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Drawer Trigger

To major in English provides access to a colorful world of language, a place where literature comes to life, written communication finds a voice, and original work is created and cultivated.

As an English major, you will study a variety of literature, genres and theory, and develop your creative writing and journalism talents. A degree in English, with its emphasis on the mastery of language, will literally prepare you for any career. 

English majors gain an appreciation for the beauty of God through analyzing diverse works of literature and understanding how to craft the written word. The English department fosters an appreciation of the ways in which creativity reveals how we are made in God’s image. 

 

We are a close-knit department, an interpretive community of critical thinkers and writers, and you can expect personal, one-on-one feedback and guidance that will help you reach your potential.

Students interested in an English degree can choose from:

The department also offers two minors, including an interdisciplinary minor in Journalism & Digital Media. 

A Sampling of English Courses

Creative Writing

American Diversity

Becoming a Reader: Theory/Crit of Literature

Is a degree in English the next part of your story? Hear from students and faculty about why you should consider this major at Vanguard.

Program Highlights

A student sits under a palm tree reading the student journal

Synecdoche

Graduating seniors serve as the Editorial Board of Synecdoche, Vanguard University’s literary journal, producing and publishing a new issue every spring.

A student and faculty member walk side by side down a sidewalk on the campus

Faculty Mentors

With a 15:1 faculty to student ratio, faculty invest in each student’s unique skills and passions. 

Sigma Tau Delta

High-achieving students can join a thriving campus chapter of the nationally recognized honors society for English majors.

A professor looks over a book with students

Creative Writing Workshops

Students can select from a wide range of M.F.A.-style creative writing workshops, including Short Story, Playwriting, and Travel Writing.

A female student holds a copy of the student newspaper

Newspaper

Students can serve on the Editorial Board of the Vanguard Voice, the university’s student-run newspaper. 

A student sits outside at a table with a book

ITEP

The Integrated Teacher Education Program (ITEP) for English grants students the opportunity to earn both their BA in English and a Teaching Credential in four years. 

What Students Are Saying

Write Your Story

English graduates work and pursue study across a variety of industries.

Recent alumni work for:

  • Marked Ministry
  • College Living Experience
  • Chapman University
  • St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church
  • Earth to Us - Podcast
  • Salamander - Podcast
  • YMCA
  • Newport Mesa Church
  • YouVersion
  • Women Kick Balls – independent news source.
  • Northern Arizona University
  • Orange County School District
  • Latino College Preparatory Academy

Recent alumni work in:

  • Teaching
  • Publishing
  • Journalism
  • Social Media Management
  • ESL
  • Law
  • Podcasting
  • Publishing/Writing
  • Youth Pastor
  • English and Literacy Coordinator
  • Copywriter
  • Counseling
  • Administration
  • Entertainment

Recent alumni study at:

  • Columbia University
  • University of Arizona
  • Arizona State University
  • Northern Arizona University
  • University of California, Irvine
  • Pepperdine University
  • Chapman University
  • California State University, Fullerton
  • California State University, Long Beach
  • San Diego State
  • Concordia University
  • Liberty University
  • University of Leeds
  • University of York

OUR STUDENT PUBLICATIONS

We invite you to take the next step