Bachelor’s in English

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UNC Greensboro’s Bachelor of Arts in English offers a flexible, engaging path for students who want to explore language, literature, and critical thinking at a deeper level. Through focused study of British, American, and world literatures, students develop strong analytical, writing, and communication skills that translate into success across countless career fields.

UNCG’s Humanities at Work program was authored by professors in the English department. Although it is an internship program for humanities majors across campus, many undergraduates with English majors have found critical ways to apply their skills in the nonprofit sector thanks to this program, funded by the Mellon Foundation. Humanities at Work (H@W) is unique to UNCG, providing competitive advantages for English majors who are interested in boosting their resumes with paid internships and exploration of real-world applications of an English major.

Whether you’re preparing for teaching, planning to pursue graduate study, or building a foundation for careers in law, medicine, journalism, editing, communications, diplomacy, advertising, or human resources, the English B.A. equips you with the intellectual versatility and professional readiness employers value.

B.A. in English PROGRAM DISTINCTIONS

UNCG faculty work closely with students to provide educational paths that match with their interests. The bachelors in English is an excellent foundation for creative writing, teaching, and corporate positions.

  • Accelerated B.A. to M.A. Option: Students can earn both degrees in as little as five years, strengthening preparation for teaching or graduate study.
  • Award‑winning Faculty: Professors regularly receive university‑wide honors for excellence in teaching, mentorship, and student support.
  • Active Scholarly and Creative output: Faculty are prolific scholars and writers. Their work includes academic studies, novels, and poetry collections.

THE Undergraduate STUDENT EXPERIENCE in English

English majors benefit from intense academic study, careful guidance from advisors, applicable extracurricular activities, and internships to prepare themselves for successful futures after graduation

  • Small, discussion‑driven classes: Most English courses enroll 20–36 students, creating an engaging environment where you can participate actively and connect with faculty.
  • Courses taught by permanent faculty: Nearly all classes are led by tenure‑track professors, giving you direct access to experienced scholars and published writers.
  • Internships that build real‑world skills: Internship experiences are encouraged and help you gain hands‑on preparation for careers in writing, editing, teaching, communications, and more.
  • Undergraduate research opportunities: Students are supported in conducting research and presenting their work at regional and national conferences, strengthening academic and professional portfolios.
  • Vibrant literary and creative community: The department hosts an impressive range of critical and creative speakers, bringing nationally recognized voices to campus.
  • Opportunities for campus involvement: Students can take on editorial roles with UNCG’s fine arts magazine Coraddi or contribute to the student newspaper The Carolinian.
  • Creative writing pathways: The creative writing minor offers a preview of UNCG’s renowned MFA in Creative Writing, one of the oldest in the country.

AFTER GRADUATIng with your Bachelor’s Degree in English

Graduates of UNCG’s English program enter a wide range of professions, including teaching, writing and editing, journalism, law, social work, business, communications, advertising, ministry, and library science.

Many students continue their education through graduate study. Recent graduates have pursued law degrees at Elon University and UNC–Chapel Hill, as well as literature degrees at institutions such as The University of Texas and The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. The English, B.A. provides strong preparation for advanced academic and professional pathways through its emphasis on writing, analysis, and communication.

Potential Career Paths
  • Lawyer
  • Editor
  • Journalist
  • Novelist
  • Poet
  • Teacher
  • Technical Writer
  • Copywriter
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Hana Ishige ’25

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Program Details

Degree Type: Bachelor's

College/School: College of Arts and Sciences

Program Type: Majors & Concentrations

Class Type: In Person

Catalog Name: English, B.A.

Contact Us

Dr. Karen Weyler
Director of Undergraduate Studies
Department of English
kaweyler@uncg.edu
336.334.5311