English Language and Literature students outside studying

Undergraduate Major English Language & Literature (BA)

Capitalize on Your Passion for Words with an English Language & Literature BA

Turn your passion for reading and writing into a career. Gain the communication and research skills needed in the workplace today. Learn to think critically and write effectively. Welcome to SNHU's Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature.

Classes are generally small. The literature courses, for example, average about 20 students and the writing courses about 15 students, allowing professors to keep the classes lively and highly interactive. You won't ever find yourself sitting in a huge auditorium, struggling to follow along with a lecture. In fact, some of the most unique learning opportunities might take place outside the classroom.

Because of SNHU's ideal location in the heart of New England, the birthplace of American literature, professors often build in visits to historic literary sites such as Walden Pond to add depth to the subject matter.

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See Yourself Succeed as an English Language & Literature Major

While people often think that a BA in English Language and Literature prepares students only to be teachers or writers, that's not the case at all. Our undergraduate program is designed to give you a broad skill set that translates well in virtually any field. This includes:

  • Effective written and oral communication skills. You'll learn how to develop, craft and present ideas and stories that help you convince, persuade and educate an audience.
  • Ability to think critically and creatively. You'll discover how to uncover and dissect various viewpoints in order to create new concepts and stories.
  • Broad knowledge of literary classics. You'll gain a unique perspective and understanding of the world by reading, evaluating and discussing literature that's influenced society.
  • Proficiency in research strategies. You'll learn proven techniques for pinpointing and analyzing information that helps you build support for your ideas and opinions.

As a private, nonprofit university, SNHU has one mission - to help you see yourself succeed. The benefits of majoring in English language and literature at SNHU include:

  • Supportive community. Join the SNHU campus community of fewer than 3,000 students, with faculty and staff dedicated to your success.
  • Affordability. SNHU is one of the most affordable private, nonprofit universities in New Hampshire, and students who qualify could receive up to $20,000 in grants and scholarships. (This scholarship amount is only for students who do not need a visa to study in the U.S.)
  • Accessible faculty. Learn from highly credentialed faculty who are experts in their fields and interact with you in the classroom, dining hall, fitness center and the stands.
  • Opportunity. Tap into our nationwide network of alumni and strong connections with employers for internship and career opportunities.
  • Campus experience. Enjoy more than 50 student clubs, champion Division II athletics and fun events on our 300-acre campus in Manchester, NH, named a "Best Place to Live" by Money magazine.

​Internships & Outcomes

Because of the strong emphasis on writing, research and critical analysis, the English Language and Literature program opens up a world of options after graduation beyond teaching. Many ELL majors go on to become lawyers, corporate communications executives, advertising and public relations specialists, consultants, historians and more. Although some of these career paths may require additional degrees or training, an ELL degree can provide a strong foundation of knowledge upon which to build.

Curriculum

The English Language and Literature BA includes an extensive overview of American and British literature and a sampling of world literature. You will also be required to take courses in literary theory, the English language, and Shakespeare. Optional courses include Pop Fiction, World Mythology, and writing workshops in poetry, fiction, and drama.

Courses To Prepare You For Your Career

SNHU's bachelor's in english language and literature program includes:

  • General education
  • Degree-specific courses

General Education Program

Our programs are designed to equip you with the skills and insights you need to move forward. In recent years, employers have stressed the need for graduates with higher order skills - the skills that go beyond technical knowledge - such as:

  • Writing
  • Communication
  • Analysis
  • Problem solving

All bachelor's students are required to take general education classes. Through foundation, exploration and integration courses, students learn to think critically, creatively and collaboratively, giving you the edge employers are looking for.

View Full Curriculum in the Catalog

BA in English Language & Literature

Courses May Include

HUM 201 Humanities: Ancient to Renaissance
This course provides a survey overview of the western humanities from the ancient world through the Renaissance. It will offer students an introduction to the vocabulary, themes, and shifts in the arts, music, literature, history, and ideas, focusing on the achievements of ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome, the medieval period and the Renaissance.
HUM 202 Humanities: Renaissance to the Present
This course provides a survey overview of the western humanities from the Renaissance to the present. It will offer students an introduction to the vocabulary, themes, and shifts in the arts, music, literature, history, and ideas, focusing on the achievements of the Renaissance, Baroque, the Enlightenment, Romanticism, Realism, Impressionism, Modernism, post-war artistic movements, and contemporary developments in the humanities.
ENG 350 The English Language
This course is an introduction to the following topics in English linguistics: history of English, etymology, vocabulary (morphology), phonology, dictionaries, syntax, semantics, dialects, discourse analysis, and child language acquisition. The course is designed for students who want to learn about the English language as preparation for teaching, or for becoming better writers, or for studying literature. Students will have the opportunity to research, write about, and present on a linguistic topic of individual interest such as the language of advertising or propaganda.
LIT 300 Literary Theory
This course is an introduction to the major schools of contemporary critical theory, and an examination of principal exponents of these theories. The student will become familiar with the most important features of psychoanalytic criticism, Marxism and feminism and examine the meaning of structuralism and post-structuralism. In addition, the course affords an opportunity to practice applying the theories to specific literary texts.
LIT 319 Shakespeare
Students in LIT 319 study selected Shakespearian comedies, tragedies and chronicle plays. The course also provides the students with a general overview of the Elizabethan era and the world in which Shakespeare lived and worked.

Total Credits: 120

Program Outcomes

Campus Undergraduate Costs

Undergraduate Day Students Tuition Financial Aid

Our Manchester campus aims to keep tuition and related costs low for our students so that you can pursue your degree and your goals. More than 90% of our students receive some form of financial aid, and students who qualify could receive up to $20,000 in grants and scholarships.

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University Accreditation

Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) as well as several other accrediting bodies.

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