Drexel University’s Bachelor of Arts (BA) in English program inspires students to move fluidly between literature, creative writing and rhetorical studies. Our majors read great books to build skills in critical thinking, writing, and cultural competency in our global and digital environment. They hone their writing and communication skills for all situations.

From the start of their academic journey, English majors join an intellectually stimulating and supportive literary community led by award-winning faculty mentors. Through the Drexel Publishing Group, the University Writing Program, the Drexel Lindy Center for Civic Engagement and Writers Room, Drexel’s university-community literary arts program, students connect with community partners and build career-relevant skills such as research methods, interpretation, analysis, and writing that address real-world challenges and promote the common good.

Drexel’s BA in English program offers a rich curriculum grounded in interdisciplinary expertise that promotes literary exploration, sophisticated textual analysis, and excellent writing. English majors choose from four flexible concentrations to craft a unique program and often expand their academic development through civic engagement and study abroad. Students can enhance career-readiness through minor and certificate programs, and qualified undergraduates can pursue accelerated programs in law and communications.

Student organizations such as The Triangle, Drexel’s independent student-run newspaper, and Maya, Drexel’s undergraduate literary magazine offer additional opportunities to gain professional knowledge and skills. Through the renowned Drexel Co-op program, English majors can explore a wide range of professional careers.

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Our Literary Community

Writing is the primary tool for learning and doing, central to Drexel University’s mission to preparing each generation of students to write with flexibility, confidence, and curiosity as contributors to their civic and professional lives. English majors work alongside our dedicated faculty to create an inclusive and equitable literary community through experiential learning.

Concentrations

English majors choose from four flexible degree concentrations that help them to focus on a topic area. Students are encouraged to build a custom program of study that supports their unique interests.

Creative Writing

This concentration involves dedicated courses in creative writing, with opportunities to gain practical experience in writing, editing, and publishing. Students are expected to complete a senior project in creative writing. They access opportunities for growth and gain career-relevant skills through our Drexel Publishing Group, Writers Room, the Drexel Writing Center, campus publications, and local literary organizations.

Literary Studies

This concentration immerses English majors in British, American, and World literatures. Students develop skills in literary and cultural analysis and in related research methods. Students can take full advantage of Drexel’s location to tap into the city of Philadelphia’s rich literary and dramatic arts communities.

Writing Studies

This concentration offers in-depth coursework in creative and professional writing, supported by opportunities for hands-on learning in writing, editing, and publishing. Students can build career-relevant skills and gain practical experience through the Drexel Publishing Group, the Writers Room, and the Drexel Writing Center.

Secondary Education

This concentration offers students a strong grounding in English to prepare for a career in secondary education. Additional courses and student teaching in partnership with Drexel’s School of Education prepare English majors to meet the certification requirements for a career as a high school English teacher.

Accelerated Programs

Academically qualified undergraduate students can earn both a bachelor's and master’s degree—graduating sooner than they would in traditional programs. While enrolled in the accelerated program, students still enjoy the benefits of Drexel Co-op, study abroad, and other programs that make up the Drexel experience.

English BA / Law JD

English BA / Strategic and Digital Communication MS

Minors and Certificates

English majors can enhance career-readiness through minor and certificate programs designed to offer deeper understanding and to develop more focused skills.

English Minor

Writing Minor

Philosophy Minor

Certificate in Ethical Theory and Practice

Certificate in Writing and Publishing

Certificate in Health and Medical Humanities

Drexel Co-op

Through the renowned Drexel Co-op program, English majors can experience up to three, six-month periods of full-time employment. This allows them to fully explore potential career paths, strengthen their résumés, and build a professional network in the process. Drexel's English students are regularly selected to pursue research in analytic methods, grant writing, and book editing. Many others are recipients of Fulbright awards that fund one year of graduate study, research, creative projects or teaching English in another country.

Careers

Our graduates report that they are well prepared for success is today’s dynamic and evolving job market. Drexel’s BA in English majors build skills that include strong written and verbal communication, critical analysis, cultural competency, and experience with research methods. Our graduates go on to meaningful and creative careers in academia; corporate, government, and non-profit communications; editing; grant writing; journalism and media; marketing; publications; public relations; secondary education; and writing.