English (B.A.)

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

Students may elect to earn a BA in the department through a course of study based on one of the following three tracks: literature, literature and creative writing, or literature with teaching certification. For all three tracks, students must take at least 6 hours of American literature and 6 hours of British literature other than Shakespeare, and 3 hours of a literature related to diversity in the U.S. or the world. Students also must achieve a C or better in all courses taken for major or minor credit.

Bachelor’s degree requirements

Literature track (36 credit hours)

One Shakespeare course Credits: (3)
Three English courses numbered 315–599 Credits: (9)
Three English courses numbered 600–799 Credits: (9)
At least 12 of the 18 hours in courses numbered 315 and above must be literature courses

ENGL 310 - Introduction to Literary Studies Credits: (3)
Any three of the following “survey” courses Credits: (9)
ENGL 361 - British Survey I Credits: (3)
ENGL 362 - British Survey II Credits: (3)
ENGL 381 - American Survey I Credits: (3)
ENGL 382 - American Survey II Credits: (3)
ENGL 490 - Development of the English Language Credits: (3)

Literature and creative writing track (36 credit hours)

One Shakespeare course Credits: (3)
One English course numbered 315–599 Credits: (3)
Two literature courses numbered 600–799 Credits: (6)

ENGL 310 - Introduction to Literary Studies Credits: (3)
Any two of the following “survey” courses Credits: (6)
ENGL 361 - British Survey I Credits: (3)
ENGL 362 - British Survey II Credits: (3)
ENGL 381 - American Survey I Credits: (3)
ENGL 382 - American Survey II Credits: (3)
Two of the following introductory creative writing courses Credits: (6)
ENGL 461 - Introduction to Fiction Writing Credits: (3)
ENGL 463 - Introduction to Poetry Writing Credits: (3)
ENGL 465 - Introduction to Creative Nonfiction Credits: (3)
Two advanced creative writing courses selected from the following Credits: (6)
ENGL 661 - Advanced Creative Writing: Prose Fiction Credits: (3)
ENGL 662 - Playwriting Credits: (3)
ENGL 663 - Advanced Creative Writing: Poetry Credits: (3)
ENGL 665 - Advanced Creative Writing: Nonfiction Credits: (3)
ENGL 761 - Creative Writing Workshop: Short Fiction Credits: (3)
ENGL 762 - Advanced Playwriting Credits: (3)
ENGL 763 - Creative Writing Workshop: Poetry Credits: (3)
ENGL 765 - Creative Writing Workshop: Creative Nonfiction Credits: (3)
ENGL 771 - Creative Writing Workshop: Novel/Novella Credits: (3)

Literature with teaching licensure track (39 credit hours)

One Shakespeare course Credits: (3)
Composition Elective Credits: (3)
Any one English course numbered 315-599 Credits: (3)
Two literature courses numbered 600–799 Credits: (6)

ENGL 310 - Introduction to Literary Studies Credits: (3)
Any three of the following “survey” courses Credits: (9)
ENGL 361 - British Survey I Credits: (3)
ENGL 362 - British Survey II Credits: (3)
ENGL 381 - American Survey I Credits: (3)
ENGL 382 - American Survey II Credits: (3)
ENGL 400 - Advanced Expository Writing for Prospective Teachers Credits: (3)
ENGL 435 - Linguistics for Teachers of English Credits: (3)
ENGL 545 - Literature for Adolescents Credits: (3)
ENGL 580 - Selected World Literature Credits: (3)

Teacher Licensure

Students desiring to teach English in high school or overseas should be aware that the BA in English alone will not qualify them to receive licensure. However, the BA in English (Teaching Licensure Track) in conjunction with the BS in Secondary Education will qualify them to earn licensure. Additionally, student may obtain only the BS in Secondary Education (specializing in English) to earn licensure. English majors desiring licensure should consult with their advisors about the best method of completing their degree.

For specific certification requirements in Secondary Education, see the College of Education.

Kansas State University