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English, B.A.

School of Humanities, Religion and Social Sciences

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 American Wilderness Literature, Visual Rhetoric and Drama Practicum
  • 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

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

  1. 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.
  2. Students will create a variety of literary and non-literary texts, demonstrating effective communication in multiple modes for multiple audiences and purposes.
  3. Students will articulate the diverse ethical, cultural, political, and religious contexts of literary texts.
  4. 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

  • 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 Courses

  • Select 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 Courses

  • 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 Practica

  • Select 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

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:

  1. Fill out the re-application form
  2. 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:

  1. Fill out the re-admission form
  2. 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:

  1. Fill out the Application for Admission indicating Non Matriculating/Non-Degree status non-matriculation application
  2. Submit proof of high school graduation or equivalent
  3. Some classes may require a pre-requisite course. If required, a college transcript will need to be provided
  4. 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.

  1. Fill out the Application for Admission indicating audit status
  2. Personal essays are not required

Four-Year Graduation Guarantee

Four-year graduation guarantee graphic

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.

View Private Scholarships

Photo of Alexandra Green

Alexandra Green

Mathematics

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.

Calculate for First-Time FreshmanCalculate for Transfer

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

Visit the Career Development Center