Eleanor Nickel, Ph.D.
Explore English, B.A.
What's possible when the written word becomes the vehicle for self expression?
Anything.
Literature changes the way we view the world.
As an English major, you’ll deepen your understanding through literature, as well as learn to express your original thoughts and insights through writing and speech.
Flexibility within the program allows you to prepare for a career in high school teaching, journalism, law, library science, or a wide range of other options. You can study Harry Potter in British Literature or develop your creative writing while expanding your repertoire of skills for multiple career paths.
With an English degree, you’ll be prepared with the versatile skill of effectively communicating across a wide variety of formats, texts and styles.
Program Highlights
- Pursue your unique interests with courses like Hispanic Literature of the United States, Creative Writing: Fiction, Film Studies, C. S. Lewis, and Literature for Children and Young Adults.
- A tailorable final project offers opportunities to blend creative expression, textual analysis, and rhetorical performance to tell stories of societal, cultural, or personal significance.
- Participate in cross-cultural learning experiences
- Study abroad in England
- Gain insight into relevant career opportunities through the Job of the Week series
Faculty
Fran Martens Friesen, M.A.
Daniel Larson, Ph.D.
Catalog
Program Director: Eleanor Nickel, Ph.D.
Overview
The English major is designed to provide students with a broad background in the communicative arts. It is an ideal major for people interested in understanding the significant issues of human existence as they are expressed in literature and in learning to communicate their insights through effective writing and speech. Completing this major will prepare students to enter a single subject credential program to become a high school English teacher, and it will also prepare students for a range of other careers in editing, journalism, law, library science, publishing, and many other fields.
Program Student Learning Outcomes
- Students will read, interpret, and critique a variety of literary and non-literary texts that reflect a range of styles, historical periods, and cultural perspectives.
- Students will create a variety of literary and non-literary texts, demonstrating effective communication in multiple modes for multiple audiences and purposes.
- Students will articulate the diverse ethical, cultural, political, and religious contexts of literary texts.
- Students will use current disciplinary discourse, terminology, and research conventions.
Locations Offered
Main Campus Fresno
Degree Pathways
English, B.A. Four Year Pathway
English, B.A. Three Year Pathway
English, B.A. ADT Pathway
Lower Division Major Prerequisites (9 Units)- COM 110 - Written Communication Credits 3
- COM 120 - Oral Communication Credits 3
- LIT 180 - Introduction to Literature Credits 3
Required Courses (49-52 Units)Core Courses
- COM 345 - Composition Theory and Creative Writing Credits 3
- COM 395 - Text and Performance Credits 3
- COM 480 - Narrative Credits 3
- LANG 340 - Linguistics & Modern Grammar Credits 3
- LIT 415 - Shakespeare Credits 3
- LIT 460 - Critical Approaches to Literature Credits 3
Literature Courses
Core Courses
Select one of the following:
- COM 368 - Ancient and Medieval Rhetoric Credits 3
- HIST 364 - Classical Mythology Credits 3
- LIT 380 - World Theater: Roots to 1800 Credits 3
- LIT 400 - Medieval Life, Thought and Literature Credits 3
- LIT 405 - England in the Renaissance World Credits 3
Select one of the following:
- LIT 355 - American Literature: Beginnings to 19th Century Credits 3
- LIT 360 - American Literature: 20th Century Credits 3
- PHIL 430 - Wilderness Philosophy, Theology, and Literature Credits 3
Select one of the following:
- LIT 420 - English Literature: Romantic and Victorian Literature Credits 3
- LIT 425 - English Literature: 20th Century Literature Credits 3
Select one of the following:
- LIT 364 - Hispanic Literature of the United States Credits 3
- LIT 370 - The Novel Credits 3
- LIT 385 - World Theater: 1800 to Present Credits 3
- LIT 448 - Multicultural Literature Credits 3
Language CoursesSelect one of the following:
- COM 350 - Visual Rhetoric Credits 3
- LANG 310 - First and Second Language Acquisition Credits 3
- PHIL 455 - Philosophy of Language Credits 3
Writing CoursesSelect two of the following:
- COM 300 - Creative Writing: Fiction Credits 3
- COM 310 - Creative Writing: Poetry Credits 3
- COM 320 - Creative Writing: Nonfiction Credits 3
- COM 330 - Writing and Reading Journalism Credits 3
- COM 486 - Topics in Communication Credits 3
Internships and PracticaSelect one of the following:
- COM 155 - Journalism and Media Practicum Credits 1 - 2
- COM 340 - Composition Practicum Credits 1
- COM 496 - Communication Internship Credits 3
- THTR 315 - Drama Practicum: The Company Credits 2
- THTR 496 - Drama Internship Credits 1 - 3
- LIT 496 - Literature Internship Credits 1 - 3
Note: Students may write in another internship or practicum with program mentor approval.
Electives
Select one of the following:
Select two of the following:
- COM 300 - Creative Writing: Fiction Credits 3
- COM 310 - Creative Writing: Poetry Credits 3
- COM 320 - Creative Writing: Nonfiction Credits 3
- COM 330 - Writing and Reading Journalism Credits 3
- COM 486 - Topics in Communication Credits 3
Internships and PracticaSelect one of the following:
- COM 155 - Journalism and Media Practicum Credits 1 - 2
- COM 340 - Composition Practicum Credits 1
- COM 496 - Communication Internship Credits 3
- THTR 315 - Drama Practicum: The Company Credits 2
- THTR 496 - Drama Internship Credits 1 - 3
- LIT 496 - Literature Internship Credits 1 - 3
Note: Students may write in another internship or practicum with program mentor approval.
Electives
Select one of the following:
Note: Students may write in another internship or practicum with program mentor approval.
In consultation with a program mentor, select three additional courses from those listed above under Literature Courses, Language Courses and Writing Courses or from the following list:
- COM 335 - Legal Research and Writing Credits 3
- COM 346 - Scriptwriting Credits 3
- COM 355 - Digital Video Production I Credits 3
- COM 360 - Digital Video Production II Credits 3
- COM 370 - Audio Production Credits 3
- COM 375 - Documentary Studies Credits 3
- COM 380 - Film Studies Credits 3
- COM 385 - Cinematography: Visual Story Telling Credits 3
- COM 390 - UI/UX Web Design Credits 3
- COM 400 - Intercultural Communication Credits 3
- COM 410 - Media and Society Credits 3
- COM 420 - Conflict Management and Resolution Credits 3
- COM 430 - Group Dynamics and Leadership Credits 3
- COM 440 - Performance and Culture Credits 3
- COM 450 - Communication Theory Credits 3
- COM 486 - Topics in Communication Credits 3
- HIST 360 - Greece: Drama and Paideia in the Polis Credits 4
- HIST 385 - Early Modern Europe Credits 4
- LA 180 - Paths to Teaching Credits 3
- LA 380 - Learning Communities Credits 3
- LIT 426 - English Literature: C.S. Lewis Credits 3
- LIT 449 - Literature and Film Credits 3
- LIT 465 - Literature for Children and Young Adults Credits 3
- LIT 486 - Topics in Literature Credits 1 - 3 *must be taken for 3 units
- THTR 350 - Acting Credits 3
- THTR 355 - Creative Drama Credits 3
- THTR 360 - Directing and Staging Texts Credits 3
Three-year Degree Option
This academic program is available as a three-year bachelor's degree or as a standard four-year bachelor’s degree. View more information about the three-year option.
Sample Curriculum Map
Below is a sample curriculum map for this program. This map serves as an example of how courses are set up to ensure completion of the degree in three years. The course listing is based on a sample year and follows a fall, spring and summer academic year. Some courses are only offered on odd or even years. An advisor will work with you to create a curriculum map that is unique to you.
Year 1
Fall
Code | Title | Units |
---|---|---|
CP 152 | Freshman Seminar | 1 |
BIB 100 | Jesus and the Christian Community | 3 |
HIST 120 | Ancient Civilizations | 4 |
COM 110 | Written Communication | 3 |
LIT 180 | Introduction to Literature | 3 |
SPAN 100 | Elementary Spanish | 4 |
Total units | 18 |
Spring
Code | Title | Units |
---|---|---|
Humanities | 3 | |
HIST 130 | Medieval and Early Modern Civilization | 4 |
COM 120 | Oral Communication | 3 |
SPAN 105 | Elementary Spanish II | 4 |
Social Science | 3 | |
Total units | 17 |
Summer
Code | Title | Units |
---|---|---|
HIST 140 | Modern Civilizations | 4 |
Biblical Literature | 3 | |
PHYS 106 | Physical Science | 3 |
Total units | 10 |
Year 2
Fall
Code | Title | Units |
---|---|---|
MATH 120 | Principles of Mathematics | 4 |
KIN 120 | Concepts of Wellness | 3 |
COM 345 | Composition Theory and Writing | 3 |
COM 300 | Creative Writing: Fiction | 3 |
LIT 460 | Critical Approaches to Literature | 3 |
COM 155 | Journalism Practicum | 1 |
Total units | 17 |
Spring
Code | Title | Units |
---|---|---|
BIOL 100 | Principles of Biology | 4 |
Social Science | 3 | |
LIT 415 | Shakespeare | 3 |
COM 310 | Creative Writing: Poetry | 3 |
LANG 340 | Introduction to Linguistics | 3 |
COM 155 | Journalism Practicum | 1 |
Total units | 17 |
Summer
Code | Title | Units |
---|---|---|
WILD 300 | Wilderness & the Liberal Arts | 3 |
PHIL 430 | Wilderness Philosophy, Theology, and Literature | 3 |
PE 146 | Backpacking | 1 |
Total units | 7 |
Year 3
Fall
Code | Title | Units |
---|---|---|
COM 395 | Text and Performance | 3 |
LIT 420 | English Literature: Romantic and Victorian Literature | 3 |
LIT 448 | Multicultural Literature | 3 |
English Elective | 3 | |
English Elective | 3 | |
COM 155 | Journalism Practicum | 1 |
Total units | 16 |
Spring
Code | Title | Units |
---|---|---|
COM 480 | Narrative | 3 |
LIT 380 | World Theater: Roots to 1800 | 3 |
COM 350 | Visual Rhetoric | 3 |
English Elective | 3 | |
General Elective | 3 | |
General Elective | 3 | |
Total units | 18 |
Total Units: 120
Possibilities Await
With an FPU Education
Whether you're a high school student, transfer student or parent, you'll find all the resources you need including application steps, tuition & financial aid, transfer and orientation information.
First Steps to Admission
- Submit an application for admission (online or printable mail-in)
* Admission applications are free, no discount codes required. - Send official copies of your transcripts to FPU.
- Complete the FAFSA. It can be completed starting October 1st. (FAFSA Code: 001253)
- Recommended High School Courses for Admission
-
- 4 years of college preparatory English
- 3 years of college preparatory mathematics
- 2 years of social studies
- 1 year of laboratory science
- 1 year of performing art
- 3 years of the same foreign language with a C- or better
- Things to Keep in Mind
-
Fresno Pacific University’s accepted students have average GPAs of 3.2-3.6. Please speak with an admission counselor to discuss your eligibility.
All application materials should be submitted online or mailed to:
Office of Undergraduate Admission
Fresno Pacific University
1717 S. Chestnut Ave. #2005
Fresno, CA 93702
ugadmis@fresno.edu
Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) Information
English (AA-T) to English, B.A.
BA courses fulfilled through ADT:
- All lower-division General Education requirements fulfilled
- BA co-requisites and major courses fulfilled through ADT:
- COM 110 Written Communication (3)
- LIT 180 Introduction to Literature (3)
- This program is offered as daytime traditional
ADT Guarantee is the completion of BA/BS degree in 68 units.
Non-traditional Admission
- Steps for Re-application
-
For those students who have applied to FPU’s traditional undergraduate program within the past 2 years and did not attend. Students who applied more than 2 years ago will need to resubmit a full application for admission:
- Fill out the re-application form
- Submit any missing documents or updated transcripts
- Steps for Re-admission
-
Former FPU students who have not been enrolled in and/or have not submitted a leave of absence form for the previous semester are required to re-apply for admission to FPU:
- Fill out the re-admission form
- Submit official transcripts from other educational institutions attended during absence from FPU
- Steps for Non-matriculated Admission
-
Students interested in taking classes, usually for personal or professional development, or to transfer to another institution, and is not interested in a degree from FPU. Non-degree students are not eligible for federal, state or institutional aid. Other requirements, class limits and pre-requisites may apply. See the academic catalog for more information:
- Fill out the Application for Admission indicating Non Matriculating/Non-Degree status non-matriculation application
- Submit proof of high school graduation or equivalent
- Some classes may require a pre-requisite course. If required, a college transcript will need to be provided
- Personal essays are not required
- Auditing a class
-
Students wishing to audit a class at FPU may apply for audit status. Audit classes are not eligible for financial aid and students will not receive course credit.
- Fill out the Application for Admission indicating audit status
- Personal essays are not required
Four-Year Graduation Guarantee
Earning a degree in four years allows you to get a head start on achieving your goals of entering the work force or starting graduate school. FPU guarantees graduation within four years in the traditional undergraduate areas of study. We commit to providing the courses, advising, instruction and preparation. If you fulfill your responsibilities and are unable to graduate in four years, you will receive the needed courses the following semester at no cost in tuition or fees.
- Incoming requirements
-
This guarantee is limited to basic graduation requirements of 120 minimum units including general education, upper-level and elective courses sufficient for a single major with no minor.
- Where options between courses are available, students are not guaranteed their first choice.
- This guarantee does not apply to “fifth-year” programs (teacher education credential requirements) or minimum units beyond graduation requirements (CPA qualifications, etc.) beyond the basic four-year bachelor’s degree.
- The guarantee does not apply to transfer students or to FPU's degree completion programs.
- Students not able to register for the courses needed within four years must complete the free course(s) within two terms of the end of four years (e.g. a summer and fall for those completing four years in the spring; or spring and summer for those completing four years in the fall).
- The four-year period may be extended for students required to leave the university for up to one year (see the Leave of Absence section) for medical, military or personal reasons.
- Student responsibilities
- To qualify for the guarantee students must:
- Meet with your mentor during the fall semester of the freshman year.
- Finalize a major and begin prerequisite or lower-division major courses by the second semester of the freshman year and keep that major until graduation.
- Complete at least 32 units per year (average 16 per semester) with passing grades in each course.
- Maintain a cumulative 2.0 GPA and remain in good standing behaviorally with the university.
- Meet with the mentor each semester for advising before registration opens and take the courses approved by the adviser/mentor that complete general-education and major requirements, in the appropriate sequence and as they become available.
- Register within the first week of registration every semester to gain a spot in the classes needed.
- Notify mentor if unable to register for an approved course so that an alternative plan can be made.
- Apply for financial aid and submit required documents by appropriate deadlines.
- Keep student account up-to-date. (Accounts not up-to-date may be placed on hold, preventing registration for courses.)
- Complete required courses successfully (see Academic Policies section for minimum acceptable grades) without dropping required or approved courses during a semester.
Two-Year Transfer Guarantee for ADT Pathways
FPU guarantees a student with an Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) from the California Community College system, can complete their degree in just two years. If a student meets the qualification requirements, fulfills the responsibilities under the program, and are unable to complete their major in a 2-year period, FPU will assume all additional tuition costs needed to complete their undergraduate degree at FPU.
- Incoming requirements
-
- 60 transferable units [grades of C- or better] from the California Community College system with a completed ADT (Associate Degree for Transfer)
- Selected an ADT matched (similar) pathway from FPU’s undergraduate degree programs
- Have completed the necessary pre-requisites in the discipline specific to intended major
- Have at least a 2.4 transfer GPA
- Student responsibilities
- To qualify for the guarantee students must:
- Enroll in an average of 15- 18 units per semester; not including repeated courses.
- Remain in good academic standing by maintaining an institutional grade point average of 2.0 or higher
- Enroll in the required number of consecutive semesters: 3-4 semesters depending on number of units transferred in
- Make up units for any failed or withdrawn courses during the guarantee period, which may require you to take more than 15-18 units per semester
- For TUG you may have to enroll in a summer semester.
- Fulfill all graduation requirements, including core curriculum, major requirements, and upper division course work requirements.
- Two Year Guarantee: complete enough upper division courses to have at least 40 upper division units by the end of the 4-semester time frame.
- Take all required courses during the semester recommended by your Academic Advisor.
- Register for all upcoming courses during the registration period.
- Any courses from a Community College with “D+” or lower are non-transferable and require additional courses and semesters to graduate.
- This guarantee may not apply to students starting in a spring or summer semester start (TUG only).
- This guarantee is limited to basic graduation requirements: 120 minimum units including general education, upper-level and elective courses sufficient for a single major.
Cost & Financial Aid
Tuition & Fees
- 2023-2024
-
Total Cost Item Amount 12-18 units (full time) per year $34,960 Student body fee $598 Total Tuition and Fees $35,548 Room $5,018 Board $5,130 Total Tuition, Fees & Board $45,696 Per-Unit Costs Amount Per unit / Overload $1,248 Summer Session $500 Private Music Instruction $400 - 2022-2023
-
Total Cost Item Amount 12-18 units (full time) per year $33,614 Student body fee $574 Total Tuition and Fees $34,188 Room and Board $8,884 Total Tuition, Fees & Board $43,072 Per-Unit Costs Amount Per unit / Overload $1,218 Summer Session $400 Private Music Instruction $400 - 2021-2022
-
Total Cost Item Amount 12-18 units (full time) per year $32,954 Student body fee $498 Total Tuition and Fees $33,452 Room and Board $8,710 Total Tuition, Fees & Board $42,162 Per-Unit Costs Amount Per unit / Overload $1,177 Summer Session $300 Private Music Instruction $400
Room & Board Rates
- Freshman / Sophmore Housing
-
Module* Fall Spring Modules $4,313 $4,313 Jost Modules $4,619 $4,619 * Full Access Meal Plan Included in Cost (Full Access Required)
- Junior / Senior Housing
-
Suites & Houses Fall Spring Room only $2,068 $2,068 Room-70 Block Meal Plan (included in cost) $2,719 $2,719 Room - 140 Block Meal Plan (included in cost) $3,276 $3,276 Room - Full Access Meal Plan (included in cost) $4,400 $4,400 Jost Hall (4 person), Willow Gardens (4 person) & Kriegbaum Apartments (3 person) Fall Spring Apartment - Room only $2,694 $2,694 Apartment - 70 Block Meal Plan (included in cost) $3,345 $3,345 Apartment - 140 Block Meal Plan (included in cost) $3,902 $3,902 Apartment - Full Access Meal Plan (included in cost) $5,026 $5,026 Willow Gardens & Jost Hall Apartments: 3 Person Fall Spring Apartments - Room only $3,306 $3,306 Apartments - 70 Block Meal Plan (included in cost) $3,958 $3,958 Apartments - 140 Block Meal Plan (included in cost) $4,514 $4,514 Apartments - Full Access Meal Plan (included in cost) $5,639 $5,639 Stand-Alone Meal Plans Fall Spring 70 Block $651 $651 140 Block $1,208 $1,208 Full Access Meal Plan $2,332 $2,332 * Residents living in the Houses or Willow Gardens Apartments may stay over Christmas break at no extra charge providing they are returning for spring semester. Otherwise, residents must check out at the regular fall check-out dates.
- Notes about housing
-
- For housing placement purposes only, class standing for the fall semester will carry throughout the entire year (both fall and spring semesters).
- Residents living in the houses or Willow Gardens Apartments may stay over Christmas break at no extra charge providing they are returning for spring semester. Otherwise, residents must check out at the regular fall check-out dates.
- Meal plan contract dates will follow the traditional semester.
If you have questions that pertain specifically to housing or what housing you qualify for, please contact Residence Life at (559) 453-5696. Or visit our website at studentlife.fresno.edu/living-campus.
Financial Aid
Freshman Scholarships
Based on a student’s academic GPA. Academic GPA’s are calculated by FPU on a weighted, 4.0 scaled and based on core academic classes in grades 10-12. Renewable if a minimum GPA is maintained.
Name | GPA | Amount |
---|---|---|
Paragon | Full Tuition | |
President's | 4.00 GPA and above | $18,000 |
Dean's | 3.75-3.99 GPA | $15,000 |
Heritage | 3.50-3.75 GPA | $14,000 |
Faculty | 3.25-3.49 GPA | $12,000 |
Founder's | Below a 3.0 GPA | $8,000 |
Transfer Scholarships
To be considered for a Transfer Academic Scholarship, you must have 12 or more transferable, post-high school units. GPA’s are based on transferable units and calculated by FPU.
Name | GPA | Amount |
---|---|---|
Transfer Scholar | 3.50 GPA and above | $14,000 |
Transfer Achievement | 3.0-3.49 GPA | $10,000 |
Transfer Academic | 2.40-2.99 GPA | $7,500 |
Transfer Partnership | Below a 2.4 GPA | $6,000 |
Performance-based Scholarships
Name | Amount |
---|---|
Athletic | $500 to Full Tuition |
Music | $400 to $10,000 |
Theatre Arts | $500 to $4,000 |
Art/Design | $500 to $4,000 |
Other FPU Grants and Scholarships
Name | Amount |
---|---|
FPU Possibilities Scholarship | Full Tuition |
Church Match | $500 to $1,500 |
International Scholarship | up to $6,000 |
Mennonite Brethren Award | $4,000 |
Out of State Student Scholarship | $4,000 |
Other Awards | $100 to $10,000 |
Federal and State Grants
Name | Amount |
---|---|
Cal Grant A | $9,358 |
Cal Grant B | $1,648 |
Pell Grants | $750 to $7,395 |
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant | $1,000 |
Federal Loans and Work Study
Name | Amount |
---|---|
Federal Direct | $3,500 to $7,500 |
PLUS Loan | Up to remaining cost |
Workstudy | Contingent on employment |
Private Scholarships
Alumni, parents, friends, businesses and foundations have generously provided a special set of scholarships available to students attending Fresno Pacific.
Alexandra Green
The grants, the academic awards, the transfer scholarship – all of it makes it so much more affordable to attend FPU. I know that school isn’t cheap for anyone, but FPU helped me realize that I could actually come to this school because they were going to help me so much financially.
Net Price Calculator
Now that you’ve seen the financial aid opportunities available to FPU students, we can estimate what your true cost may be to attend Fresno Pacific. Please keep in mind that this is just a computer generated, general estimate and may not capture all aid available, please work with your FPU Student Financial Services advisor to discover your true net price.
Career Opportunities
Approximately half of our students go on to careers in teaching, and your degree in English allows you to enter a single subject credential program to become a high school English teacher.
Career Possibilities
- Teacher
- Creative writer
- Journalist
- Librarian
- Speech writer
- Communications specialist
Career Development Happens Here
The staff in our Career Development and Experiential Learning Center are here to help you prepare to enter the working world. Whether your a freshman or an FPU alum, there are a number of resources and trainings offered to help you find the internship and job you’re looking for.
- Resume writing classes
- Career assessments, exploration & planning
- Job search and networking opportunities
- and much more