Frequently Asked Questions

What Kind of Program Is It?

As a student of the Bachelor of Arts in English program at University of Phoenix, you have the opportunity to study fundamental and advanced topics in writing and literature. Required program coursework covers themes in literature, mythology, classic literature, research writing, critical thinking, poetry, creative writing and linguistics. You can choose electives in technical writing, communications, proposal writing, English literature and American literature. The program is offered online and at some University of Phoenix campuses.

What Are the Prerequisites?

You should have some background or an interest in literature and writing. You might have taken previous courses designed to develop writing and communication skills, though this is not a requirement. Applicants to University of Phoenix programs should have a high school diploma or GED.

What Are the Course Requirements?

You must complete a total of 120 semester-credits (124 for Kansas residents) to earn the Bachelor of Arts degree in English from University of Phoenix. This total represents 51 credits in the required course of study and 69 credits in general education and electives courses. Classes are taken in the sequence shown below.

Required foundation courses

• GEN 200: Foundations for General Education and Professional Success
• COMM 215: Essentials of College Writing
• MTH 209: College Mathematics II

Required lower division English courses

• ENG 125: Literature in Society
• ENG 106: Survey of Literary Masterpieces
• ENG 155: Mythology in Literature and Life
• ENG 157: Multicultural Literature
• ENG 215: Effective Academic Writing
• COMM 251: Rhetoric and Critical Thinking

Lower division English elective courses

One course chosen from the following:

• HUM 150: Introduction to Film Studies
• ENG 135: Essentials of Contemporary Communication
• ENG 221: Technical Writing Fundamentals
• ENG 290: Children's Literature in a Pluralistic Society

Required upper division English courses

• ENG 301: American Ethnic Literature
• ENG 306: Poetry and Society
• ENG 340: Creative Writing
• ENG 380: Applied Linguistics
• ENG 491: American Literature to 1860
• ENG 493: English Literature to 1800

Upper division English elective courses

One course chosen from the following:

• COMM 301: Proposal Writing
• ENG 302: 20th Century American Literature
• ENG 304: Shakespeare
• ENG 308: American Autobiography
• ENG 492: American Literature Since 1860
• ENG 494: English Literature Since 1800
• ENG 495: Advanced Creative Writing
• ENG 496: African American Literature

What Could I Do After I Graduate?

Advanced Degrees

Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts in English program could seek positions as technical writers, proposal writers, or freelance writers. Those interested in advancing in the field or pursuing post-secondary teaching positions could consider earning a master's degree. Graduates could enter the Master of Arts in Education program. Concentration areas include:

• Early Childhood Education
• Elementary Teacher Education
• Secondary Teacher Education
• Teacher Leadership
• Administration and Supervision