Breadcrumb
English, B.A.
We empower students to use the transformative tool of language to enact change and uphold the values of social justice. Through our robust curriculum, students analyze texts and language, challenge entrenched ideas, and think critically about how to amplify diverse voices. With a priority on hands-on learning, our students create, listen, write, teach, and plan their mark on the world.
Why this program
Toyon Literary Magazine, run entirely by students, showcases the work of established and emerging artists from Humboldt County and all over the world.
The English department’s Visiting Writers Series brings well-known authors to Humboldt County. Each visiting writer hosts a lecture, reading, and/or workshop.
Students can support their fellow English majors by becoming peer mentors or recruitment fellows. Students in these positions receive robust year-round professional development, which is a great addition to their resume.
English, B.A.
The English B.A. is a flexible program that allows you to take the courses that most interest you, building toward a career-oriented capstone course to prepare for next steps following graduation. Students in the general English B.A. program share a core curriculum of six foundational courses. They extend their study with courses in global literatures and literatures of the Americas, creative production and practice, language study and multilingualism. Extended study courses align with the minor programs offered in the English department, and many students choose to add minor programs to deepen their areas of expertise. Students complete their capstone course in research & librarianship, writing & publishing, teaching English as a Second/Foreign Language, or teaching secondary school writing.
English Education Concentration
The English Education concentration is a pathway through the English major designed for students planning to teach English at the secondary school level. The program is aligned with California Commission on Teacher Credentialing standards. Completion of this concentration allows students to waive the CSET exam for the Single Subject Teaching Credential in English.
Students interested in teaching writing may wish to enroll in ENGL450, a course that prepares students to apply to be consultants in the Humboldt Writing Studio.
Regardless of concentration, all students will complete a capstone experience in a professional area that will launch them into next steps beyond graduation. English majors will build an online portfolio to use for future employment and collaboration opportunities, and are encouraged to participate in hands-on learning through teaching assistantships, library internships, editing, and tutoring.
Did you know?
Located where the redwood trees meet the sea, Humboldt is a great place to write, read, think, learn, and meet people who will become lifelong friends.
We prepare students for advanced academic work, a wide variety of career opportunities, and positions of leadership in society.
The English major is flexible so you can select the classes that most interest you. We also offer a broad range of special topics courses that change from year to year, in order to be responsive to what is most relevant and important to students.
Toyon Literary Magazine
Students in any concentration have the opportunity to join the editorial team for the Toyon Literary Magazine by taking ENGL460. A second course associated with Toyon is ENGL461, a course that provides an introduction to the many skills a writer may need in their career pathway (grant-writing, fellowship applications, publicity concerns, audio and digital content creation, resume-writing, interviewing, etc.).
Careers
English majors graduate from Humboldt with refined and applicable skills in critical thinking, analyzing literary texts, and effectively communicating complex ideas across mediums.
- High School English Teaching
- Research and Library Science
- Authorship and Book Design
- Book and Journal Editing
- Ebook and Digital Media Production
- Podcast and Audiobook Production
- Literary Marketing, Publicity, and Agenting
- Video Game Development and Production
- Story Editing for TV and Film
- English as a Second/ Foreign Language Teaching
