Vanguard University

English

To major in English at Vanguard University is to enter a world in which students are presented with a colorful variety of curricular options: from the study of literature and its rich legacy of authors, genres and theory to the practice and development of creative writing and journalism, and their many branches and forms, a degree in English, with its emphasis on the mastery of language, will literally prepare you for any career.

The English department facilitates the rigorous study of literature and writing through Christian perspectives on ethics, imagination, diversity, and truth; informed analysis of creative literature, and advanced strategies and techniques of written communication, rhetorical analysis, aesthetic appreciation, and literary theory. The English department promotes spiritual development through the integration of faith and learning.“The major's traditional routes of teaching, publishing, and editing are always available, but many students fail to realize how adaptable and diverse your opportunities are with an English major!”
Kyle Durham, '12We are a close-knit department, an interpretive community of critical thinkers and writers, and students can expect the kind of personal, one-on-one feedback and guidance that will lift them to a higher skill set.“The English department at VU gave me a safe space to find my voice and taught me to courageously pursue deeper truths beneath the surface of a story."
Ashley Scriven, '18

While earning a B.A. in English, you will customize your experience by choosing one of the below options and/or emphases.

view program requirements

WHY CHOOSE AN ENGLISH MAJOR?

programs

Creative Writing Emphasis

The Creative Writing Emphasis is robust and multi-faceted, offering opportunities to explore, practice and finetune creative work in multiple genres.

The emphasis begins with English 350: Creative Writing, an introductory course that focuses on fiction, poetry and drama. Students are then free to delve into the many specific course offerings, including The Short Story, Creative Nonfiction, Playwriting, Travel Writing, and a plethora of journalism courses, including hands on experience working and writing for The Vanguard Voice, Vanguard University’s student newspaper.

Watch: More Information

view major requirements

Literature & Textual Analysis Emphasis

This emphasis introduces the aspiring literary scholar to the study of literature in different historical and cultural contexts from American and British literatures to literatures in English from all over the world. Focused electives allow students to study topics of interest more narrowly, including courses in J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, Theopoetics, and the Victorian novel. The ability to read critically and assess how communication is accomplished in a text prepares students for many diverse careers from teaching to law.

Watch: More Information

view major requirements

Integrated Teacher Education Program (ITEP)

The Integrated Teacher Education Program (ITEP) for English grants undergraduate students the opportunity to earn both their Bachelor of Arts degree in English and a Teaching Credential within four years of coursework. This program blends subject matter preparation and teacher preparation by offering coursework in both areas concurrently and in a connected manner during their undergraduate years. The English ITEP is specifically designed for undergraduates who have already decided that they want to be middle or high school teachers (no later than Spring semester of Sophomore year). This program follows standards established by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing and is an approved Single Subject Matter Waiver Program. Application process is required, see English Department for more information.

ITEP Application

view 4 Year Plan / Curriculum requirements

Journalism & Digital Media Minor

In an increasingly digital world, students with skills in media production and writing for online contexts will be prepared to work in a variety of industries. The Journalism and Digital Media minor provides students with fundamental journalism training, while also equipping them to create in multimodal environments, including audio and visual production and social media platforms. Courses in this program include Digital Writing and Design, Media Ethics and electives in photography, marketing and film.“Vanguard’s Minor in Journalism and Digital Media enabled me to develop and line up my passions, education and writing skills in a way that prepared me for a career in journalism.”

Jackie Gutierrez '20VIEW MINOR REQUIREMENTS

English Minor

The minor in English consists of 21 units in English. Students may freely choose among the many course offerings to meet the minor requirements. (ENGL-230C: Literature and the Human Experience counts towards the 21 units; however, ENGL-120C and ENGL-220C do not.) Given its emphasis on close reading, critical thinking, and rhetorical, analytical and creative prose, the English minor is excellent support for majors in the Humanities, Social Sciences, Fine Arts, Theology and any other concentration of study.

Apply Now

Request Information

Visit Vanguard