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Student writing at Regent University in Virginia Beach.

B.A. in English

Script Your Success Through Regent’s Bachelor of Arts in English

You’ve got goals. And you want a program that gives you the skills to achieve them. Regent’s Bachelor of Arts in English studies effective communication strategies in business, media, ministry, teaching, and more. You can develop a strong foundation in English literature, composition, professional writing, and teaching at middle school and high school levels—all presented from a Christian worldview.

All students enrolled in Regent University are required to be proficient in the English language. For students in which English is not their primary language, either the TOEFL iBT®, PTE Academic®, Duolingo® or the IELTS® exam must be taken to demonstrate one’s effectiveness with the English language. For more information, please see our International Admissions Requirements.

On Campus, Online
120+
January 13, 2025
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Careers | Concentrations | Courses | Admissions | Tuition

ALIGN YOURSELF WITH EXCELLENCE

Regent is ranked among top national universities by U.S. News & World Report, 2022, and ranks #1 in its list of Best Online Bachelor’s Programs in Virginia. We are one of only 24 universities nationally “A” Rated for comprehensive liberal arts curriculum by the American Council of Trustees and Alumni (ACTA), 2022.

CHOOSE YOUR PATH

Pursue the Bachelor of Arts in English online or on-campus in Virginia Beach and select from multiple concentrations. Focus your studies on the area that best aligns with your career goals.

STRENGTHEN YOUR SKILLS

Learn key principles for creating reports, proposals, web pages, blogs, and more.

LEARN FROM THE BEST

Be mentored by faculty in Virginia Beach who hold the highest degrees in their field. Meet the faculty.

Explore Scholarships

Explore exciting scholarship opportunities such as academic merit scholarships, honors college scholarships, and more! Learn about the scholarships for on-campus incoming freshmen: the $10,000 Freedom Scholarships, $4,000 Homeschool Scholarships and $4,000 Private School Scholarships.

B.A. in English Career Opportunities

On completing the Bachelor of Arts in English program, you can:

  • Understand the dynamics for interpersonal, organizational, public, and mass communication.
  • Package content for public relations, advertising, social media, and interactive marketing.
  • Apply your skills in the areas of problem-solving, creative thinking, and decision making.
  • Write for reports, proposals, web pages, travelogues, blogs, marketing, and more.

Career Opportunities:

  • Corporate communications
  • Historic writing/research
  • Journalism & public relations
  • Ministry
  • Scriptwriting
  • Teaching
$73Thousand
Approximate Annual Mean Wage for Public Relations Specialists, 2021 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Please complete the Request Information form on this page to learn more about this program.

The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in English – Biblical Studies degree program will help you develop a strong foundation in literature and composition while gaining some expertise in the Bible. You’ll learn to critically read Scripture and write effectively.

The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in English – Communication can prepare you to communicate effectively in a variety of professional settings while developing a foundation in literature and composition. You’ll explore areas of problem-solving, creative thinking and decision making.

The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in English – Government will help you gain expertise in comparative politics and political theory while developing a strong foundation in literature and composition. You’ll learn how to approach key issues with Scripture and a faith-based perspective.

The Bachelor of Arts in English – History (European) will help you prepare for a career in law, writing or public service. You will develop a strong foundation in literature and composition while gaining expertise in European History.

The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in English – History (U.S.) will help you develop a strong foundation in literature and composition while gaining expertise in U.S. History. Choose courses in Colonial America, Civil War, and African-American History.

The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in English – Self-Designed gives you a strong foundation in literature and composition while allowing you to customize your courses to meet your unique area of interest. Choose approved courses that reflect the best option for your career path.

The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in English – Writing gives you a solid foundation in U.S., British and world literature while also teaching fundamental skills in writing for business, media, web, fiction and creative writing. Choose from courses in professional, technical or creative writing.

Featured Courses
ENGL 202Literature of the United States: Beginnings to the Civil War3
Survey of major works and authors in the United States from the beginning through 1865. Prerequisite: ENGL 102 or ENGL 110.
ENGL 203Literature of the United States: Civil War through the 21st Century3
Survey of major works and authors in the United States from 1865 through the present. Prerequisite: ENGL 102 or ENGL 110.
ENGL 211British Literature: Middle Ages through the 18th Century3
Survey of English literature from the Middle Ages through 1798. Prerequisite: ENGL 102 or ENGL 110.
ENGL 212British Literature: 19th Century through the 21st Century3
Survey of English literature from the Romantic Period through the present. Prerequisite: ENGL 102 or ENGL 110.
ENGL 305The Art of the Essay3
Study and practice of writing the genre of the essay. Prerequisite: ENGL 102 or ENGL 110.
ENGL 330Studies in World Literature3
Study of literature written by authors from around the world, as read in translation. Students study texts chosen primarily from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries and read the literature through a comparative approach, considering historical, intellectual, religious, social, and aesthetic contexts. Prerequisite: ENGL 102 or ENGL 110.
ENGL 377Shakespeare3
Critical reading of and writing about selected tragedies, comedies, and histories of William Shakespeare. Prerequisite: ENGL 102 or ENGL 110.
ENGL 485English Senior Seminar3
Capstone seminar providing an intensive exploration of the Christ-centered nature of the discipline. Involves the preparation and defense of a major academic project and portfolio. Prerequisite: Senior standing.

Step 1: Apply to Regent University

Step 2: Submit Your Unofficial Transcripts

  • Submit your unofficial high school or college transcripts to regent.edu/items.
  • Upon conditional acceptance, Regent University will attempt to obtain your official transcripts from your U.S. degree-granting institution.
  • International transcripts must be evaluated by a NACES-approved company.

Step 3: Submit Your Government-Issued ID if Applicable

  • All online students and graduate level on-campus students are required to submit a photo of your government-issued ID to regent.edu/items.
  • Please note that all items submitted as part of the application process become the property of Regent University and cannot be returned.

Step 4: Submit Your FAFSA

  • Complete your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at studentaid.gov Regent’s school code is 030913.
DegreeTuition Block Rate Per SemesterCredit Hours Per SemesterTuition Rate Per Year
Students taking on-campus classes
(fall & spring semesters)
$9,97512 - 18$19,950
DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Students taking on-campus classes
(fall & spring semesters)
$665Under 12$7,980
Students taking on-campus classes
(fall & spring semesters)
$665Over 18$11,970
Students taking on-campus classes
(summer semester)
$665N/A$1,995+

Student Fees Per Semester

University Services Fee (On-Campus Students)$850 (Fall & Spring)
$700 (Summer)

Housing Fees » | Military Admissions & Aid » | Cost of Attendance »

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Part-Time Students (3-11 Credit Hours Per Semester)$4506$2,700
Full-Time Students (12+ Credit Hours Per Semester)$39512$4,740

Student Fees Per Semester

University Services Fee (Online Students)$700

Military Admissions & Aid » | Cost of Attendance »

DegreeTuition Block Rate Per SemesterCredit Hours Per SemesterTuition Rate Per Year
Students taking on-campus classes
(fall & spring semesters)
$9,49312 - 18$18,986
DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Students taking on-campus classes
(fall & spring semesters)
$630Under 12$7,560
Students taking on-campus classes
(fall & spring semesters)
$630Over 18$11,340
Students taking on-campus classes
(summer semester)
$630N/A$1,890+

Student Fees Per Semester

University Services Fee (On-Campus Students)$850 (Fall & Spring)
$700 (Summer)

Housing Fees » | Military Admissions & Aid » | Cost of Attendance »

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Part-Time Students (3-11 Credit Hours Per Semester)$4506$2,700
Full-Time Students (12+ Credit Hours Per Semester)$39512$4,740

Student Fees Per Semester

University Services Fee (Online Students)$700

Military Admissions & Aid » | Cost of Attendance »

What do English majors do?

Much of the English programs’ focus is dependent on the chosen concentration. Still, there are some activities and assignments that are apparent cross-concentration. English courses involve heavy reading and writing. Most writing is academic research and analysis, but there are also creative writing courses. Some curriculum includes a presentation in the coursework.

Those who pursue a B.A. in English also have numerous opportunities to discuss literature with peers and share insights and applications. English majors learn to craft compelling arguments, respect differing perspectives, and “read for the big picture while noting the details.”1


Is an English degree worth it?

Absolutely! You can become well-versed in the art of communication by mastering both language and analysis. English major graduates have the potential to earn more than $100,000 a year. Some believe that a B.A. in English does not convert into a real-life application for today’s industries. However, this could not be farther from the truth.

David Deming, a director at the Harvard Kennedy School, stated that liberal arts majors learn soft skills like “problem-solving, critical thinking, and adaptability” that “have long-run value in a wide variety of careers.”2 In his research, Deming found that those who majored in liberal arts eventually make the same amount or more than their STEM counterparts. An English major’s skills are timeless and necessary for occupations that liberal arts majors tend to traverse into, like management, business, and law.

What are the types of English degrees?

What English majors do depends on the type of degree they are getting. English is a broad subject with many areas for exploration. At Regent, we encourage students to choose a concentration when pursuing a degree in English. Prospective concentrations include biblical studies, communication, government, history (European or U.S.), and writing. You can even create a self-designed English degree that better suits your niche!

What can you do with an English degree?

There are several careers for English majors other than teaching. In fact, most English majors do not become teachers.3 Instead, they go on to practice law, become supervisors or managers, and master communicators. There are graduates from Regent that have marched boldly into areas of business, entertainment, and politics.

There are many things you can do with an English degree. Possible career paths include:
• Technical Writer
• Editor
• Research and Writing Specialist
• Historian
• Copywriter
• Screenwriter
• News Reporter
• Elementary School Teacher
• Private Tutor
• Author


Who are some famous English majors?

English majors achieve success in several career paths. Some even become famous and legendary.
Harold Varmus – Nobel Prize-winning scientist who contributed to the study of cancer, former director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH)4
Toni Morrison (1931-2019) – author, editor, and professor5
Christopher Nolan – film director, producer and screenwriter6
Andrea Jung – CEO of Grameen, former CEO of Avon7
Michael Eisner – a businessman known for reviving the fortunes of the television network ABC, the film studio Paramount Pictures and the Disney Company8
Shonda Rhimes – television producer, screenwriter and author9
Alvin Hansen (1887-1975) – economist and  chair professor of economics at Harvard University, introduced Keynesian economics in the United States10
Judy McGrath – serves as a director at Amazon, former president of MTV Networks Group11
John Legend – singer, songwriter, record producer, actor, and philanthropist12
Jordana Brewster – actress and model13

References

  1. Profita, Mike. “Here Are Some Solid Career Options for English Majors to Consider.” The Balance Careers.
  2. Deming, David. “In the Salary Race, Engineers Sprint but English Majors Endure.” The New York Times.
  3. “Putting Your Major to Work: Career Paths After College.” The Hamilton Project.
  4. “Harold E. Varmus, M.D.” National Institutes of Health (NIH).
  5. Biography. “Toni Morrison.” A&E Television Networks.
  6. Albert, Melissa. “Christopher Nolan.” Encyclopedia Britannica.
  7. Orwig, Sarah F. “Andrea Jung.” Encyclopedia Britannica.
  8. Bauer, Patricia. “Michael Eisner.” Encyclopedia Britannica.
  9. Biography. “Shonda Rhimes.” A&E Television Networks.
  10. Mehrling, Perry G. “Hansen, Alvin Harvey (1887-1975), Economist.” In American National Biography. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1999.
  11. “Judy McGrath 1954—.” Advameg, Inc.
  12. Mejia, Zameena. “John Legend Left a Safe Corporate Job After College — and Now He’s Made EGOT History.” CNBC.
  13. “Jordana Brewster.” IMDb.

“Getting a Big Idea/Dreamworks internship and working on VeggieTales in the House was a dream come true. Ultimately I want to write and direct stories, regardless of what form they take. Storytelling is what I love, and I'm so grateful Regent has helped me develop that passion.”

Justin Garcia, B.A., 2014 Animator

“Regent prepared me to step into the unknown with confidence and skill.”

Jonathan Holman, B.S. in Business, 2019 Director of Business Intelligence, Hampton Roads Economic Development Alliance

“With 30+ years of nursing experience, I saw myself as a leader, but I felt this nudging from God to go back to school. I’ve discovered my new calling: to serve as a life coach.”

Ellyn Jett, B.A. in Communication Studies, 2020 Nurse

“My friends and I feel like Regent chose us. It was clear that we were meant to be here, and we're better for it. I tell others, 'If you're looking for something out of the ordinary, something authentic, that gives evidence to God, I suggest Regent University.' Our community and the pursuit of God are unparalleled.”

Kristin Smith, B.A. in History, 2020 Next Generation Coordinator, Strong Tower Church