Department of English
Department of English

Introduction to the Major

Myths, memoirs, courtroom dramas, fairy tales — why are we so gripped by the stories people tell? What drives us to embellish language and set it to a beat? If storytelling and wordplay appear to be universal, their form varies widely across time and place. Majoring in English invites you to encounter centuries of works in a diversity of genres, from Elizabethan sonnets and US slave narratives to graphic novels, films and experiments in digital storytelling.

The English major is not about training for a single outcome but about learning to read closely, think deeply and write in a way that no bot can replicate. It is also an immersive, reflective exploration of what it means to be human — to peer inside lives and psyches, to ponder social arrangements, to find beauty in lines and images that swerve from the usual. 

Which Program is Right for Me?

The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in English focuses on literary history and the critical analysis of texts. Majors read some of the most celebrated works written in English with leading scholars in the field. Up to three of the 10 required courses may be creative writing workshops; two may be taken abroad or elsewhere at UVA.

Concentrations: Majors may apply to one of four optional concentrations — Medieval & Renaissance Studies, Modern & Global Studies, Literary Prose Writing and Poetry Writing. 

Amplify Your Major

  • Explore the theater, museums and literature of London in summer and J-term courses for direct major credit.
  • Hear prize-winning UVA poets and fiction writers read from their newest work at Creative Writing Program readings.
  • Take hands-on courses in Desktop Publishing, Writing with Sound and Literary Games.
  • Connect with fellow majors, alumni and career mentors through the English Students Association. 

What Can I Do With My Major

Recent Graduates’ Jobs and Employers 

  • Executive Editor, Crown Books-Random House 
  • Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, CDP 
  • English Teacher, Noble and Greenough School 
  • Senior Associate Director of Admissions, Teacher’s College, Columbia University 
  • Chief of Staff, UVA President’s Office 
  • Senior Law Clerk, Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals 
  • PMR Medical Director, UNC Spine Center 

Recent Graduate Programs 

  • Georgetown University, Law 
  • University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Journalism 
  • Harvard University, Business 
  • Johns Hopkins University, Medicine 
  • University of Virginia, Education 
  • Yale University, English 
  • University of California Irvine, Creative Writing 

“English is, in my opinion, the core humanity; majoring in English, one engages with all the grandeur of philosophy, grittiness of history and intimateness of psychology through narratives of the human experience.”

Robert Batton, Class of 2027

See what our graduates are doing on LinkedIn

Alumni Network See what our graduates are up to on LinkedIn

Life of the Major

English, B.A.
First Year
  • Advance
    • Choose Engagement Courses that expose you to professors from a range of disciplines. 
    • Satisfy the English prerequisite with any section of ENGL 2500-2599. 
    • Review English major and College requirements. 
    • Start exploring your options with your pre-major advisor. 
  • Explore
    • Contribute to one of the many literary publications on Grounds — or start your own. 
    • Attend readings and events hosted by the Creative Writing Program to hear prize-winning poets and fiction writers. 
    • Enroll in a UVA Libraries workshop to build your research skills in literary studies. 
  • Build
    • Get to know your ENGL 2500 instructor and seek their guidance on navigating the major. 
    • Sign up for the English department mailing list to stay connected with events and opportunities. 
    • Get involved in campus groups such as the Jefferson Society to broaden your literary network. 
  • Prepare
Second Year
  • Advance
    • Complete the required chronological survey courses, ENGL 3001 and ENGL 3002. 
    • Apply to one of four optional concentrations — applications are due in the spring of your second year. 
    • Meet with your pre-major advisor to map out your remaining requirements. 
    • Once you have completed your pre-requisites, complete your major declaration form. 
  • Explore
    • Explore study abroad options and identify courses eligible for major elective credit — consider the department’s London programs in summer or J-term. 
    • Apply for a summer internship in publishing, journalism or another field that draws on your writing skills. 
  • Build
    • Visit your professors during office hours — with specific questions or just to chat. 
    • Join the staff of the Cavalier Daily or another campus publication. 
    • Explore UVA’s Public Service Pathways program to connect your English training with real-world community impact. 
  • Prepare
    • Meet with career specialists in your areas of interest, and begin building a resume. 
    • Research internships in publishing and journalism and attend internship fairs. 
    • Connect with alumni through the Virginia Alumni Mentoring program. 
Third Year
  • Advance
    • Take approximately two English courses per semester at the 3000–5000 level, keeping distribution requirements in mind. 
    • Meet with your major advisor to review your degree progress. 
    • Begin exploring independent study opportunities with a faculty member. 
  • Explore
    • Discuss the Distinguished Majors Program (DMP) with your advisor. 
    • Attend a literary conference to engage with scholars and discover research directions. 
    • Explore the BA/MA Program if you are considering graduate study in English. 
  • Build
    • Become an active member of the English Students Association (ESA) — monthly meetings, career programming and a peer mentorship network. 
    • Seek leadership positions in a campus organization that connects to your interests. 
    • Join the English department LinkedIn group to connect with alumni and explore career paths. 
  • Prepare
    • Attend department career panels featuring English major alumni. 
    • Explore post-graduate options with advisors, professors and current graduate students — from advanced degrees in English to law, journalism and education. 
    • Research admissions exams required for your post-graduate path. 
    • Update your resume and LinkedIn profile. 
Fourth Year
  • Advance
    • Continue taking approximately two English courses per semester, including at least one 4000 or 5000-level seminar. 
    • Check in with your advisor to ensure you are on track to complete all College and English requirements. 
    • Complete any “bucket list” courses — or instructors. 
    • Apply to graduate in the spring. 
  • Explore
    • Submit essays, poems or stories to be considered for departmental writing prizes. 
    • Present your work at the university Undergraduate Research Symposium. 
    • Attend departmental talks and readings to engage with scholars at the forefront of the field. 
  • Build
    • Become a consultant at the Writing Center to sharpen your skills and build your network. 
    • Join the Modern Language Association to connect with scholars and professionals in the field. 
    • Contact recent graduates to learn about their post-graduate experiences. 
  • Prepare
    • Apply to jobs, graduate school and other opportunities — including Teach for America. 
    • Line up letters of recommendation early, giving faculty necessary materials and sufficient notice. 
    • Visit the Office of Citizen Scholar Development for information about Fulbright, Marshall and other prestigious fellowships.