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  1. Home
  2. Academics
  3. Bachelor's Degrees
  4. English

Degree Requirements

English, B.A. (ENGAL)

Majors explore the imaginative and practical uses of English through courses in literature, writing, rhetoric, and language. They develop perspectives on human nature and cultural values through American, British, and other English literatures; they learn how to gather, analyze, synthesize, and communicate information; they gain mastery over their language. These skills help English majors find careers in such fields as publishing, business, industry, government, and teaching. English majors often go on to postgraduate study not only in English but in such areas as law, business, education, or other liberal disciplines.

Majors can emphasize writing, literature, or rhetoric, or a mix of literature, writing, and rhetoric. All provide a liberal education and all develop analytic and writing skills. Qualified students may participate in the career internship and in the English honors program.

Students interested in earning certification in secondary education should contact the College of Education, Department of Curriculum and Instruction. (See also Teacher Education Programs.)


For the B.A. degree in English, a minimum of 123 credits is required.

The English major consists of twelve courses (36 credits), six of which are either prescribed or must be drawn from a particular group of courses.

In consultation with an adviser, at least three 400-level credits – from either the required or supporting courses – must fulfill a departmental diversity requirement for a course related to race, gender, sexuality, disability, ethnicity, and/or postcolonial issues.

Required Courses (18 credits)

  • ENGL 200 or ENGL 201 (3 credits)
  • One 400-level course in each of the following areas:
    • Medieval through Sixteenth Century (3 credits)
    • Sixteenth Century through Eighteenth Century (3 credits)
    • The Nineteenth Century (3 credits)
    • Twentieth Century to the Present (3 credits)
  • ENGL 487W or ENGL 494H (3 credits)

Supporting Courses and Related Areas (18 credits)

18 credits in literature, writing, or rhetoric, at least 9 of which must be at the 300/400 level.

All major courses must be completed with at least a grade of C or better.

English

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English Program

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Notes from the Allegheny Front

An audio blog by Professor Todd Davis focussing on his ecological observations and experiences in the forests and on the streams of central Pennsylvania

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Out-of-Class Learning

Explore out-of-classroom academic experiences that complement in-class learning, including study abroad/study away programs, internships, undergraduate research, and community-based studies.

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See Also

  • African American Read-In
  • Division of Arts and Humanities
Pennsylvania map showing Penn State's campuses with Penn State Altoona highlighted

Penn State Altoona

A full-service, four-year, residential campus located less than 45 miles from the research campus at University Park. Offering 21 four-year degrees and the first two years of over 275 Penn State majors.
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Give Visit Apply
  • This is Penn State Altoona
    • Welcome from the Chancellor
    • Penn State Altoona At a Glance
    • Mission, Vision, and Values
    • College Leadership
    • Our History
    • Campus Map
    • Current Weather Conditions
    • Livestream
  • Academics
    • Majors
    • Academic Calendar
    • Out-of-Class Learning
    • Eiche Library
    • Robert L. Smith Learning Resources Center
    • Registrar
    • Academic Advising
    • Honors Program
    • Campus Closures
  • Admissions
    • Visit Us
    • Information for First-Year Students
    • How to Apply
    • Accepted Students
    • Experience Altoona
    • Virtual Tour
  • Tuition & Financial Aid
    • Scholarships and Awards
    • Grants
    • Loans
    • Work-study
    • Financial Aid Basics
    • Tuition and Costs
    • Financial Aid Information
  • Student Success
    • Center for Student and Civic Engagement
    • Health and Wellness Center
    • Student Diversity and Inclusion Programming
    • International Student Services
    • Housing
    • Parking
    • Police and Safety
    • Career Services
    • Diversity at Penn State Altoona
  • Research & Engagement
    • Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry
    • Faculty Research Resources
    • Community-Based Studies
    • Internships
    • Study Abroad/Study Away
    • Internal Grants and Awards
  • Athletics
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    • Facilities
    • Recreation and Club Sports
    • Staff and Coaches Directory
    • Athletic Training and Sports Physicals
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