English
Exploring the Major
Why should you study English?
The new English major introduces tracks, allowing students to choose an emphasis that matches their interests. English majors will dedicate 15 credit hours to one of four tracks. You will choose between literary studies, literary media and cultures, professional writing and communication, and creative writing.
Department mission statement: Because we believe that literacy forms the core of education and that literature and language have the power to inspire both individuals and societies, we read, and we teach our students to read thoroughly and carefully. We embrace the prophetic admonitions to “teach one another words of wisdom”; to seek “out of the best books words of wisdom”; and to “seek learning, even by study and also by faith.” The English Department’s commitment to reading, writing, literary study, rhetoric, and teacher training grounds students in stories of our common humanity and supports the university’s mission to “assist students in their quest” to “come unto Christ and be perfected in him.” We teach, we create, we serve.
Majoring in English trains you to step outside of yourself and your experience and allows you the opportunity to explore another's, real or imagined. Not only does it hone your communication skills, but it cultivates critical thinking and develops information literacy capability. An English major is versatile and can easily adapt to changing markets and job landscapes.
Tracks and Where they often Lead
What can I do with this major?
Literary Studies:
● Professor
● Library Science
● Law school
● Archivist
Literary Media & Cultures
● Public Relations
● Journalism
● Advertising/Marketing
● Screenwriting
Professional Writing & Communication
● Copy writing/editing
● Grant writing
● Technical writer
● Book Agent
Creative Writing
● Creative director
● Content writer
● Social media marketing
● Communications specialist
English Department Contacts
- https://english.byu.edu/majors
- Office: 4138 JFSB
- Office number: 801-422-4938
- Email: English@byu.edu
- Chair: Deborah Dean
- Admin/Substitution coordinator: Juli Todd juli_shelley@byu.edu
- Faculty and Staff Directory: https://english.byu.edu/faculty-staff
- Faculty advisor: Brice Peterson brice_peterson@byu.edu
- Internship coordinator: Trina Harding Trina_harding@byu.edu
Transfer Students
Process for having English/writing courses from other universities evaluated for department credit:
If the course is an English course, email Juli Todd (juli_shelley@byu.edu) the course name, title, and course description from the school catalog, as well as the name of the school it came from and ask her to have it evaluated for English major credit.
If the course is for GE, email the course information and school name to the GE office (gened@byu.edu).
Student Success Stories
Kate Davis
I work as a Program Manager for International Language Programs, a humanitarian nonprofit that sends volunteers around the world to teach English to kids. I travel internationally at least 3-4 times a year in this role which has helped me develop global awareness and cultural sensitivity. My English major taught me how to solve complex problems, wear a wide variety of hats, and communicate effectively when stakes are high. I can't wait to see where else my career takes me, and I feel lucky to have gotten my start at the College of Humanities at BYU.
Taylor Dalton
I remember sitting in class when my ACC 200 professor said, “Accounting is the language of business.” I also remember thinking: If accounting is the language of business, but you're teaching it in English, then what does that make English?
That moment didn’t decide my major, but it did spark a thought.
My decision to major in English at BYU was more nuanced than a single lightbulb moment in an accounting class. It was shaped by a desire to understand people, communicate clearly, and think deeply. Studying English influenced who I am today—not just in how I think, create, or articulate, but in how I approach the world.
The skills I developed in my major gave me a unique edge in a highly competitive work environment. But choosing English also meant I had to be more proactive. I was intentional about my internships, deliberate in my networking, and strategic with my club involvement to position myself for top job opportunities.
Now, at Bain & Company, I apply my humanities background in a business setting every day. I help companies think strategically and solve complex problems. My academic training taught me how to process large amounts of information quickly, identify root issues, and craft thoughtful solutions.
Most importantly, my English major taught me this: speak half as much as you listen, listen half as much as you read, and read half as much as you think.
I’m grateful for brilliant BYU professors who challenged me to lean into my strengths and pursue excellence; for parents who instilled in me a love of learning and a drive to grow; and for a university that gave me the opportunity to learn both by study and by faith. It also taught me to talk less, think more, and listen well enough to speak someone else’s language.
Including, by the way, with my wife—who majored in Accounting.
FAQ's
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Toggle ItemHow do I declare the major?
We are an open major and you can declare it through the mymap system or contact the Liberal Arts Advisement and Careers center by calling 801-422- 3541
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Toggle ItemWhen do I have to declare my track?
Whenever you are ready! We do not have an official timeline for you to declare the track. Declaring is as easy as clicking a button on the track in the progress report under requirement 4. Some students know early on which track and that is great, but having the Requirement 6 electives allows students to straddle two different tracks for a semester before deciding. Most students have completed the pre-requisite courses and are ready to begin considering taking track classes by the third or fourth semester into the major.
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Toggle ItemHow does English+ work?
English+ is requirement 5 and this is your opportunity to engage in some experiential learning! If you look at the progress report, it looks like you are choosing between two different classes but really you are choosing between hundreds of options. The course options listed are more about the style of opportunity. Engl 394r are a series of experiential class options ranging from “provo city lab” working on projects for provo city in a classroom setting to helping work on a byu publication and much much more. Engl 399r is the internship course, which is the companion course you take when you are doing an internship. We have an internship coordinator, Trina Harding (trina_harding@byu.edu) who can help you find an internship that fits you. She is also who you contact if you have an internship you want to pitch to count as well. There are also other experiences like Washington DC seminar, Law review and certain Ballard center experiences which can count, reach out to Trina for helping finding the best option that fits you!
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Toggle ItemWhat if I want to double major?
BYU does not do double majors, we do second majors. The difference is that you will have a primary major (which is the one that will go on your diploma) and a secondary major. You choose which one will be the primary and which will be the secondary. There is a petition form to fill out and you need to meet with your primary major advisor to begin the process. If you have completed over 90 credits already you might be too late to add the second major. Set up an appointment with your advisor to further discuss.