Program Details
English, BA
Bachelor of ArtsGeorge Mason University
The Bachelor of Arts in English offers students the opportunity to study literature, creative writing, film and media studies, writing and rhetoric, linguistics, folklore and mythology, and cultural studies. Of these seven concentrations, students pursue one or two that best match their interests and career objectives. Students are encouraged to pursue internships related to their concentrations and receive faculty mentorship throughout that process. In fact, English classes are kept small so faculty members may provide students with personalized attention. Students write in a range of traditional and digital forms and in a variety of contexts; student work culminates in a research project written for the major capstone course in their concentration. For students who want to challenge themselves even further, there is an Honors Program in English, which includes a thesis option, as well as other opportunities to pursue advanced research or creative projects; for those who want to become teachers, there is a bachelor’s/accelerated master’s program that English offers in conjunction with the College of Education and Human Development.
Outcomes
1.Write effectively in a variety of genres, demonstrating understanding of audience, generic conventions, and the writing process. 2. Write logically, clearly, concisely, and correctly. 3. Analyze and interpret a range of cultural texts, including but not limited to literature, film, and folklore. 4. Develop, design, and create a range of products, including artistic contributions. 5.Conduct research, including finding and evaluating the reliability of sources.
Program Overview & Guidance

Program Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
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Considerations for Selecting Degree | The English BA is for storytellers, analytical thinkers, writers, editors, and for anyone who believes that making and understanding culture is at the heart of creating a more just society. Students transferring to Mason will get to select courses from across our concentrations, which include screen cultures, folklore, literature, creative writing, cultural studies, linguistics, and writing and rhetoric. If you are interested in a career that involves creativity, writing, social justice, research, and/or analysis, this is a major you should consider. At 36 credit hours the English major is also a good choice if you want to double major. |
Program Requirement Notes | Program Requirement Notes https://catalog.gmu.edu/colleges-schools/humanities-social-sciences/english/english-ba/#requirementstext |
Considerations When Selecting Courses |
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Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses | |
Doing More With Your Degree | English majors have opportunities to conduct original research, study abroad, and hold internships here at Mason (e.g., Stillhouse Press or Poetry Daily) or at companies, non-for-profits, or federal offices in the DC metro region. English offers two accelerated Master's programs: one in folklore and one in linguistics. We have a range of minors available to students, including a new minor in community and public writing. Highly motivated transfers may elect to apply for the English Honors program, which offers advanced, topic-driven seminars taught by research faculty. English Honors is a stepping stone toward post-graduate study or a variety of research and writing-intensive careers. |
Program Successes & Highlights | The English Department at George Mason provides a learning environment that stresses the importance of writing and reading in both creative and scholarly pursuits. Our programs offer unparalleled opportunities and prepare students for a variety of careers. PayScale College Salary Report recently ranked Mason as the #1 best school for English majors based on the opportunities we provide. In fact, our English graduates earn the highest average starting salary nationally. With Washington, D.C. next door, it's no wonder that Mason students and graduates have a competitive edge. We pride ourselves on small, discussion-based classes taught by veteran teachers. As a Mason English major you receive a highly personalized education while reaping the benefits of being at a large public research university. |
Program Credit Requirements

If you wish to see how your credits may apply, you can:
- Contact the institution where a staff member can help you map your credits to the requirements for this program.
- View the program requirements listed in the institution's catalog.
Applicable Admissions Agreements

The table below lists admissions agreements between George Mason University and partner institutions that may guarantee admission to this program if you meet the required criteria. Click on the title name of the agreement to view a summary of those criteria.
You can view the full text of these Agreements in the Resource Center
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?

Transfer Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
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Associate Transfer Degree Completion | Transfer associate degree completion is recommended. RBC and VCCS students completing A.A., A.A.& S., A.F.A, or A.S. degrees receive a lower-level Mason Core waiver. |
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School | Students who earn an associate degree through high school dual enrollment should still apply as freshmen and are not eligible for GAA. College coursework will be evaluated for transferable course credit. |
Credit for Prior Learning | https://www2.gmu.edu/admissions-aid/apply-now/how-apply/transfer/transfer-credit-policy |
Did You Know That... |
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College Level Information

College Fit Guidance | What You Need to Know |
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Is This College Right For Me? | George Mason University welcomes 4,500 new transfers each year.
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Transfer Student Catalog Year | Determined by first semester of enrollment |
First Year Student Catalog Year | Determined by first semester of enrollment |
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions | https://go.gmu.edu/GAA |
Where Can This Degree Transfer

Institution | Title | Degree | Award Name | Award Level | Delivery Mode |
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Eastern Mennonite University | Bachelor of Arts English | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Averett University | Bachelor of Arts in English | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Hollins University | BA in English and Creative Writing | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Ferrum College | B.S. in English | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Christopher Newport University | Bachelor of Arts in English, Major in English | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Christopher Newport University | Bachelor of Arts in English, Major in English, Concentration in Literature | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Christopher Newport University | Bachelor of Arts in English, Major in English, Concentration in Writing | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
James Madison University | Bachelor of Arts, Major in English | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Longwood University | English BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Longwood University | English: Secondary Teaching Licensure BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Roanoke College | Bachelor of Arts in English Education | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Roanoke College | Bachelor of Arts in Literary Studies | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Radford University | BA in English | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Radford University | BS in English | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
University of Lynchburg | BA in English | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
The University of Virginia's College at Wise | Bachelor of Arts in English, Major in English | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Virginia Wesleyan University | Bachelor of Arts in English | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Mary Baldwin University | Bachelor of Arts in English | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Norfolk State University | Bachelor of Arts in English | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
William & Mary | English - Bachelor of Arts | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Old Dominion University | English-BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
University of Mary Washington | BA in English:Creative Writing | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
University of Mary Washington | BA in English | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Bridgewater College | English Major - BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Shenandoah University | Bachelor of Arts English | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Bluefield University | BA in English - Literature | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Bluefield University | BA in English - Pre-Law | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Bluefield University | BA in English - Writing | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Randolph College | Bachelor of Arts in English: Creative Writing emphasis | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Randolph College | Bachelor of Fine Arts in English: Creative Writing emphasis | Bachelor | Bachelor of Fine Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Randolph College | Bachelor of Arts in English: Literature emphasis | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Virginia Commonwealth University | English, Bachelor of Arts | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Emory & Henry University | English Literature (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Randolph-Macon College | English (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Regent University | B.A. in English | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | Hybrid |
Careers Where This Degree Applies

O*Net Code | Name | Description | Parent |
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25-1123.00 | English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary | Teach 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 |
43-9081.00 | Proofreaders and Copy Markers | Read 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 |
25-2031.00 | Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | Teach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
Cost To Complete
