English (BA) Program Overview

Do you dream of being a masterful communicator? Are you a critical thinker seeking truth and finding beauty in words? Do you see yourself as a successful author? Then the English degree at BU is for you. As an English major, you will choose either a literature or writing concentration. Each concentration offers specialized courses on topics that speak to you. Hone creative writing skills in exciting workshops. Polish critical thinking skills with fellow students in special seminars focused on such topics as mythology, fairy tales, literature & healing, or science fiction. As an English major, you’ll study with accomplished faculty members who are fully committed to your success in college and your career.

Theory and Hands-On Practice

Designed with the real world in mind, English program students gain practical experience with Bluefield University’s literary magazine, The Bluestone Review. Or you can serve as a tutor helping fellow students in the Academic Center for Excellence.

Are you ready to explore centuries of the written word and analyze the diverse experiences that shape us? Take the first step toward a transformative education by completing the request information form today.

Available Concentrations


Literature Concentration

The literature concentration allows students to choose from a rich array of courses that reflect the changing spheres of world fiction, poetry, drama, and nonfiction. In the coursework, we emphasize how the work is rooted in its historical time and reflected in our experience. Students hone their analytical skills as they read, analyze, and communicate complex information.

Writing Concentration

The writing concentration helps students achieve expertise in written communication for personal growth and professional training. Students have the opportunity to experiment with a variety of forms as they explore their voice and technique. They gain hands-on experience by working on the University’s literary magazine, The Bluestone Review.


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

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 (52 Credits)

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


  • Intro to Writing Perspective
  • Argumentative & Analytical Writing
  • Literature (3 Credits)
  • Biblical Perspectives
  • World Civilization I or II
  • US History I or II
  • Science w/ Lab (4 Credits)
  • Social Science (3 Credits)
  • Fine Arts (3 Credits)
  • Fundamentals of Speech
  • College Algebra I
  • Principles of Macroeconomics
  • Invitation to Inquiry
  • Personal Wellness
  • Character Formation
  • Civic & Global Response
Core Requirements (18 Credits)

  • History of the English Language
  • Intro to Creative Writing
  • (Choose 4)
    • Literature Appreciation
    • British Literature I
    • British Literature II
    • American Literature I
    • American Literature II
    • World Literature I
    • World Literature II
    • Literature & Healing
    • The Meaning of Myth
    • Literature of Quest
    • Fairy Tales
    • Science Fiction
    • Literature and The Life of Faith
    • Appalachian Literature
    • Literature: The Short Story
    • Literary Nonfiction: The Fourth Genre
Concentrations (33 Credits)

Choose your Concentration (2 Available)


  • Concentration – Literature
    • Shakespeare
    • Regional & Ethnic Literature
    • Introduction to Creative Writing or Creative Nonfiction
    • (Choose 8)
      • Modern English Grammar
      • Literature of Children & Adolescents
      • World Literature II
      • Literature & Healing
      • The Meaning of Myth
      • Literature of the Quest
      • Fairy Tales
      • Science Fiction
      • Literature & The Life of Faith
      • Studies in Rhetoric
      • Medieval Literature
      • Renaissance British Literature
      • Eighteenth-Century British Literature
      • Nineteenth-Century British Literature
      • Nineteenth-Century American Literature
      • Twentieth & Twenty-First-Century Literature
      • Special Topics in Literature
  • Concentration – Writing
    • Modern English Grammar
    • Introduction to Creative Writing
    • Technical Writing
    • English Internship
    • Advanced Creative Writing
    • Creative Nonfiction
    • Studies in Rhetoric
    • Journalism
    • Public Relations I
    • Two Additional 3000-4000 Level English Courses
Minors & Electives (17 Credits)
Total Credits: 120

Career opportunities available to graduates of this program include:

News Reporter
Editor/Content Manager
Technical Writer
Human Resources Specialist
Social Media Manager

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Apply Today

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

 

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Assistant Professor of Counseling

Dr. Kristen Moran

Associate Professor of Counseling

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