English Degree

Discover your writing voice and delve into the rich history of English literature with a Bachelor of Arts in English from Hardin-Simmons University. Our English degree prepares you for rewarding careers in education, library science, law, and communications, as well as top graduate programs.

With courses in the literature of America, England, and other countries, you’ll learn about the diverse movements, styles, and authors who have helped to shape the literary world. You’ll build strong problem-solving, communication, research, and critical thinking skills — adding to your marketability in nearly every industry. You’ll also benefit from a close-knit community of faculty, alumni, and other English majors who share your passion for reading, writing, and learning.

Develop Your Creative Voice at HSU

Don’t just read great literature. Create it. Learn the fundamentals of writing and providing feedback to others from highly skilled and published faculty with a minor in creative writing.

In addition to practicing writing fiction and poetry, you’ll also learn how to write for social media, crafting concise messages that attract and persuade online and mobile readers. With a focus on learning how to give and receive feedback, as well as how to write for different audiences, our versatile creative writing minor degree is a great complement to any degree.

Program Contact

Traci Thomson-Department Head of English and Professor of English

Dr. Traci Thompson

Department Head of English; Professor of English

Request Information

Loading...

Why Major in English at Hardin-Simmons?

Pulitzer Prize-winning poet, Tyehimba Jess-featured speaker at HSU

Building Community

HSU’s English degree program offers more than an exceptional education. It’s also about community. When you major in English at HSU, you’ll be surrounded by others dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge and creativity. Thanks to our Lawrence Clayton Poets and Writers Speakers Series, you’ll also get many opportunities to speak to and learn from nationally recognized, award-winning writers every year. Prestigious guests have included the Pulitzer Prize-winning poet, Tyehimba Jess.

Hardin Simmons Tutoring

Hands-On Experience Tutoring

Sharpen your language skills and gain experience teaching as a tutor in our Writing Center. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of helping other students learn how to communicate their ideas and beliefs. Best of all, you’ll start building a robust resume with experience editing, proofreading, and leading.

HSU student sitting outside in foreign country

Experienced and Caring Faculty

Thanks to our small class sizes, you’ll receive individual attention and support from our world-class faculty mentors. Our faculty have years of experience researching, publishing, teaching, and demonstrating a commitment to education enlightened by their faith. Even after graduation our faculty will keep in touch with you, helping you find graduate programs or rewarding jobs for English majors.

Hayley Smiley, Regional Admissions Ambassador

What Can You Do With an English Degree?

There are few degrees as versatile as a B.A. in English. The ability to write well and think critically will always be in high demand for employers across any professional industry. Students who major in English at HSU have gone on to prestigious graduate programs to continue their English education. They’ve found careers in churches, tech companies, newspapers, and schools. We’re extremely proud of our 100% pass rate for the TExES certification exam for students going into teaching.

In addition to the satisfaction of pursuing your passion for literature and writing, you’ll also benefit from the remarkable job security of many jobs for English majors. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) employment for writers and authors is predicted to grow about 9% over the next decade, adding more than 15,000 new jobs each year. Technical writers can expect even better job growth, with a predicted 12% increase in jobs.

Jobs for English Majors

  • Copywriter
  • Journalist
  • Editor
  • Educator
  • Social media coordinator
  • Paralegal
  • Public relations coordinator
  • Technical writer
  • Grant writer

Salary for Graduates

Because the jobs for English majors vary so widely, your salary potential depends greatly on your career path.

For example, if you’re passionate about teaching, high school teachers typically make between $40,866 to $69,423. Earnings for college English professors range from 76,882 to $153,052.

If you want to pursue a career in professional writing, you can look forward to earning a salary somewhere between $51, 858 and $65,795.

Program Details

As you earn your B.A. in English at HSU, you’ll get to take at least 12 credit hours of a foreign language, which include exciting chances for study abroad. Improve your proficiency in grammar, writing, and speech as you travel to places like Universidad de Salamanca, in Salamanca, Spain. Other study abroad opportunities across the world include:

  • London, England
  • Salzburg College in Salzburg, Austria
  • Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia
  • One of the six campuses of Australian Catholic University (ACU).
  • Hong Kong Baptist University

Learn more about study abroad opportunities.

We believe that earning your B.A. in English shouldn’t be hindered by college expenses. At HSU, we are lucky to have been blessed with many charitable donors and alumni who make it possible for English majors to afford the cost of a world-class education. In addition to scholarships exclusive to English majors, you may also be eligible for university-wide financial aid. Learn more about scholarships at Hardin-Simmons University.

If you’re considering a major in English, you may also be interested in learning about similar programs at Hardin-Simmons University, including:

Strategic Communication

History

Psychology

Christian Studies

Criminal Justice