Get Your English Degree

This program helps you develop a respect for humanistic and inclusive thinking. We cultivate strong critical reading and thinking skills alongside effective written expression. Students are prepared for graduate studies and a variety of practical careers including copywriting, filmmaking, journalism, public relations, law, library sciences, editing, authorship, and teaching. 

English Program Highlights 

  • Affiliated with Cambridge American Stage Tour (CAST), a major international theatre tour featuring the works of Shakespeare.
  • Acting workshops with CAST members for experiential learning.
  • Our curriculum also prepares students for teaching or for graduate studies with a range of survey courses, writing-intensive courses with specialized topics, and advanced specialized and seminar courses taught by published faculty in English.

Modality & Benefits

Get a traditional college experience with lively in-person classroom discussions and close proximity to your professors, mentors, and best friends. 

Start Dates: 

January & August  

  • Semester-Based Timeline
  • Face-to-Face Instruction (some Online options)
  • In-Person Office Hours & Support
  • Relationships & Networking
  • Extracurriculars & Immersive Campus Experience

English Curriculum

Major & Minor Requirements

Popular English Classes

  • Critical Approaches to Interpreting Texts 
    Explore a wide range of critical lenses for interpreting texts. 
  • The Modern Fairy Tale
    Learn about the evolution of the fairy tale into its modern form.
  • Multicultural American Literature
    Read literary contributions of African-American, Native-American, Asian-American, and Latino writers.

Succeed in Diverse Fields

Learn the universal skills that all employers seek: written and verbal communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving. A bachelor's degree in English opens doors to many occupations and advanced degrees.

Endless Career Opportunities

  • Copywriter
  • Filmmaker/Journalist
  • Public Relations Specialist
  • Lawyer
  • Librarian
  • Author
  • Teacher
  • Marketing & Sales

Career

  • Embassy of Ireland (DC)
  • Richland County Public Defender’s Office (SC)
  • USC Department of Rare Books and Special Collections (SC)
  • Layman Poupard Publishing (SC)

Graduate Programs

  • University of London
  • Harvard School of Divinity
  • Duke University
  • Vanderbilt University

Get Your Master's in One Year

Increase your earning potential and become even more marketable with a master's degree. Your solid foundation will make you a strong candidate for any graduate program. Check out our 1-year master's programs.

Student Experiences

Student Experiences

"From Teach for America to Duke University, I have been given countless opportunities thanks to the patience, kindness, and dedication of my professors in the English Department at Columbia College. I would not be the teacher or woman I am today had I not been guided by both the Honors Program and the English Department."

Autumn Jean Weidman

Class of 2015

Faculty

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