English Education (BA) Program Overview

Clear spoken and written communication skills are vital for today’s students and English teachers make it happen. Has your life been changed by the books you’ve read? Do you see yourself earning an English education degree to share your passion with middle and high school students? As an English education major, you’ll study centuries of the written word to understand how diverse experiences shape us. You’ll polish your critical thinking skills in order to inspire the next generation of students. Add-on endorsements in speech and journalism are also available to English education majors.

Teaching Literature and Composition

As an English education major, you’ll immerse yourself in English and language arts as well as pedagogy, the art, and the science of teaching. It’s not just theory because as a BU education major, you’ll take part in classroom observations beginning in your second or third semester. Faculty mentors work with you to demystify the psychology of teaching, so you’re prepared for your semester as a student-teacher. All of your coursework is designed to help you pass the certification exams for teacher licensure. You’ll also be encouraged to develop your skills as a servant leader in your community and apply a Christ-centered approach to your calling as an educator.

Complete the request information form today to take your first step to a rewarding career as a teacher.


The Academic Catalog is the student’s guide to all policies and procedures for Bluefield University.

The Teacher Education Handbook is the guide to all of the policies and procedures for students entering the Teacher Education Program (TEP).

The Student Teaching Handbook is the primary resource for all students in the culminating experience of the Teacher Education Program (TEP).

Tuition: On-Campus Tuition & Fees
Next Start: August 16, 2023 (On-Campus)
Time to Complete: 4 years

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Courses & Requirements

Bachelor's Degree (BA)
General Education (58 Credits)

General Education requirements may be fulfilled in more specific courses for certain majors


  • Invitation to Inquiry
  • Character Formation
  • Civic & Global Response
  • Personal Wellness & Activity
  • Intro to the Writing Process (3 Credits)
  • Argumentative & Analytical Writing (3 Credits)
  • Biblical Perspectives (3 Credits)
  • Survey of American History I or II (3 Credits)
  • World Civilizations I or II (3 Credits)
  • British Literature I (3 Credits)
  • 2 Beginning Level Modern Language Courses (6 Credits)
  • 2 Intermediate Level Modern Language Courses (6 Credits)
  • Macroeconomics (3 Credits)
  • College Algebra (or higher) (3 Credits)
  • Introduction to Psychology (3 Credits)
  • Fine Arts (3 Credits)
  • Fundamentals of Speech (3 Credits)
  • (Choose 1)
    • Human Biology & Lab (4 Credits)
    • General Biology & Lab (4 Credits)
    • Intro to the Physical Sciences & Lab (4 Credits)
    • General Chemistry & Lab (4 Credits)
Core Requirements (45 Credits)

  • British Literature II
  • American Literature I
  • American Literature II
  • World Literature I OR II
  • English Academic Internship
  • Modern English Grammar
  • History of the English Language
  • Intro to Creative Writing
  • Literature of Children & Adolescents
  • Technical Writing
  • Regional & Ethnic Literature
  • English Seminar
  • Creative Nonfiction
  • Studies in Rhetoric
  • Shakespeare
  • Mass Communications Survey
Professional Education (17 Credits)

  • Human Growth & Development for Educators
  • Foundations of Education
  • Intro to Instructional Media & Technology
  • Curriculum, Assessment & Instruction in Secondary Schools
  • Intro to the Exceptional Child
  • Teaching Reading in the Content Area
Field Experiences (15 Credits)

  • Dynamic Learning Environments
    • (Must be taken prior to Student Teaching)
  • Student Teaching
    • (Taken in the final semester)
Required Testing (2 Tests)

  • Virginia Communication & Literacy Assessment
  • PRAXIS II English Language Arts: Content Knowledge
Total Credits: 135

Career opportunities available to graduates of this program include:

Middle/High School English Teacher
Technical Writer
Publishing
Advertising/Marketing
Journalist

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Do I only apply once?

  • No. Students must apply each academic year for the fall semester and submit the necessary documents.

Do I have to take the classes specified in the Associate's Degree tracks as they are listed on the information sheet?

  • No. Students may take any of the courses that are offered in a given term.

Where do I find the textbook listing, and where do I purchase the books?

  • Log in to myBU, and under the "Student" tab, you will find a list of the textbooks required (if any) for each course. Students are responsible for purchasing their own textbooks.

How long is a semester?

  • Our semesters are divided into two 8-week terms.

Is there an orientation?

  • Yes. Students can attend an orientation session that explains how to access courses, how to register for classes, and answers other questions.

Where can I find a course description?

Does the student need to take the SAT or ACT in order to take Dual Enrollment classes?

  • No. If a student decides to study at BU full time, BU is currently test-optional for the 2021-2022 admissions cycle.

Are the classes live? Do students need to log in and participate at certain times?

  • Classes are offered online, so a student can log-on and study at their convenience and their own pace. Students have assignments due each week; you can complete your assignments at any point in time before the deadline.

Does an Early College student need to come to campus for anything?

  • No. However, we would love to have you visit our campus if you are interested in continuing with traditional on-campus study. Students who complete their associate's degree have the option to walk at our commencement ceremony.

Are Early College students able to receive Financial Aid?

  • No. However, Early College courses are very affordable compared to other options. The cost for an online Dual Enrollment course is $100 per credit hour.

How do transferring credits work?

  • Each College or University completes a transcript review in order to decide which courses transfer. Sticking to general education classes generally makes transferring credits simple. All Early College courses at Bluefield University are general education classes that should transfer to another accredited institution.

Is an Early College student considered, and treated, as a transfer student when they become a full-time college student if they have earned enough credits to be a Junior?

  • No. Since they have not graduated from high school, they are considered a first-time college student regardless of how many credits transfer. However, by transferring credits when they enroll as a full-time student, they will have to take fewer classes to receive their bachelor's degree, which shortens the length of time to earn the degree.

Can I speak to someone if I have more questions?

  • Yes. Please contact the Office of Admissions by email or you can call them at 276.326.4231

 

Meet our core Counseling faculty

Dr. Challen Mabry

Assistant Professor of Counseling

Dr. Kristen Moran

Associate Professor of Counseling

Brandy Smith

Assistant Professor of Education & Counseling,
Director of the Master of Arts in Counseling Program,
Title IX Confidential Counselor

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