Program Details
Program Details

Program Details

Bachelor of Arts in English

Bachelor of Arts
Mary Baldwin University

The MBU bachelor’s degree in English, through rigorous and varied coursework and discussion, develops students’ skills in critical reading, textual analysis, incisive research, evidence-based writing, and oral communication. Our courses balance breadth and depth, covering major works from the British, American, and world literary traditions as well as more specialized topics. Questions of identity and diversity are pursued across our curriculum, and students also learn to work with critical theory and real-world issues such as censorship, education, and the value of the humanities. The flexibility of our program allows students to focus on areas of English that align with their professional aspirations.


Program Overview & Guidance
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Program Web Page
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External Link
Delivery Mode
In-Person
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Delivery Mode
Online
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Delivery Mode
Hybrid
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Program Guidance Element What You Need to Know
Considerations for Selecting Degree This degree can be completed fully online, fully in-person, or in hybrid mode (combination of both online and in-person classes). It is writing-intensive and also requires a lot of reading. In their senior year, students choose a topic on which to write a 15-20 page research paper for Senior Seminar. Our curriculum integrates the best of the British and American literary traditions with new fields of study, especially women's writing, gender, and racial & regional diversity. Recent research shows that employers value?and actively seek out?candidates with the critical thinking, problem solving, ethical reasoning, and communication skills that an English major cultivates.
Considerations When Selecting Courses

Students should take ENG125 at VCCS, which equates to MBU's ENG111 Intro to Literature, a required course for the Major and minor. (Be aware that VCCS ENG111 and 112 are NOT literature classes; they together equate to ENG102, College English, which is a first-year composition class; it's a prerequisite for all other English classes at MBU). ENG 211 and 212 together equate to MBU's ENG245 Intro to Creative Writing, which is an elective for the English Major and a required course for the Creative Writing minor. ENG 245 equates to either ENG 208 or ENG 209 (the student can choose where to apply it). Its predecessors, 243 and 244, equate more precisely: 243 to MBU's ENG 208 and 244 to MBU's 209. Similarly, ENG 246 equates to either MBU's ENG 220 or MBU's 221 (the student can choose where to apply it). Its predecessors, 241 and 242, equate more precisely: 241 to MBU's ENG 220 and 242 to MBU's 221). Other VCCS 200-level literature classes generally count as 200-level electives towards the Major. The new VCCS course ENG 235 Reading Literature is recommended. Depending on their topic, VCCS courses would also equate to the requirements for one Global/Diversity in the US course (eg, African-American, World Lit, Asian American) and one Gender course (eg, Women in Literature).

  • Create a schedule for all required courses, pay attention to prerequisites and when courses are offered, complete your first math and English courses in your first year
  • Connect with an advisor at your community college and Mary Baldwin University within your first year via College Connect
Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses
Doing More With Your Degree English Majors may earn credit (up to three credit hours towards the Major) for internships and teaching assistantships. Internships may be generated with local businesses and libraries, or within MBU, eg by tutoring at the Writing Center. English Majors (many of them also taking the Creative Writing minor) run our online literary magazine, Outrageous Fortune. They gain internship credit as well as real-world work experience from the various roles they can play in OF - editing, managing, web design, publicity. Our Creative Writing minor pairs well with the English Major and has opened many doors for MBU graduates. Our graduate programs in Education also offer students the chance to pursue an accelerated Masters degree on top of an English Major.
Program Successes & Highlights MBU English Majors have gone on to law school, graduate programs in English, Masters programs in library science, or successful careers in teaching, publishing, science writing, marketing & consultancy. Many of our students have presented their Senior Seminar projects (ENG 400) as papers or presentations at the annual Capstone festival, translating their sophisticated literary research into a punchy ten-minute talk that communicates to a general audience. We?ve had many category winners over the years at Capstone. They rehearse for this activity in ENG 301 ?Introduction to English Studies,? at the end of which they stage a mock-conference - great experience in oral presentation and communication skills. Some of our students also present their work at undergraduate research conferences beyond MBU, for instance at a recent conference on ?Gothic Grimoires? at Shenandoah University. The Virginia Program at Oxford enables students to earn 3 credit hours in English and 3 in History through an immersive six-week summer course at St. Anne's College, Oxford, taught by world-class Oxford-based scholars.
Program Credit Requirements
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Please look above to see if a Transfer Guide is available for this program. lf you are a current Virginia Community College student or are planning to start at a Virginia Community College before transferring to this institution and program, please follow the Transfer Guide to plan your courses at the community college.

The table below provides the requirements to complete this program if you are not following a Transfer Guide. If you have an account and have created a Portfolio, the table includes the "Applied Credits" column. This column shows how the credits you earned based on the experiences you entered may be applied to satisfy these requirements. You can find schools where you can take courses that will transfer and apply to this degree using the Where Can I Find An Equivalent Course feature in the Transfer Tools menu.

The program map provided below is an estimate based on courses identified as a result of reviewing your portfolio and the requirements for the selected program.

A formal determination of credits awarded for your prior learning and their applicability to the degree requirements can only be made by the institution. The formal determination and resulting map may reflect higher or lower number of credits to be completed to achieve this program.
Requirements
Required Credits
Bachelor of Arts in English
120
English BA
120
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
AND
Transfer credits will be evaluated, and as applicable, up to 90 credits may be applied to this program.
General Education Requirements
36
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
No more than four courses may double count between the general education core and the major.
Arts
6
Earn 6 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Humanities
6
Earn 6 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Natural Sciences
6
Earn 6 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Social Sciences
6
Earn 6 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
International or Foreign Language
6
Earn 6 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
English 102
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Information Literacy 103
1
Earn 1 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Civic Engagement
1
Earn 1 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Physical Education
1
Earn 1 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Additional Mary Baldwin Requirements
18
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Engaging diverse viewpoints and developing skills: Courses in this category may double count with courses in the General Education Core, the major, minor, or electives at MBU.
Gender
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Race and Ethnicity in the United States
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Quantitative Reasoning
6
Earn 6 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Writing
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Oral Communication Competency
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
The Basic English Core
36
ENG301
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
ENG400
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
English Global/Diversity
3
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Choose one course from the Global English or Diversity English list.
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
English Literature Intro-level
3
ENG111 or ENG111T
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
English Literature first of sequence
6
Earn 6 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
English Literature second of sequence
6
Earn 6 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
English Gender
3
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Choose three credits from ENG235, ENG241 or ENG335 (or their transfer equivalents).
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
English Electives
9
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Three English courses at 200-level or above, no more than two can be creative writing courses.
Earn 9 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Electives
30
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Student should take electives to reach 120 credits for graduation. Consult with an advisor on a possible emphasis.
Earn 30 credits by completing any available course
Applicable Admissions Agreements
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There are no Applicable Admission Agreements for the Program.

What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?
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Transfer Guidance Element What You Need to Know
Associate Transfer Degree Completion AA, AA&S, AS, ADN, and AAS in Human Services fulfill all general education requirements.

Students that transfer in with a qualifying associate's degree will have all Gen Ed requirements met and can meet some degree requirments/prerequisites with transfer credits.
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School Students that transfer in with a qualifying associate's degree will have all Gen Ed requirements met and can meet some degree requirments/prerequisites with transfer credits.
Credit for Prior Learning We accept AP, IB, and CLEP results for college credit if the score earned meets college expectations. MBU Online may also evaluate Prior Learning Portfolios for students. Please see https://marybaldwin.edu/admissions/online/credit/
Did You Know That...
  • Completing your Associate transfer degree post-high school satisfies all lower division general education requirements and increases the chance of completing your bachelor's degree?
  • Exceeding 3 years or 90 credits at your community college means you may have exhausted your financial aid at that college and have limited your future financial aid at: Mary Baldwin University
College Level Information
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Transfer Admission Application
Transfer Students - Apply Here
External Link
Transfer Student Aid
Financial Aid for Transfer Students
External Link
College Fit Guidance What You Need to Know
Is This College Right For Me? Mary Baldwin's size allows students to gain maximum benefit from work with faculty who teach and mentor them. The average class size is 17 and very few are larger than 30. Campus housing is available for transfer students, and the campus community creates a variety of social, cultural, and cocurricular activities. Students also become involved in the broader Staunton community because civic engagement is a hallmark of a Mary Baldwin education. Student-athletes can participate in 12 different men's and women's varsity sports. Approximately 20% of students take advantage of this opportunity.
Transfer Student Catalog Year Students are governed by the degree requirements of the Catalog in effect at the time they begin their studies at Mary Baldwin University. However, students have the option of declaring themselves under the jurisdiction of a subsequent catalog; students may choose the Catalog in effect at the time they select a major or at the time they file for graduation. The Catalog governing degree requirements must be within 8 (eight) years of a student’s graduation date. Students transferring to Mary Baldwin University from the Virginia Community College System may elect to declare any Catalog in effect within the twenty-four-month period immediately preceding the term they first enroll.
First Year Student Catalog Year Students are governed by the degree requirements of the Catalog in effect at the time they begin their studies at Mary Baldwin University. However, students have the option of declaring themselves under the jurisdiction of a subsequent catalog; students may choose the Catalog in effect at the time they select a major or at the time they file for graduation. The Catalog governing degree requirements must be within 8 (eight) years of a student’s graduation date. Students transferring to Mary Baldwin University from the Virginia Community College System may elect to declare any Catalog in effect within the twenty-four-month period immediately preceding the term they first enroll.
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions
Where Can This Degree Transfer
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This section displays degrees most closely related to this program and to which you may be able to transfer. So, you can use this list to find the next degree you can complete in your major. Please click the degree name to visit that program page.

Institution Title Degree Award Name Award Level Delivery Mode
Eastern Mennonite UniversityBachelor of Arts EnglishBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Averett UniversityBachelor of Arts in EnglishBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Hollins UniversityBA in English and Creative WritingBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Ferrum CollegeB.S. in EnglishBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Christopher Newport UniversityBachelor of Arts in English, Major in EnglishBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Christopher Newport UniversityBachelor of Arts in English, Major in English, Concentration in LiteratureBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Christopher Newport UniversityBachelor of Arts in English, Major in English, Concentration in WritingBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
James Madison UniversityBachelor of Arts, Major in EnglishBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Longwood University English BABachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Longwood University English: Secondary Teaching Licensure BABachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Roanoke CollegeBachelor of Arts in English EducationBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Roanoke CollegeBachelor of Arts in Literary StudiesBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Radford UniversityBA in EnglishBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Radford UniversityBS in EnglishBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
University of LynchburgBA in EnglishBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
The University of Virginia's College at WiseBachelor of Arts in English, Major in EnglishBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Virginia Wesleyan UniversityBachelor of Arts in EnglishBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
George Mason UniversityEnglish, BABachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Norfolk State UniversityBachelor of Arts in EnglishBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
William & MaryEnglish - Bachelor of ArtsBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Old Dominion UniversityEnglish-BABachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
University of Mary WashingtonBA in English:Creative WritingBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
University of Mary WashingtonBA in EnglishBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Bridgewater CollegeEnglish Major - BABachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Shenandoah UniversityBachelor of Arts EnglishBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Bluefield UniversityBA in English - LiteratureBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Bluefield UniversityBA in English - Pre-LawBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Bluefield UniversityBA in English - WritingBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Randolph CollegeBachelor of Arts in English: Creative Writing emphasisBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Randolph CollegeBachelor of Fine Arts in English: Creative Writing emphasisBachelorBachelor of Fine Arts4-YearIn-Person
Randolph CollegeBachelor of Arts in English: Literature emphasisBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Virginia Commonwealth UniversityEnglish, Bachelor of ArtsBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Emory & Henry UniversityEnglish Literature (BA)BachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Randolph-Macon CollegeEnglish (BA)BachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Regent UniversityB.A. in EnglishBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearHybrid
Careers Where This Degree Applies
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O*Net Code Name Description Parent
25-1123.00English Language and Literature Teachers, PostsecondaryTeach courses in English language and literature, including linguistics and comparative literature. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.Educational Instruction and Library Occupations
43-9081.00Proofreaders and Copy MarkersRead transcript or proof type setup to detect and mark for correction any grammatical, typographical, or compositional errors. Excludes workers whose primary duty is editing copy. Includes proofreaders of braille.Office and Administrative Support Occupations
25-2031.00Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical EducationTeach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level.Educational Instruction and Library Occupations
Cost To Complete
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This section provides you with a very high-level estimate of your costs and is purely intended as a guide. You should consult the institution via College Connect to get a more detailed estimate based on the totality of your circumstances. The selections below are based on information gathered from your Profile and the estimated costs are calculated based on the 120 credits remaining to be completed

Please select the "Cumulative Months of Service" that determine your Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits.
Estimated Cost for the Bachelor of Arts in English at Mary Baldwin University
These costs are based on an estimated 8 semesters or 4 years remaining to complete this degree (assuming a full-time load of 16 hours per semester)
Category Cost Basis Cost (To You) Estimated Benefits Net Cost Notes
Tuition $33,737 Per Semester $269,896 $0 $269,896 Cost before aid; Full-time status of 12-18 credit hours; Cost per credit hour over the limit of 20 credit hours is $460.
Fees
Technology Fee $60 Per Semester $480 0 $480
Student Organization Fee $138 Per Semester $1,104 0 $1,104 Residential/Commuter students
Credentialing Fee $15 Per Semester $120 0 $120
Admin/Withdrawal Fee $105 Per Semester $840 0 $840 Fee for withdrawing before end of term
*Please note that the above estimated costs do not include all Federal, State or other financial aid, grants, scholarships, etc. for which you may qualify. All such aid could substantially reduce these costs.
Tuition & Fee Notes:
  • Additional Fees
    • Summer internship tuition fees are half-price of per hour rate ($230) for both residential and online students. Additional fees may include fees for some courses, inlcuding Applied Music; adminstrative fees for payment plans; parking fees and official transcripts.
  • RN to BSN Program Tuition
    • RN to BSN tuition is per $460 credit.
Other Financial Aid to Pay for College:
  • You may be eligible for additional financial aid from Federal, State, and Local sources. Military education benefits are not considered in determining eligibility for federal financial aid. Everyone is therefore encouraged to apply for federal financial aid by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), because many will qualify for additional educational funds like Pell Grants, worth over $5,500/yr.