Program Overview
A Bachelor of Arts in English from Youngstown State University prepares students to analyze text, write persuasively and academically, and communicate effectively; skills listed on every job application. English majors learn to read critically, write clearly, research effectively, and interpret complex ideas. These competencies support careers in education, publishing, AI, business, media, law, nonprofit work, government, and more.
The English program at YSU emphasizes close faculty mentoring, applied learning, and academic flexibility. Small class sizes support individualized instruction and sustained engagement with our award-winning faculty. Students gain hands-on experience through internships, student organizations, and campus events such as the English Festival. Majors work with community partners on real-world writing projects, contribute to Jenny, the student-run literary magazine, and collaborate with faculty on research, often presenting their work at regional academic conferences, such as the Conference on College Composition and Communication, the world’s largest annual conference dedicated to the research, theory, and teaching of writing.
The BA in English offers four concentrations, allowing students to tailor the degree to their interests and career goals. These include Creative Writing, Linguistics and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), Literature, and Professional Writing. Each concentration builds core analytical and writing skills while allowing students to focus on specific forms of language, communication, and cultural study.
All English majors regularly practice reading and writing as central habits of the discipline. Students learn to analyze literature, film, and professional documents with intellectual depth and cultural awareness. They study language systematically and engage with contemporary communication tools and technologies, including AI. As writers, students become intentional decision-makers who learn to shape content for different purposes and audiences.
Majors create a wide range of texts, including essays, literary analyses, poems, screenplays, grant proposals, infographics, research reports, podcasts, and professional documents. They craft compelling narratives, write about information and data, and communicate in ways that inform, persuade, and engage target audiences.
Even if you don’t major in English, our minors help you gain expertise by enhancing your understanding of these specified fields. These focused area of study complement your BA and prepare you for a wide range of professional opportunities, making your education at YSU even more versatile and impactful. An English minor compliments a vast array of degree paths as writing is a highly sought after skill in the current job market.
The Bachelor of Arts in English includes coursework in literature, writing, rhetoric, language studies, and professional communication. Students explore American, British, and global literatures, advanced composition, professional and technical writing, linguistic analysis, and cultural interpretation. The program culminates in a senior capstone experience that emphasizes synthesis, research, and applied communication. General education coursework complements the major by strengthening quantitative reasoning, scientific literacy, and interdisciplinary thinking.
An English degree provides a flexible foundation for careers that rely on communication, analysis, and strategic thinking. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, individuals with a bachelor’s degree in English earn a median wage of $60,000 and work across occupations, including education, management, business, legal services, media, public administration, and nonprofit organizations. Employers consistently value skills developed through English study, including writing, research, interpretation, collaboration, and audience awareness.
Graduates pursue careers in business and marketing, technical writing and editing, education, grants and nonprofit organizations, government and law, journalism, higher education, AI development, and entrepreneurship. An English major may become an editor or copywriter, a lawyer or paralegal, a teacher or librarian, a reporter or publicist, or advance into leadership roles that depend on communication and analytical judgment. The bachelor’s degree in English provides a strong foundation for entry into these fields and for long-term career mobility.
YSU’s English program emphasizes applied learning through writing-intensive coursework, research projects, internships, and a senior capstone. Students collaborate with peers, faculty, and community partners, building professional habits such as empathy, teamwork, and strategic thinking. These experiences prepare graduates to contribute meaningfully to their organizations and to take on leadership roles in their communities.
Each year, thousands of dollars in scholarships are awarded to students enrolled in the Beeghly College of Liberal Arts, Social Sciences and Education (BCLASSE). Scholarships come from a variety of sources, vary in amount, and are available to both incoming and current BLCASSE students. Below, you will find further information regarding the opportunities that may be available to you through the college.
