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English

Bachelor of Arts

At UD, our undergraduate English degree provides an understanding of language and literature from rhetorical, creative, critical, historical, comparative and global perspectives. As an English major, you'll have the chance to hone your skills through experiential learning — like our student-run publications — and by working with our faculty, who have a broad range of expertise.

Through the 3+3 J.D. Program, you can earn your Bachelor of Arts in English and Juris Doctor in a total of six years.

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Fast Facts

100% of students

complete a capstone course

Publications

students can participate in student-produced publications
Program Overview

Why Study English at UD?

With an average upper-level class size of 18, you'll get to know your professors and peers while learning together. And at UD, students engage in small writing seminars with faculty working on real-world projects.

English majors also have a variety of opportunities for experiential learning, including student-produced publications, events and student organizations.

Ready to take the next step? Explore admission options or schedule an academic visit to learn more about English at UD.

Catholic, Marianist Education
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Holistic Advising
Experiential Learning

Degree Information and Sample Plan

Sample Plan of Study

This is a sample plan of study for students starting at UD in the 2025-26 academic year. This is a recommended course sequence, but your schedule may vary depending on previously earned college credits, course availability, advisor recommendations, and your personal goals and interests. Please contact your holistic advisor if you have any questions.

Semester 1
  • ASI 150 – Introduction to the University Experience
    1
  • ASI 110 – The Roots and Development of Western Culture in a Global Context
    6
  • CAP Social Science
    3
  • CAP Arts
    3
  • Language 101
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 16
Semester 2
  • CMM 100 – Principles of Oral Communication
    3
  • B.A. Arts (other than ENG)
    3
  • CAP Mathematics
    3
  • B.A. Social Science
    3
  • Language 141
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 15
Semester 3
  • ENG 220 – Foundations of Textual Analysis & Research
    3
  • ENG 301 or 303 – 301: Survey of Early English Literature; 303: Survey of Early American Lit
    3
  • CAP Natural Science with Lab
    4
  • Language 201 or Contextual
    3
  • CAP Faith Traditions
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 16
Semester 4
  • ENG 280, 368 or 474 – 280: Introduction to Creative Writing; 368: Introduction to Professional and Technical Writing; 474: Argument and Style
    3
  • B.A. Interdisciplinary Programs
    3
  • ENG Elective
    3
  • B.A. Elective
    3
  • B.A. Math Elective or Science Elective
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 15
Semester 5
  • ENG 302 OR 304 – 302: Survey of Later British Literature; 304: Survey of Later American Literature
    3
  • ENG 386 – Theories of Language and Power
    3
  • B.A. Humanities (other than ENG)
    3
  • CAP Advanced Philosophical Studies
    3
  • CAP Interdisciplinary Investigations
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 15
Semester 6
  • ENG Elective
    3
  • ENG Elective
    3
  • CAP Diversity and Social Justice
    3
  • B.A. Elective
    3
  • CAP Advanced Historical Studies
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 15
Semester 7
  • ENG Elective
    3
  • ENG Elective
    3
  • CAP Advanced Religious Studies
    3
  • CAP Practical Ethical Action
    3
  • B.A. Elective
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 15
Semester 8
  • ENG 499 – Capstone
    3
  • General Electives/Minor Courses
    12
  • Total Credit Hours 15
* Choose from ENG 250, 307, 316, 351, 353 or 466
** Choose from ENG 323, 330, 332, 335, 339, 341, 342, 345, 360, 362, 365, 381, 396, 405, 407, 431 or 448
*** Choose from ENG 310, 315, 364, 366, 370, 371, 372, 373, 374, 375, 391, 392, 408, 469, 483 or 485

At the University of Dayton, our flexible undergraduate curriculum, known as the Common Academic Program (CAP), encourages you to integrate knowledge — and put it to use.

Wondering how college credits you've already earned (e.g., transfer credit, CCP, AP/IB/CLEP exams) will apply to your undergraduate degree? Use our online Transfer Credit Evaluation tool to find out.

Visit the Academic Catalog for official major requirements, prerequisite(s), course descriptions and more.

Transfer and Exam Credits
Learning Resources
Honors Program

3+3 J.D. Accelerated Program for English

For undergraduate students pursuing any Bachelor of Arts degree, the College of Arts and Sciences and the School of Law offers a 3+3 J.D. program, allowing students to complete their Bachelor's Degree and Juris Doctor in a total of 6 years.

Please consult with your holistic advisor for eligibility and timeline as you are scheduling your third-semester coursework.

Additional 3+3 J.D. Program Information
Transfer and Exam Credits
Learning Resources
Honors Program

Admission Information

At the University of Dayton, applying is free and test scores are optional. When you apply, you'll automatically be considered for a merit scholarship.

Learn about our admission process, then apply using UD's application or the Common App.

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Tuition and Financial Aid

Rooted in our Catholic, Marianist traditions, the University of Dayton is dedicated to being transparent and ensuring student success. And with high graduation and success rates, UD is an excellent value.

To help you cover your costs, a variety of scholarships, grants, loans and part-time work study are available. The University also accepts transfer credits and credit by exam for undergraduates, giving you more flexibility to add a double major or minor or participate in a transformational experience like study abroad or co-op.

Transparent Tuition Plan
Undergraduate Tuition
Undergraduate Financial Aid

Success After Graduation

Get more than your foot in the door — get ready for success. At our College of Arts and Sciences, you will have the opportunity to combine the classroom and business world together in a way that allows you to further sharpen your skills. It’s a key reason why employers love hiring our students — they can hit the ground running.

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Fast Facts

$61,798 average

starting salary for recent UD graduates across all majors

97% success rate

after graduation across all majors

Design Your Academic Path

Orpheus: UD's Literary Magazine

Orpheus Art & Literary Magazine is just one of the publications English students produce at UD.

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Dean's Summer Fellowship

Work with a faculty mentor on your self-directed research project as a Dean's Summer Fellow.

Learn More About the Dean's Summer Fellowship

Sigma Tau Delta

English majors have the opportunity to engage in various publications and special literary events. And UD's chapter of Sigma Tau Delta — English honors society — offers scholarships, service, and national and international publishing opportunities.

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Stander Symposium

An annual campus-wide forum to showcase academic excellence and recognize student learning through faculty-mentored undergraduate research, scholarship and artistic accomplishment.

Learn More About the Stander Symposium
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Ready to Study English?

Let’s create your future. Now you know what we’re about: community, personal attention, hands-on learning, integrity and global thinking. Take the next step and connect with us today.

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