduates from any institution who want to deepen their expertise in literature, literary criticism and creative writing. This program prepares you for diverse careers in teaching, publishing, law, communications and other writing-intensive professions. It also can provide excellent preparation for doctoral studies.
Recent graduates of the Masters’ in English Liberal Arts are pursuing PhDs at University of Texas, Kent State and University of Michigan.
What Our Students Say
Inside the Classroom
"[In ENG 495] Being able to get a true feeling of all the components of the book, from how it's made to how it began, has been immensely satisfying as an English major and fellow book lover."
Rory Harbert, '19
English
Interested in Teaching?
Join Lambda Gamma Honors
Lambda Gamma is an honor society for first and second-year English students at UNC. You’ll join a supportive community, take part in literary events and connect with peers who share your passion for reading, writing and creativity.
Student Consumer Information
Honor Society for Juniors & Seniors
Sigma Tau Delta is UNC’s award-winning chapter of the international English Honor Society. Open to juniors and seniors, this group hosts weekly meetings packed with creative events like scary story readings, Shakespeare’s birthday celebrations, Valentine poetry nights and more. Members can also earn national recognition, scholarships and internships.
Get Published with The Crucible
UNC’s student-run literary magazine, The Crucible, has featured original student writing and art for over 60 years. Join the editorial team to review and publish poetry, fiction, nonfiction, photography and more. Or submit your own work! Whether you’re editing or contributing, it’s a chance to grow your creative voice, gain publishing experience and be part of UNC’s storytelling legacy.
Interested in Teaching?
English Language and Literature Concentration – Licensure: English Language Arts (Grades 6-12)
Teach classic and contemporary texts and build your skills in English instruction.
Support multilingual learners and build inclusive, culturally responsive classrooms.
Special Education Concentration – Licensure: English Language Arts (Grades 6-12)
Prepare to meet the needs of students with disabilities in diverse learning environments.
Have Questions? We’re Here to Help!
English
The English Department gives students a chance to explore how language, culture, and stories mold the world. Our programs teach students critical thinking, how to ask questions, and develop skills for a wide range of careers.
- English@unco.edu
- (970) 351-2971
- Ross Hall, Room 1284