Program Details
Program Details
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Program Details

English, BA

Bachelor of Arts
George 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
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Program Web Page
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

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

    Students interested in Mason are encouraged to focus on completing courses that meet general education requirements. BA degree programs in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences have additional requirements in: philosophy or religion, social and behavioral science, foreign language through the intermediate level, and non-western culture. Students are encouraged to use the "Contact an Institution" section of the portal and connect with our staff for questions related to specific course equivalencies and requirements.
    For the BA in English, introductory courses for the major three credits of 100-level or 200-level coursework in ENGH, LING, or FOLK may be applied to the English major and may be completed prior to transfering to Mason. We advise students take ENGH 302, ENGH 301, and ENGH 305 plus a few more English courses in their first year as a transfer student at Mason.

  • 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 George Mason University within your first year via College Connect
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
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Credit and Course Requirements for the Program are expected in a future release. Please look above to see if a Transfer Guide is available for this program. If 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.

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.
If you are interested in the cost of attending this institution, please visit the institution's cost page to review costs
Applicable Admissions Agreements
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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.

Institution Name Type Title
Richard Bland College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Blue Ridge Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Central Virginia Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Danville Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Mountain Gateway Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Eastern Shore Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Germanna Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Brightpoint Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Laurel Ridge Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Mountain Empire Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement
New River Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Northern Virginia Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Paul D. Camp Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Patrick & Henry Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Piedmont Virginia Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Rappahannock Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Southside Virginia Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Southwest Virginia Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Tidewater Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Virginia Peninsula Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Virginia Highlands Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Virginia Western Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Wytheville Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement

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?
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Transfer Guidance Element What You Need to Know
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...
  • 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: George Mason University
College Level Information
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Transfer Admission Application
External Link
Transfer Student Aid
External Link
College Fit Guidance What You Need to Know
Is This College Right For Me? George Mason University welcomes 4,500 new transfers each year.
  • Our students enroll from all over the Commonwealth, all 50 states, and more than 130 countries.
  • Transfer students are encouraged, but not required to join our residential campus community of 6,300 students.
  • Mason transfers thrive in any number of the 470+ academic, cultural, or social student organizations.
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
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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
Mary Baldwin UniversityBachelor of Arts in EnglishBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
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 Plan Name Not Provided at George Mason 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 $5,196 Per Semester $41,568 $0 $41,568 Flat rate semester tuition for full time status of 12 - 15 credit hours. For less than 12 credit hours, tuition is $433.00 per credit hour. Credit hours over 15 are also charged the same per-credit tuition.
Fees
Mandatory Student Fee $1,914 Per Semester $15,312 0 $15,312 Flat rate semester mandatory student fee for full time status of 12 - 15 credit hours. For less than 12 credit hours, mandatory student fee is $159.50 per credit hour. Credit hours over 15 are also charged the same per-credit fee.
*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
    • New student fee is $275 for transfer students or $350 for freshman.
      Additional course fees vary. For more information about course and program fees, visit: https://studentaccounts.gmu.edu/tuition-fees.
      Housing, dining, and parking fees may also apply. For more detailed cost information, visit:

      George Mason Cost of Attendance

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.