English and Writing
Literature and Language: From Critical Thinking to Creative Expression
At York College, the English and Writing major combines global reading and theory with professional and innovative writing skills. Our program focuses on developing the ability to produce written work valued across professional fields, ranging from technical and business writing to creative writing and journalism. Students work closely with nationally-recognized faculty in a close-knit community of writers and scholars, and learn from our prominent series of visiting writers, including our annual Writer-in-Residence series. Hands-on experience is everywhere — from working as campus tutors and editors of the student literary magazine and podcast to participating in internships locally and around the country.
Our graduates find careers in publishing, education, business, the arts, and an array of fields, while also enrolling in some of the nation’s top MFA and PhD programs.
About the Bachelor of Arts in English and Writing
English and Writing Degree Requirements
The Bachelor of Arts in English and Writing degree program comprises 120 credits, balancing core literature and writing courses with professional development, research experience, and general education requirements.
English and Writing majors build foundational skills through required coursework while selecting specialized tracks of and electives that align with their interests and career goals:
- Literature Track (Shakespeare, popular literature, mixed-media)
- Writing Track (rhetorical theory, creative workshops, professional writing)
The English and Writing major prepares students for diverse careers through publishing experience, teaching and tutoring opportunities, editing workshops, internships and experiential learning. Students develop versatile communication skills while building expertise in their chosen concentration.
Courses
- LIT 100 Exploring Global Literature
- WRT 290 Teaching and Tutoring Writing
- WRT 325 Language and Linguistics
- CRW 380 Publishing
- WRT 280 Research Methods in Writing Studies
Admissions and Aid
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York College is proud to offer affordable private education with access to robust financial aid and scholarship resources. Explore undergraduate costs and financial aid at YCP.
Apply to the B.A. in English and Writing at York College of Pennsylvania
Get closer to your career aspirations through the practical training, creative mindset, and dynamic community of York College of Pennsylvania’s English and Writing major program.
Prepare for English and Writing Careers
Our English and Writing program equips students with versatile skills that are highly valued across numerous professional fields. Through rigorous coursework, experiential learning opportunities, and individualized mentorship, we prepare our graduates to excel in the following career paths:
- Writer
- Editor
- Publishing
- Technical Writer
- Public Relations
- Digital Communication
English and Writing Major Salary Outcomes
English and Writing graduates enter diverse professional landscapes where their communication expertise is highly valued. Salary ranges vary depending on industry, location, and organizational size, with publishing, content creation, and corporate communications offering competitive compensation packages. Graduates who have developed specialized skills through internships or portfolio work are particularly well-positioned for entry-level positions with strong growth potential. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), communication-focused careers offer growth potential, with many English and Writing graduates advancing to senior positions that command higher salaries as they gain experience and expertise.
Public Relations Specialists $69,780/year
Writers and Authors $72,270/year
Editors $75,260/year
Technical Writers $91,670/year
English and Writing Internship Opportunities
English and Writing majors often work as paid tutors in the Writing and Communication Studio, assisting writers at any level with their projects. Our majors complete at least one internship, and many do more than one. Internship sites are various, but have included newspapers, magazines, industry, education, publishers, and more.
Mentorship and Research
English and Writing students develop both qualitative and quantitative research skills throughout their studies, alongside publishing, editing, and design expertise. They read deeply across disciplinary literature and become adept at using theory to analyze complex texts and ideas. Creative writers work closely with faculty to develop and realize their imaginative works, which often appear in The York Review or receive recognition through campus student writing awards. The program is also closely associated with the Naylor Workshop on Undergraduate Research in Writing Studies, an innovative international showcase of writing research hosted by the college that provides students with valuable networking and presentation opportunities.
Student Clubs and Organizations
As an English and Writing major at York College, you can enrich your educational experience through diverse student publications and organizations. The York Review student literary magazine has been a campus staple for over 60 years, offering roles as editors, designers, and writers for both the award-winning publication and its associated podcast, The Rough Draft. Students can also gain journalism experience with The Spartan, the college's online student newspaper. The creative writing program's membership in the Association of Writers and Writing Programs provides students with valuable resources, including job listings and graduate studies guides—all helping you develop professional skills while making the most of your time at York.
Students can also explore clubs related to drama, sports, and other areas of interest that develop new skills, broaden your horizons, and make the most of your time at York College.
Skills for English and Writing Careers
In today’s rapidly shifting work environments, people often have the ability to work from anywhere they have access to a computer. The English and Writing program offers graduates the skills to enter a variety of fields, as writing and research skills are in demand in any industry, from local arts organizations to non-profits to Silicon Valley. Writing and research jobs continue to grow across the nation.
These skills provide English and Writing majors with a versatile foundation for various career paths in publishing, education, business communications, and many other fields:
- Critical analysis and close reading of complex texts
- Professional and creative writing across multiple genres and formats
- Editing, revision, and proofreading techniques
- Publishing and digital media production
- Literary and cultural theory application
- Technical and professional communication for diverse audiences
English and Writing Minors and Related Programs
The undergraduate English and Writing program aligns with the modern professional landscape, emphasizing a breadth of skills and interests.
Add a minor in Creative Writing, Literary Studies, or Professional Writing to a different bachelor's program, or complement your B.A. in English and Writing with a secondary area of specialization:
English and Writing Courses
Your class schedule will include core courses for your major, Gen Next general education classes, and electives.
| Course Name | Course Code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Rhetorical Communication | FCO 105 | 3 Credits |
| Digital Writing: Theory and Practice | WRT 320 | 3 Credits |
| Editing and Style | WRT 410 | 3 Credits |
| Senior Seminar in Writing | WRT 480 | 3 Credits |
Careers in English and Writing
These are just a few of the many career opportunities graduates of the English and Writing degree may find:
Copywriter
Editor
Technical Writer
Public Relations Specialist
Communications Manager
Publishing
Build your dream career, one day at a time.
This is day one. From your first semester on campus through graduation day, York College offers expert advice, professional development opportunities, and personalized support to help you navigate the choices that influence your future.
Explore resources for a successful college experience:
Frequently Asked Questions
With a B.A. in English and Writing, graduates can pursue diverse careers in writing, editing, publishing, public relations, digital media, government, non-profit, and education.
Yes, English and Writing majors are in demand as writing and research skills are essential across all industries, from local arts organizations to non-profits to Silicon Valley, with writing and research jobs continuing to grow nationwide in today's digital workplace environment.
The English and Writing major uniquely combines both disciplines rather than forcing students to choose between them, offering specialized tracks in both Writing and Literature while providing opportunities to work with nationally-recognized faculty, participate in a close-knit community of writers and scholars, and gain real-world experience through career readiness and experiential learning opportunities.
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