Academics

English

BA • Major, Teacher Certification

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Learn to read carefully, write critically, think creatively, and conduct research independently in our English (BA) program. Students in the major study literature and other cultural products written in English, and develop their critical and aesthetic understanding through research and writing.

As a student in this program, you will broaden your intellectual horizons through an introduction to literature from a range of historical periods and countries around the world, and analyze language, history, race, and gender to better understand the representations at the heart of our rapidly changing world.

Our English majors interpret and analyze literary texts from a minimum of three different genres–poetry, film, and fiction–while cultivating their professional writing skills. These advanced writing and thinking skills support careers in teaching, publishing, law, film, journalism, the arts, communications, mental health, and business.

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Concentrations and Minors

General Concentration

The English Major requires a minimum of 36 credits or 12 courses, including one course required of all students, ENGL 300: Critical Approaches to English. The 12 courses taken must include:

  • At least five courses in literature;
  • At least one pre-1700 course, one pre-1800 course, one pre-1900 course, and one post-1900 course;
  • At least one course in three out of the following four genres: poetry, fiction, drama, film;
  • At least one course in each of the following areas: international issues, ethnic studies, women’s and gender studies, class issues.

See the curriculum.

Creative Writing

Students with a Creative Writing Concentration must complete four writing-focused workshops for a total of 12 credits.

See the curriculum.

Film Studies

Students with a Film Studies Concentration must complete four film-focused workshops for a total of 12 credits.

See the curriculum.

English Minor

The English minor covers the basic principles of literary analysis and interpretation. Students will take one required course (Critical Approaches to English) plus five elective courses.

See the curriculum.

Interested in Teaching English?

Check out the various pathways available to become an educator at different grade levels.

Subject Area Specialization

BA in English + Teacher Certification in English (Preschool-Grade 12)

This program combines the required courses for the BA in English with those required for Teacher Certification in English (P-12). To meet the approved program for certification in English, coursework is required in Health for Teacher Education, Speech for Teacher Education, and Professional Sequence Requirements.

See the curriculum.

Elementary Education

BA in English + Teacher Certification in Elementary School Teacher in Grades K-6

This program combines the required courses for the BA in English with those required for Teacher Certification in Elementary Education (K-6). To meet the approved program for certification in English, coursework is required in Health for Teacher Education, Mathematics, and Professional Sequence Requirements.

See the curriculum.

Subject Area Specialization, Teaching Students with Disabilities

Combined BA/MAT with Teacher Certification in English (Preschool-Grade 12) and Teacher of Students with Disabilities

The Dual Degree/Dual Certification program is an accelerated program that leads to Teacher Certification in English (P-12), Teacher Certification in Teacher of Students with Disabilities, a baccalaureate degree (BA), and a master’s Degree (MAT).

See the curriculum.

Elementary Education, Teaching Students with Disabilities

Combined BA/MAT with Teacher Certification in Grades K-6 and Teacher of Students with Disabilities

The Dual Degree/Dual Certification program is an accelerated year program that leads to Teacher Certification in English (K-6), Teacher Certification in Teacher of Students with Disabilities, a baccalaureate degree (BA), and a master’s degree (MAT).

See the curriculum.

Combined Programs

BA/MBA Program

The “4 + 1” Bachelor’s/MBA is a five-year program, during which students spend three years taking courses required for their chosen bachelor’s degree program and in their fourth year, complete (along with required undergraduate program courses) 6 credits’ worth of graduate business (MBA) coursework that satisfies undergraduate degree requirements and counts toward achievement of the MBA degree.

Students speaking at a table
graduate smiling at commencement

BA/MA in English

Ambitious students entering the English major can apply for a five-year dual-degree program and earn a master’s degree in English with only one additional year of study. Students can cap their undergraduate studies with more intensive graduate-level work under the supervision of a faculty of nationally recognized scholars.

Career Opportunities

The skills that you develop in studying English—reading, writing, thinking, research—matter in the workforce, in democracy, and in your personal life. English majors learn to interpret difficult texts, conduct independent research, evaluate conflicting arguments, understand cinematic vocabularies of image and sound, and communicate effectively. They acquire and develop skills that not only help to land them a job, but also strengthen their chances for promotion after they’ve landed it, when employers and supervisors recognize their talents for research, analysis, communication, and persuasion.

Our graduates are informed citizens, independent researchers, careful readers, artful writers. They become teachers at every level, kindergarten through college, at home or in remote areas of the world. They are editors, lawyers, journalists, entrepreneurs, policy analysts, public relations personnel and public servants across many industries, including:

  • Advertising
  • Banking
  • Business/Industry
  • Education
  • Law
  • Library Science
  • Public Relations
  • Publishing
  • Retailing
  • Technical
  • Writing/Editing

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Real Student Voices

What’s it like to study English at Montclair State University? Our alumni say it best. Read how their time in the program impacted their time at Montclair and paved the way for their future.

“[Literature is] a universal way to connect with those before and after us and I think it is such a privilege and I am grateful that I get to study it.”

Paloma Lupino class of 2025
Program: English

Questions? We’re Here to Help.

If you have any general questions regarding the application process and requirements, please email or call us.

Office of Undergraduate Admissions

The office of Undergraduate Admissions will guide you every step of the way on your journey from learning about the University and its offerings, to applying for a program through to acceptance and enrollment.

English Department

The English Department is a vibrant community of teachers and students devoted to the study of literature, language, and culture. English majors pursue an engaging course of study that is intellectually rigorous yet flexible and dynamic. In addition to its undergraduate major and minor, the department offers a master’s degree, a variety of teacher education programs, and programs in Film Studies, Creative Writing, and American Identities and Cultures.

Next Steps

Wherever you learn—on campus or online—Montclair State University offers the programs, community and support to help you reach your goals. Take the next step today.

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