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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 option offered at Penn State Altoona, Writing and Literature in Context, consists of twelve courses (36 credits), four of which are either prescribed or must be drawn from a particular group of courses.

Required Courses (12 credits)

  • ENGL 200 or 201
    Note: ENGL 201 is not currently offered at Penn State Altoona. ENGL 200 is offered in the fall only.
  • One 400-level course in pre-1800 literature
  • One 400-level course in post-1800 literature
  • ENGL 487W or ENGL 494H (3 credits)
    Note: ENGL 487W, Senior Seminar in English, is offered in the fall only.

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.

In consultation with an adviser, at least three 400-level credits—from the 18 credits of supporting and related courses in literature, writing, or rhetoric—must fulfill a departmental diversity requirement for a course related to race, gender, sexuality, disability, ethnicity, and/or postcolonial issues.

Supporting Courses and Related Areas (6 credits)

6 credits of any courses in English

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

Several courses may be repeated for credit: ENGL 209 (1 credit, may be taken up to 8 times); most 400-level creative writing courses (ENGL 412, 413, 415, 422, 423, and 425 may be taken twice for credit with instructor approval.)

English

  • English Program Contact Information
  • Why major in English?
  • English Alumni Profiles
  • Minor Programs in English
  • Concentrations
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  • Degree Requirements
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Student Success Center

Located in room 125 on the lower level of the Eiche Library, the Student Success Center supports two main functions:

  • To GET HELP for those students who need academic and non-academic assistance, and
  • To GET AHEAD for those students ready to take the next steps in their education.
Learn more about the Student Success Center

Out-of-Class Learning

Out-of-classroom academic experiences that complement in-class learning, including:

  • Study Away Programs
  • Academic Internships
  • Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry
  • Community-based Studies
Learn more about Out-of-class Learning

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

Listen Now

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
    • Registrar
    • Academic Advising
    • Honors Program
    • Campus Closures
  • Admissions
    • Visit Us
    • Information for First-Year Students
    • How to Apply
    • Accepted Students
    • Find Your Admissions Counselor
    • Chat With Admissions
    • 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
    • Student Success Center
    • The Help Tool
    • Tutoring
    • Student Affairs
    • Student and Civic Engagement
    • Health and Wellness Center
    • Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
    • Safety at Penn State Altoona
    • Housing
    • Career Services
  • Research & Engagement
    • Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry
    • Faculty Research Resources
    • Community-Based Studies
    • Internships
    • Study Abroad/Study Away
    • Internal Grants and Awards
  • Athletics
    • Schedule
    • Facilities
    • Recreation and Club Sports
    • Staff and Coaches Directory
    • Athletic Training and Sports Physicals
    • Athletics News
    • Camps and Clinics
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  • Stay Connected
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