English Degree (B.A.), Literature Concentration

English student smiling in front of written poem.

Explore the Depths of Literature, Cultivate Critical Thinking, and Improve Your Writing Skills

The English, Literature Concentration, B.A. at Westfield State University offers a well-rounded approach to the study of literature, with a minimum requirement of 45 credits. The program is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in literary history, critical theory, and analysis, while also offering opportunities for specialized study in areas such as British and American literature, Shakespeare, modern literary criticism, and Victorian literature.

Students in the Literature Concentration will engage with diverse literary traditions, including Black American, Native American, Asian American, and Postcolonial literature, allowing them to explore a variety of cultural perspectives and deepen their understanding of global literary movements. The curriculum also includes a focus on writing skills, offering courses in composition, creative writing, journalism, and film writing, ensuring that students are prepared to communicate effectively across different mediums.

Students can choose from a variety of electives, including advanced 300-level courses, and will complete a capstone experience in their senior year. This experience may include an internship, independent study, or additional advanced coursework, offering students practical experience to support their career goals.

Program Highlights

  • Gain expertise in literary history, theory, and analysis
  • Enhance writing skills through creative, journalistic, and film writing courses
  • Apply your learning in an internship, independent study, or advanced coursework
  • Customize your education with a range of electives and advanced courses

Ready to Explore Literature?

Discover diverse literary traditions, enhance your writing, and gain real-world experience.

Study Literature, History, and the Human Experience

  • Nestor owl mascot in the library with shelves of books.

    Strong Foundation in Literary History & Diverse Traditions

    Build a strong understanding of literary history and different types of literature while exploring a variety of cultural traditions, including Native American, Asian American, Black American, and postcolonial literature. You’ll also take specialized courses on topics like the American novel, satire, and Caribbean literature.

  • The 2023 Sigma Tau Delta Centennial Convention. Dr. Glenn Brewster, along with Alexis Crafts, Sam Grunden, Chloe Sanfacon, Victoria Nesmelova, and Julia Robak. They stand, pose, and smile in front of a small white banner which says, "100 years" in red script.

    Capstone Experience & National Conferences

    Complete a capstone experience through an internship or independent study, while engaging with faculty at national English conventions.

  • English student working on a historical project holding a black and white photograph.

    Exploring Human Values Through Literature

    Engage in the critical study of major literary works to recognize, evaluate, and articulate complex human values, motives, and qualities. This approach encourages deep reflection on the human experience, fostering empathy and a broader understanding of different perspectives across time and culture.

Program Details

Learning Outcomes
  • Demonstrate understanding of literary history by analyzing literary texts in relation to literary movements, genres, or periods.
  • Demonstrate ability to employ concepts and methods from major literary theories and critical approaches in original critical writing. 
  • Demonstrate ability to investigate connections between cultural contexts (domestic or global) and the English language and literature in English. 
  • Demonstrate competence in locating and using library resources, including book collections and scholarly research databases, and in selecting and integrating source materials in critical essays, using MLA documentation style.
  • Demonstrate understanding the ability to write clearly, engagingly, and persuasively in literary analysis and other genres.
  • Demonstrate ability to apply learning in the major to professional and applied settings, as evidenced in such activities as teaching practica, internships, graduate school and career exploration, and participation in conferences and societies. 
  • Demonstrate effective and informative oral and presentation communication skills.

That’s one of the most beneficial things about my major and this college, is knowing that I have so many resources that actually care about me. The faculty and the English Department are very friendly, and they want to see you succeed.

Samantha Grunden ’24

What Can You Do with an English Degree (B.A.), Literature Concentration?

An English, Literature Concentration, B.A. prepares graduates for a variety of rewarding careers in fields that demand critical thinking, creativity, and strong communication skills. With a solid foundation in literary analysis, writing, and diverse cultural perspectives, you can pursue careers in:

  • Author
  • Content Creator
  • Copywriter
  • Editor
  • Journalist
  • Literary Agent
  • Proofreader
  • Publishing Assistant
  • Technical Writer
  • Grant Writer
Student receiving an award at the English Spring Gathering event.

Ready to learn more?

Course Requirements

Requirements For All English Majors
  1. A minimum of 45 credits is required within the English major.
  2. Completion of at least two college semesters of one foreign language is required, unless during high school the student has (a) completed three years of study of one foreign language, or (b) completed two years of study in each of two foreign languages. A student may also satisfy the foreign language requirement by passing a proficiency examination designed nationally and administered locally.
  3. Students who transfer into the English major from other institutions must complete 21 credit hours in English at Westfield State University.

Students may satisfy three of the required six credits in the Literary and Philosophical analysis area of the core with any of the courses on the following list. English Education students may satisfy all 6 of the required Literary and Philosophical analysis credits with courses from this list.

English, Literature Concentration - 45 credits

Literary History, Genres, and Critical Approaches - 18 credits

Required course: 

Five courses taken from the list below:

Diverse Literary Traditions - 9 credits

Three courses taken from the list below:

Writing Courses - 9 credits

Required course: ENGL 0204 Composition II: Rhetoric and Research Credits: 3

Two additional writing courses from the list below:

Two Elective 300-Level Courses - 6 credits

Any two courses at the 300-level with the ENGL prefix may be taken, according to availability and interest. 

Capstone Experience - 3 credits

Students will complete a capstone experience in the senior year in the form of an internship, independent study, or additional 300-level course. They should submit their choice to their advisor and department chair with a rational connected to career plans.

Additional Graduation Requirements

All students must meet the University Graduation Requirements and complete a general education or common core of studies, distributed among the different academic areas as detailed in General Education: WISE or Common Core.

Get Big School Features with Small School Advantages

We offer high-quality academics, unique learning opportunities, and a gorgeous campus—and we have small classes, accessible faculty, and one-on-one support. 

You'll join fellow motivated students ready to make the most of the college experience through active participation. Become part of a caring and committed community that understands and embraces the bridge between academic study and civic responsibility.

  • 15:1

    student-faculty ratio

  • 87%

    of students receive financial aid

  • 700+

    internship opportunities

Learn from Experienced Faculty in Small Classes

Our faculty members value teaching and have chosen to devote their careers to a teaching-focused institution. They are scholars, published writers, literary historians, and community members. They are also active in their field, presenting their research and serving in leadership positions in scholarly organizations. They draw on this professional work in planning courses that are innovative and reflective of new developments in the field.

Class sizes range from 15 to 25 students, allowing for meaningful one-on-one attention from your instructors as well as collaboration and networking opportunities with your classmates.

A Westfield University professor talks one-on-one with a student.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to submit SAT/ACT scores or an essay when I apply?

Westfield State University does not require an application essay, SAT and/or ACT scores, or letters of recommendation (except for special program admissions).     

All first-year applicants are reviewed for admission based on their high school record. First-year applicants must meet the minimum eligibility requirements established by the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education (DHE) in order to qualify for admission to a state university.   

Learn more about the application process and admissions here.

How much does Westfield State University cost?

Westfield State University offers a comprehensive university experience at an affordable cost—with many options for financial aid. Visit our Cost and Aid page to learn more. 

Will I receive academic support?

We’re invested in your success. Whether you need a little help adjusting to college, study strategies, tutoring, or disability services, the team at the Academic Achievement Department is ready to help. Our mission is to provide you with the tools to explore academic opportunities as well as to plot strategies for continued growth. 

Learn more about our student support services here.

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English Degree (B.A.), Literature Concentration