Unveil the wonders of life by exploring language and literature.
Open the door to manifest your creativity through the written word. Whether you want to write, edit, or teach, University of the Cumberlands’ English degree program has everything you need to succeed. No matter your level of writing or your understanding of literature, a Bachelor’s Degree in English program is the perfect place to strengthen your writing skills, critical thinking abilities, and communication skills. Students also have the opportunity to expand their knowledge and skills in related subjects, such as public relations, and more.
With a close-knit faculty and personable classroom experience, getting your Bachelor’s Degree in English not only teaches you everything you wanted to know about English language and literature, it also creates irreplaceable bonds with your classmates. Words are powerful; learn how to wield yours well.
By the Numbers
Programs & Requirements
* The credit hours listed on this page only reference the specific program requirements and is not reflective of the total hours necessary to receive your degree. Cumberlands requires all students obtain a minimum of 60 hours for an associate’s degree and a total of 120 hours for a bachelor’s degree. Transfer and prior learning credits may be counted toward those totals.
To learn more about our General Education Requirements, please visit the page referenced below or explore our Academic Catalog.
Bachelor's in English - Creative Writing
Unlock your potential for creation and language with a degree in English with a creative writing emphasis. With this English focus, you will wade into the waters of storytelling, poetry, nonfiction, and classic literature, as well as many other opportunities. Your time will be spent studying the techniques that give a person’s natural talent a direction for improvement. With the freedom to create original work, you’ll find your voice among the writers of the ages.
Course Requirements
Choose four classes from the following (12 hours):
- One elective of a 300- or 400-level course in writing (either ENGL, JOUR, or COMM course)
OR - One elective of a 300- or 400-level course in literature
- And choose two classes (6 credit hours) from Spanish or French electives.
A Bachelor of Arts in English - Creative Writing requires all the above courses in addition to completing one of the following foreign language sequences:
- FREN 131 Elementary French I
- FREN 132 Elementary French II
- FREN 231 Intermediate French I
- FREN 232 Intermediate French II
- SPAN 131 Elementary Spanish I
- SPAN 132 Elementary Spanish II
- SPAN 231 Intermediate Spanish I
- SPAN 232 Intermediate Spanish II
Bachelor's in English - Literary Studies
Explore an array of artistic works by some of the greatest minds in the history of literature – and start applying their techniques to your personal and professional life. During this program, you’ll spend your time analyzing and interpreting timeless works from every era ranging from the Renaissance to the 2000s. Uncover the hidden mysteries of these great minds and reveal just how much they impacted the world with their words. You too can have that kind of impact, and a bachelor’s degree in literary studies is the perfect step to get there!
Course Requirements
Choose four classes from the following (12 hours):
- ENGL 331 - English Literature through 1660
- ENGL 332 - English Literature 1660-1830
- ENGL 333 - English Literature since 1830
- ENGL 334 - American Literature through 1865
- ENGL 335 - American Literature since 1865
And choose three classes from the following (9 hours):
- Choose three 300- or 400- level courses in writing or literature (9 credit hours).
- And choose two classes (6 credit hours) in Spanish or French.
A Bachelor of Arts in English - Literary Studies requires all the above courses in addition to completing one of the following foreign language sequences:
- FREN 131 Elementary French I
- FREN 132 Elementary French II
- FREN 231 Intermediate French I
- FREN 232 Intermediate French II
- SPAN 131 Elementary Spanish I
- SPAN 132 Elementary Spanish II
- SPAN 231 Intermediate Spanish I
- SPAN 232 Intermediate Spanish II
Bachelor's in English - Secondary Education
Follow your dream of teaching others about English; you never know when you're teaching the world's next great author. Through this degree program, you will foster a love for the English language and all it has to offer in your future students. Learn how English works in a world where language is ever-changing, and become trained in giving young people their best chance at becoming lovers of words, stories, and grammar.
Course Requirements
Choose four classes from the following (12 hours):
- ENGL 331 - English Literature through 1660
- ENGL 332 - English Literature 1660-1830
- ENGL 333 - English Literature since 1830
- ENGL 334 - American Literature through 1865
- ENGL 335 - American Literature since 1865
And choose three classes from the following (9 hours):
- Choose two 300- or 400- level courses in writing or literature (6 credit hours).
- And choose two classes (6 credit hours) in Spanish or French.
In addition, 42 hours in professional education courses are also required as defined by UC's Department of Education. View our course catalog for more information.
A Bachelor of Arts in English - Secondary Education requires all the above courses in addition to completing one of the following foreign language sequences:
- FREN 131 Elementary French I
- FREN 132 Elementary French II
- FREN 231 Intermediate French I
- FREN 232 Intermediate French II
- SPAN 131 Elementary Spanish I
- SPAN 132 Elementary Spanish II
- SPAN 231 Intermediate Spanish I
- SPAN 232 Intermediate Spanish II
English Minor Options
When you pursue a minor in creative writing or literary studies, you give yourself the opportunity to test your creative limits – and push beyond them -- or explore the depths of great literature. If you want to grow as a writer and reader while still having time to venture into other study areas, a minor in creative writing or literary studies might be your best opportunity.
Course Requirements
Required Courses (9 hours):
ENGL 239 Introduction to Creative Writing
ENGL 430 Literary Criticism
ENGL 439 Descriptive Linguistics
Choose one of the following (3 hours):
ENGL 339 Studies in Creative Writing: Creative Nonfiction
ENGL 340 Studies in Creative Writing: Fiction
ENGL 341 Studies in Creative Writing: Poetry
Choose two of the following (6 hours):
ENGL 331 English Literature through 1660
ENGL 332 English Literature 1660-1830
ENGL 333 English Literature since 1830
ENGL 334 American Literature through 1865
ENGL 335 American Literature since 1865
Choose one of the following (3 hours):
- ENGL 431 Studies in British Literature
- ENGL 432 Studies in Modern Literature
- ENGL 433 Women in Literature
- ENGL 437 Studies in British and American Authors
And choose one elective (3 credit hours) of a 300- or 400-level course in writing (either ENGL, JOUR, or COMM).
Required Courses (9 hours):
Choose two of the following (6 hours):
Choose one of the following (3 hours):
- ENGL 431 - Studies in British Literature
- ENGL 432 - Studies in Modern Literature
- ENGL 433 - Women in Literature
- ENGL 437 - Studies in British and American Authors
And choose two electives (6 hours) in writing or literature.
Take the Next Step
Mission & Goals
The Bachelor’s Degree in English at Cumberlands, is open to the world of language, art, beauty, and advanced literacy to every student. Thought-provoking adventures into literature and writing, you'll master the complexity of the English language.
English Careers & Outcomes
All stats from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Writer/Author: $69,510
Writer/Author: $69,510
Writers and authors develop written content for various types of media.
Editor: $63,350
Editor: $63,350
Editors plan, coordinate, and revise material for publication in books, newspapers, or periodicals or on websites. They review story ideas and decide what material will appeal most to readers. In smaller organizations, a single editor may do all the editorial duties or share them with only a few other people.
Public Relations Specialist: $62,800
Public Relations Specialist: $62,800
Public relations specialists create and maintain a positive public image for the individuals, groups, or organizations they represent. They craft media releases and develop social media programs to shape public perception of their clients and to increase awareness of each client’s work and goals.
Journalist: $48,370
Journalist: $48,370
News analysts, reporters, and journalists keep the public updated about current events and noteworthy information. They report international, national, and local news for newspapers, magazines, websites, television, and radio.
English Teacher: $61,820
English Teacher: $61,820
High school teachers generally teach students from the 9th through 12th grades, specializing in an area such as English, math, science, or history, and so on. They inspire students, help students hone their skills, and sometimes offer guidance regarding future college or career plans.
College Professor: $79,640
College Professor: $79,640
Postsecondary teachers instruct students in a variety of academic subjects beyond the high school level. They may also conduct research and publish scholarly papers and books.
Common Questions
An English degree involves the study of literature, grammar, history, philosophy, fine arts, and the evolution of language. Students in this program explore the richness of the English language and its cultural impact, enhancing their writing, critical thinking, and communication skills. The program also connects literature with broader themes in society, preparing students for diverse careers in writing, teaching, editing, and more.
An English degree typically takes four years to complete when pursued full-time. This timeframe includes general education courses as well as specialized courses in English literature, writing, and related subjects. Transfer credits or prior learning experiences may shorten the time required to earn the degree.
Currently, the English degree program at University of the Cumberlands is offered on-campus. Students who prefer an in-person learning experience can benefit from close-knit faculty interactions and a personable classroom environment. However, some institutions may offer English degrees online, providing more flexibility for those who need it.
An English degree is worth it for those passionate about language, literature, and writing. This degree opens doors to a wide range of careers, including writing, editing, teaching, public relations, and journalism. The skills gained from an English degree, such as critical thinking and communication, are valuable and transferable across many industries.
With an English degree, you can pursue careers as a writer, editor, journalist, public relations specialist, or English teacher. The degree also prepares you for roles in academia as a college professor. These professions allow you to use your writing and communication skills to create content, educate others, and shape public perception.
To obtain an English degree, you need to enroll in a bachelor's program at an accredited university, such as University of the Cumberlands. The program includes a blend of general education courses and specialized courses in English literature, writing, and related fields. Students may also choose to follow specific tracks like creative writing or literary studies to tailor their education to their interests.
Kristen Mitchell"I’ve always known I wanted to become a writer, so it was a no-brainer for me to pursue a creative writing degree. It has been an unforgettable experience; I had no idea I would grow as much as I have the past few years. My skills have improved, and I've become more confident, skilled, open-minded, expressive, and in love with the world of words!"
Student / English - Creative Writing
Faculty Experts
Learn more about our talented English professors.

Madison Watts

Dr. Marisa Higgins
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