English, B.A.

The Bachelor of Arts in English at Governors State University offers a rich, flexible curriculum designed to deepen your understanding of literature, language, and communication. Through the study of diverse texts — from classic literature to contemporary media — you’ll refine your analytical reading, research, and writing abilities. Courses emphasize critical inquiry, creative expression, and effective communication across contexts.

The Bachelor of Arts in English at Governors State University builds strong skills in critical thinking, writing, and literary analysis to prepare students for careers in education, writing, publishing, and related fields. Students can tailor their focus to interests such as creative writing, literature, rhetoric, or cultural studies, while gaining skills that are valued in careers like teaching, publishing, content creation, business communication, and law.

Small class sizes and attentive faculty mentorship help you build confidence as a thinker and communicator, and opportunities for internships, writing workshops, and community engagement support real-world preparation. Whether you’re pursuing professional roles or preparing for graduate study, this program strengthens your ability to read deeply, argue persuasively, and write with clarity and purpose.

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Career Outcomes

With an English degree, you may seek employment in a wide variety of fields, including writing, editing, publishing, and public relations, to name a few.

If you wish to teach English at the secondary level, you may pursue the certificate in English education (24 credit hours) after completing your bachelor’s degree coursework. Many graduates also go on to pursue graduate study and teach at the college level.

Announcer - Announcers make an average salary of $30,830, though some could reach up to $89,000.
Editor - On average, editors make around $57,210 but can work their way up to a salary of over $110,000 a year.
Freelance Writer - The average salary of a freelance writer is $40,000.
Novelist or Author - Authors make an average salary of $61,240.
Public Relations Specialist - Public relations doesn't just apply to marketing and advertising. Language is key! A
PR specialist could make around $58,020.
Teacher - English teachers make an average of $44,500 each year, and college English professors average $93,250.
Translator - To be a translator, you'll need to be fluent in both English and a second language. The average salary is around $46,000, though, with experience and perseverance, you could make up to $83,000.

What You'll Study

Our academic catalog has detailed information about what you'll study, like courses, hours needed for completion, and other requirements.

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How to Apply

You'll need certain documents and meet certain requirements in order to apply. Read about them on our admissions pages.

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Financial Aid and Scholarships

Governors State University offers a range of financial aid options to help undergraduate students make their degree more affordable, including federal, state, institutional, and private funding. To get started, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) using GovState's school code (009145). The FAFSA determines eligibility for grants, loans, work-study programs, and many scholarship opportunities.

Grants, including the Federal Pell Grant and the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), are awarded based on financial need and do not require repayment. Federal Direct Loans provide borrowed funds that must be repaid with interest after graduation.

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Get Involved

In addition to Reconstructed, our Literary and Visual Arts Journal, and ArtSci, our CAS Newsletter, Students are encouraged to seek activities and relationships that build up editorial experience, and to look toward professional organizations:

Modern Language Association (MLA) — A leading national organization for language and literature studies, offering conferences, publications, and professional resources.

Association of Writers & Writing Programs (AWP) — Supports writers and teachers with workshops, networking, and an annual conference.

National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) — Provides professional development and advocacy for students considering careers in English education.