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College of Arts and Sciences

Bachelor of Arts (BA), English: Writing and Digital Studies

Program Overview

Do you love to read and write? Do you recognize the powerful nature of storytelling in almost every aspect of our lives? Do you imagine yourself writing and creating content for a living? If so, you should consider majoring in English, with a concentration in Writing & Digital Studies.

All three concentrations of the English major—Writing & Digital Studies, Literature, and Creative Writing—provide a foundation in the hallmarks of a humanities education: critical thinking, academic inquiry, historical and cultural perspective, creativity, and personal reflection.

The Writing & Digital Studies concentration offers students a robust grounding in British, American, and world literature traditions. Students build upon this foundation in literature as they consider how to apply the concepts of narrative and argument to multimedia and professional communication opportunities.

Writing & Digital Studies students enjoy the benefits of a flexible curriculum, which can be enhanced through a minor or additional major. Many of our students complement their English major with additional programs such as Communication, Public Policy, History, Theatre, and/or Marketing.

Admission Resources

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Program at a
Glance

TOTAL CREDIT HOURS

120

DETAILS

Total Credit Hours: 120
Program Type: BA
Location: Seated (Main Campus)
Time to Complete: 4 years (8 semesters)
Start Date: Fall: August | Spring: January
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Why AU?

The English program is committed to student-centered learning, with small upper-level courses, which are taught by supportive and engaged faculty members. These classes incorporate experiential learning opportunities, including working on our award-winning literary journal, Ivy Leaves. Other learning opportunities include engaging in usability testing, archival research, working in AU’s Writing and Multimedia Center, completing internships, and participating in study abroad programs. Faculty members are also committed to engaging questions of faith and the Christian tradition in the study of literature.

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The Knowledge You Will Gain

English students gain a wealth of knowledge about writing, design, literary traditions, genres, and critical theory, but, more importantly, English students become even more adept at asking questions and applying their rich skill sets. English graduates are proficient and creative thinkers. Their abilities—including advanced literacy, written and oral communication, ability to construct a persuasive and logical argument, research acumen, and audience awareness—are assets in any profession.

Career Outlook

If you love reading and writing, consider an English major. You will earn an incredibly versatile and marketable degree, and employers will value your strong written and oral communication skills. While advances in technology and AI are rendering many disciplines obsolete, English graduates distinguish themselves through their creative thinking, problem-solving, and capacity for empathy. English graduates are ready for careers that society has not yet imagined.

The English Department collaborates with the Center for Career Development to help students secure internships and learn of career opportunities. The department also hosts alumni events to help current students network and hear advice from recent alumni.

Recent alumni have entered careers in publishing and editing, grant-writing, education, library science, human relations, search-engine optimization, marketing, and management.

Career options include:

    • Writing, Editing, Journalism, and Technical Writing
    • Nonprofits, Public Outreach, Missions
    • Advertising, Marketing, Public Relations, Strategic Communications
    • Education, TESOL, Librarian, Professional Training
    • Entertainment, Script Writer, Production Assistant
    • Attorney, Law Clerk, Lobbyist, Public Policy Researcher
    • Real Estate Agent, Account Executive, Sales Trainer


Starting Salaries

Art Director: $105,180 Producer/Director: $85,320 Postsecondary English Language & Literature Teachers: $74,280 Writer/Author: $73,150 Editor: $73,080 Public Relations Specialist: $67,440 General Media & Communication Positions: $62,340 Recent national median salaries source: Bureau of Labor

 

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Knowledge You’ll Gain

English students gain a wealth of knowledge about writing, design, literary traditions, genres, and critical theory, but, more importantly, English students become even more adept at asking questions and applying their rich skill sets. English graduates are proficient and creative thinkers. Their abilities—including advanced literacy, written and oral communication, ability to construct a persuasive and logical argument, research acumen, and audience awareness—are assets in any profession.

Career Outlook

If you love reading and writing, consider an English major. You will earn an incredibly versatile and marketable degree, and employers will value your strong written and oral communication skills. While advances in technology and AI are rendering many disciplines obsolete, English graduates distinguish themselves through their creative thinking, problem-solving, and capacity for empathy. English graduates are ready for careers that society has not yet imagined.

The English Department collaborates with the Center for Career Development to help students secure internships and learn of career opportunities. The department also hosts alumni events to help current students network and hear advice from recent alumni.

Recent alumni have entered careers in publishing and editing, grant-writing, education, library science, human relations, search-engine optimization, marketing, and management.

Career options include:

    • Writing, Editing, Journalism, and Technical Writing
    • Nonprofits, Public Outreach, Missions
    • Advertising, Marketing, Public Relations, Strategic Communications
    • Education, TESOL, Librarian, Professional Training
    • Entertainment, Script Writer, Production Assistant
    • Attorney, Law Clerk, Lobbyist, Public Policy Researcher
    • Real Estate Agent, Account Executive, Sales Trainer


Starting Salaries

Art Director: $105,180 Producer/Director: $85,320 Postsecondary English Language & Literature Teachers: $74,280 Writer/Author: $73,150 Editor: $73,080 Public Relations Specialist: $67,440 General Media & Communication Positions: $62,340 Recent national median salaries source: Bureau of Labor

 

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Anderson University is a national leader in higher education in its use of technology to support and enhance all aspects of its core function—teaching and learning, which has led to the institution being recognized as an Apple Distinguished School since 2014. Through Anderson’s Digital Learning Initiative, Anderson has provided all of its residential undergraduate students and select graduate program students with an iPad Air and Apple Pencil. The mission of transforming learning experiences and preparing students to serve their communities and careers in the twenty-first century is enhanced through mobile devices developed by Apple.

Admission Requirements

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Previous Degree Required

No previous degree is required to enroll in this program.

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Transcript Requirements

Official high school or GED transcripts will need to be submitted as part of the application process for this program. Transfer students must submit official transcripts from their previous school.

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Additional Admission Requirements

Two essays (prompts) OR Official SAT, ACT, or CLT scores

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Application Deadline

Anderson University has a rolling admission process (students are notified when the are accepted whenever that is during the year) but students are encouraged to apply by the following dates: December 1st for the best scholarship consideration and no later than July 1st to begin in the fall semester.

More Information

I-20 Approved: Yes
I-17 Approved: No
Non Degree Option Available (Minor): English – Yes | Writing – Yes | Digital Studies – No
Program Director:
Bob Hanley
Breakdown of Credit Hours:
41 Credit Hours – University Core Requirements | 21 Credit Hours – English Major Core Requirements | 15 Credit Hours – English Major Electives | 3 Credit Hours – Cognate Course Requirements | 40 Credit Hours – General Electives
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Alumni Spotlight

Visit the AU NETWORK and meet more alumni in their Journey of Significance.

Georgie Kelley
SCSA
Music is not only a passion for Georgie Kelley, but it has also become an avenue for her to help others improve the quality of their lives. As a musical therapist, Kelley works with a variety of individuals, from students in her local school district to clients in her private practice.
Georgie Kelley
'21
South Carolina School of the Arts
Zach Seiter
CYB
Zach Seiter is on the front lines of digital defense for a large Upstate South Carolina utility.
Zachary Seiter
'23
Center for Cybersecurity
Jenny Broaddus
CLO
Dr. Jenny Broaddus has spent more than two decades in professional counseling. Her passion is helping leaders be at their best professionally and in other ways.
Jenny Broaddus, Ph.D.
'24
Center for Leadership and Organization
Jeremy Fishman
CLO
Dr. Jeremy Fishman found the Ph.D. in Leadership program at Anderson University a great fit for his unique aspirations.
Jeremy Fishman, Ph.D.
'24
Center for Leadership and Organizations
Bettye Smith, Ph.D.
CLO
Although Dr. Bettye Smith’s background is in engineering, she has developed a passion for leadership development.
Bettye Smith, Ph.D.
'24
Center for Leadership and Organizations
Dr. Kimberly Stapleton
CLO
When Dr. Kimberly Singleton was looking to advance professionally, she found that the Ph.D. in Leadership from Anderson University had everything she needed.
Kimberly M. Stapleton, PhD, CFEI®
'24
Center for Leadership and Organizations
Ashley Stone Ozmint
SCSA
Ashley Stone Ozmint has always been drawn to art.
Ashley Stone Ozmint
'20
South Carolina School of the Arts
C. Nakia Davis
COB
Anderson University graduate Nakia Davis has spent close to three decades in community banking.
C. Nakia Davis
'00
College of Business
Leonard Galloway
COE
Leonard Galloway, human resources director for Anderson School District 5, is committed to his hometown.
Leonard Galloway
'04
College of Education
Caroline Waldrop Blevins
COE
Caroline Waldrop Blevins says the students she teaches bring her joy.
Caroline Waldrop Blevins
'21
College of Education
Sara Cantrell
SCSA
Sara Cantrell has always loved art and wanted to help others.
Sara Cantrell
'18
South Carolina School of the Arts
Bates Whitaker
CAS
As communications manager for the North Carolina Wildlife Federation, Bates Whitaker gets to combine his love of the outdoors with his passion for storytelling.
Bates Whitaker
'21
College of Arts and Sciences
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We're Here to Help!

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