English and creative writing degrees

Bachelor's Degree in English

Why Earn Your English Degree at Saint Leo University?

The written word stirs the intellect, the imagination and the soul, reflecting our lives, and evoking our hopes and dreams. The study of English appeals to our romantic sensibilities, and is also a professional pursuit with many career opportunities—the world needs articulate communicators, and an English major knows how to meet that demand.

The major in English is designed to develop in students an understanding of language and its uses; an effective, individual writing voice; a critical and aesthetic appreciation of literature; and an understanding of how literature illuminates the diversity of human experience. Because of its comprehensive nature and its focus on critical and analytical thinking and writing skills, the major prepares students for graduate study in English, library science, and law as well as career paths in which effective communication is central, such as teaching, publishing, advertising, public relations, and professional writing.

Learning Experience:
Campus
Est. Time to Complete:
4 years
Credit Hours:
120 hours
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Undergraduate English Program Details

Study writing and literature—from mythology to the modern drama—alongside faculty with years of experience as editors, playwrights and grant writers. Walk in the footsteps of Shakespeare and Jane Austen on a faculty-led trip to London. Cultivate your voice amongst other aspiring authors and professional authors at the Sandhill Writers Retreat. Try your hand at publishing with Saint Leo’s literary magazine, Sandhill Review, and student newspaper The Lions' Pride.

Learn Your Way: 

Online, On Campus, or Near You

  • Saint Leo students and instructor in classroom
  • What are the on-campus facilities like?

    Students who pursue their degrees at Saint Leo’s main campus near sunny Tampa Bay, Florida, join a community of enthusiastic learners just like them. 

    Learn about the On-Campus Experience

  • What are the benefits of earning your English degree online?

    Saint Leo University’s online learning experience provides a well-rounded education with the flexibility to tailor your course of study to meet your individual needs. We know our students have lives outside school, and we seek to meet them where they are. Online students can count on receiving excellent academics as well as opportunities for hands-on learning.

    Learn About the Online Experience

    Visit Online Admissions

  • Taking online classes has afforded me the opportunity to learn while maintaining a job. They give me some flexibility to study at times that work more cohesively with my schedule and allow me to utilize resources such as the library 24 hours a day.

    Bentley Streat | Hayes, VA

Specialization Options

Saint Leo University offers specialization options for English students. You can customize your degree to match your passions by choosing one of the following concentrations.

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Are education centers near you offering English degree programs?

You may also choose to pursue your degree through one of our education centers, which merge a traditional in-person education with the flexibility to match your lifestyle. Education centers offer eight-week academic terms as well as evening and weekend classes.

Explore Education Centers

Career Outlook

No matter which learning experience you choose, you will receive plenty of professional development opportunities, industry knowledge from expert professors, and support from the Saint Leo community. All this together means that you will be ready for a successful career or continued studies upon graduation.

  • Saint Leo University students in Psychology classroom
  • How will you gain real experience?

    Internships

    Interact with local and national media through Saint Leo’s University Communications and Athletic Communications offices. Spread your wings off-campus at the Associated Press or Tampa Bay Times.

    Conferences

    Attend writing and English Honor Society conferences.

    Guest lecturers

    Meet luminaries such as U.S. Poet Laureate Philip Levine, poet and fiction-writer Valada Flewellyn, ESPN writer Pat Yasinskas and filmmaker Ralph Clemente.

    Co-curricular activities

    Become an active member of the Alpha Alpha Alpha chapter of Sigma Tau Delta, the international English honor society. Contribute to Sandhill Review literary magazine and The Lions' Pride student newspaper. The Sandhill Writers Retreat is open to all aspiring writers and takes place on the lovely University Campus. The retreat features hands-on writing classes in fiction, nonfiction and poetry. Nationally-acclaimed Florida writers guide attendees through lessons in craft and imaginative exercises that lead to new works. The retreat also includes a faculty reading and book signing, a reception, and an optional open reading for participants.

What can you do with an undergraduate English degree?

Graduates attend M.A. and M.F.A. programs in Writing. They also succeed in a variety of careers in advertising, public relations, editing, publishing and teaching. Some also pursue graduate study in English, library science and law.

What are the top English degree jobs?

  • Copywriter
  • Editor
  • News Reporter
  • Publisher
  • Grant Writer
  • Journalist
  • Literacy Program Coordinator
  • English Teacher
  • Marketing Specialist
  • Linguist

Where are Saint Leo English graduates now? 

  • American TESOL Institute
  • AUA Language Center, Thailand
  • Florida Legal Group
  • Lancaster University, England
  • Newcastle University, England
  • Pasco County Schools
  • Scholastic Books
  • Trinity College, Ireland
  • U.S. Army
  • University of South Florida
  • University of Wisconsin
  • Wesley Chapel High School

College of Arts & Sciences

  • Saint Leo University - Kirk Hall
  • The College of Arts and Sciences at Saint Leo University offers students a broad education that lays a durable foundation for critical and independent thinking. The essential spirit of the liberal arts is a cornerstone of the varied degree programs. From biology to English to sociology, students enjoy a nice selection of in-demand degree programs for all interests.

    Learning takes place both in and out of the classroom. Students travel to Europe through our cultural immersion courses, research unique plant species while trekking through the Peruvian Amazon, and attend film screenings and poetry readings. With highly experienced professors who bring a wealth of practical knowledge to the classroom, students are prepared to work in a variety of rewarding fields. The College supports more than 30 degree programs across University Campus, education centers in five states, and online.

    Explore the College of Arts & Sciences