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Bachelor of Arts in English

Department of English

College of Letters, Arts & Social Sciences

Bachelor of Arts in English

Department of English

College of Letters, Arts & Social Sciences

On-Campus

Program

120 Credit Hours

to Graduate

Full-Time, In-State Tuition

$5,010 Per Semester

Low-Cost Textbooks

For All Students

Cultivate Curiosity and Prepare for a Variety of Rewarding Careers

We strive to foster creativity and critical thinking, and equip our students with the analytical, research, writing, and editing skills they need for rewarding careers and success in leading graduate programs. Students majoring in English develop many in-demand, transferable skills valued by a range of employers. Our program offers a wide variety of courses – Appalachian literature to Shakespeare, science fiction, digital design, composition, and rhetoric.

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Career Outlook


The skills acquired in the study of English offer a wide range of professional opportunities in writing, education, communication, media business, government, and more. Our majors go on to careers in education, publishing, and technology, as well as graduate programs in creative writing, law, literature, composition and rhetoric, and teaching.

Job Titles Include:

  • Technical Writer
  • Editor
  • Web content developer or web writer
  • Librarian
  • Director of communications
  • Freelance writing instructor
  • Instructional designer

EKU English graduates have found employment in multiple fields.

Employers Include:

  • Eastern Kentucky University Communications and Brand Management
  • The University of Kentucky Libraries
  • ServPro Restoration Services
  • The Carnegie Center for Literacy and Learning
  • Eastern Kentucky University Instructional Design Center

The Office of Academic and Career Services is a one-stop shop for all your career and professional development needs.

Services Include:

  • Creating/updating your resume and cover letter
  • Interviewing tips and coaching
  • Career documents review
  • Job search

Why EKU?

  • Low-cost textbooks through EKU BookSmart
  • No application fee
  • Reduced tuition for active-duty military members and their spouses
  • Small class size and individualized attention
  • Earn your Master’s degree faster through our dual degree option
  • Award-winning faculty regarded as experts in their field

The 3+2 option offers a pathway to complete both the B.A. in English and M.A. in English & writing professions degree in as few as five years.

Benefits:

  • Enroll in up to nine hours of graduate courses that will apply to both your undergraduate and graduate degree
  • Pay undergraduate tuition rates for the graduate coursework
  • Gain advanced knowledge in the desired subject area

Minors & Certificates

Select from a wide range of minors, allowing you to explore interests or make use of prior credits. Suggested minors available for this program include:

  • Appalachian Studies
  • Broadcasting & Electronic Media

View the full list of minors available.

You can also choose from numerous undergraduate certificates in specialty areas that complement and enhance your major as you work toward your degree.

View the full list of certificates available for completion as you earn your degree.

Curriculum & Admission


EKU’s faculty strive to provide an engaging environment and a curriculum that challenges students to grow and meet their full potential and successfully enter fulfilling careers.

A minimum of 120 credits are required to graduate.

View the degree requirements:

Please review the admissions requirements before applying for this or any program. If you have questions about the program or are planning to register for classes, please speak to the program advisor.

Students may transfer up to 90 hours of credit from accredited institutions. Please note that a minimum of 30 credit hours in this degree program must be completed at Eastern Kentucky University.

Previously earned credits must be reviewed upon admission to EKU for appropriate articulation.

All applicants must provide an application and evidence of appropriate scholastic achievement through prior educational experience.

Please note that certain degree programs have special admission requirements. Admission to the University does not mean automatic admission to all degree programs.

The completed application and all required supporting documentation must be received by the University no later than:

• August 1 for fall enrollment
• December 1 for spring enrollment
• May 1 for summer enrollment

To apply for undergraduate admission to Eastern Kentucky University (EKU), submit an application at apply.eku.edu and submit any required materials electronically or by mail to:

Office of Admissions
Eastern Kentucky University
Whitlock Bldg. 112, CPO 54
521 Lancaster Avenue
Richmond, KY 40475-3154.

Enrolling & Advising Information


EKU’s College of Letters, Arts, and Social Sciences is committed to delivering high-quality enrollment and academic advising for our students. We strive to create an atmosphere of mutual trust and meaningful engagement to help students reach their academic goals and have a rewarding educational experience.

Interested in enrolling? Reach out to your enrollment advisor.

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Kristi Carlisle

College Enrollment Counselor

Call: 859-622-2705
Text: 859-511-1603
class.recruitment@eku.edu

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Shaker Ezaizat

Enrollment Advisor

859-622-2316
shaker.ezaizat@eku.edu

Student Stories & Features


  • Wyatt Owens

    EKU English & History Teaching Graduate
    My favorite part about being an EKU student were the bonds I made with my peers and instructors. The community within EKU’s English program is fantastic and each person feels like they have a place. I received support from all of my instructors when I needed it. Without their support, I would not be able to teach and fulfill my other responsibilities now.
  • Anna Allen

    EKU English Teaching Graduate
    I would not be the teacher I am without the faculty at Eastern Kentucky University. The English and Education departments provided me with the knowledge, aptitude, and confidence to achieve great things inside my career field. My professors always challenged me to do my best and wanted to see me succeed.
  • Kaitlyn Taylor

    EKU English Teaching Graduate
    Earning this degree aided my career by showing me the types of literature to teach along with how to teach. I have experience not only studying the English content (i.e. grammar, literature, etc.) but also studying specific teaching techniques that I use in my career today. My favorite part of being an EKU student was building connections with peers and professors that I am still in touch with today.

Upcoming Events

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High School Honor Band Festival

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EKU Choirs: NYC Preview Concert

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One of the Biggest Artists to Ever Come to EKU

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News & Updates

EKU Alumni Spotlight: Jordan Gatewood, BSW, Class of 2022

After graduating from EKU in 2022, I moved back to Louisville, Kentucky, and decided to take a year to really decide what my next move would be in terms of a career path. During that year break, I decided to pursue graduate education and was accepted to the Applied Sociology graduate program at the University […]

Faculty Spotlight: Rebecca “Reb” Kreutzer

ASL Specialist III & Interpreter Outreach Team Coordinator I came back to EKU because this place shaped me. As a 2020 alum of the ASL interpreter program, returning felt like coming home. CLASS has always been a safe, encouraging space for ASL students, and it means a lot to now help create that same environment. […]

Student Spotlight: Nadia Grullon, Spanish and Anthropology Major

Nadia Grullon is a dual major student studying Spanish and Anthropology. When asked to reflect on her decision to join El Centro and double major, this is what she shared: When I first arrived at EKU in 2022, I thought I’d come and go without forming many connections. But when I joined the Spanish program, […]

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Credit Hours: 120


Contact Information

Department of English

Beckham Hall
Room 106
473 University Drive
Richmond, KY 40475

859-622-5861
Fax: 859-622-3156
kathy.mounts@eku.edu