Centenary University’s Bachelor of Arts (BA) program in English combines the best elements of a classic English degree with training in quality professional writing. In addition to the more traditional literature major, you will have the opportunity to choose from two, writing-intensive concentrations:
Our English program involves an extensive exploration of American and British literature, analysis of milestones in literary periods and in-depth study of influential writers. This broad-based curriculum also covers topics as diverse as cross-cultural and multi-ethnic literature, literature by women writers and literature influenced by technology.
In our English program, you will enjoy lively discussions in small classes led by professors who are not only excellent teachers, but are also published writers themselves. In addition to classroom instruction in writing, you will have numerous opportunities to display your work in student-run publications including the 2023 Prism Magazine, the undergraduate literary magazine.
With an English degree from Centenary, you will be ready for graduate school as well as careers in business and marketing, corporate communications, freelance and staff positions in creative and professional writing, law and publishing. English majors may also participate in our teacher preparation program, which will provide you with all of the training you need to earn your teaching certification in New Jersey.
Minors are also available in Literature, Creative Writing (for non-English Majors) and Professional Writing (for non-English Majors).
No matter which academic path you choose, Centenary is committed to helping you become a superior writer. The English program provides many of the courses that comprise the University’s core requirements, such as composition and rhetoric, literature, foreign languages and liberal arts studies.
Centenary also sponsors The Writing Collaboratory, a peer-to-peer tutoring center that offers students of all majors assistance with their writing. This popular program helps students as well as tutors, who often find that teaching writing helps fine-tune their own skills.
Outside of campus, English students are also encouraged to pursue internships in an English-related career field, such as public relations, corporate communications or publishing.