As an English major, you will acquire skills in writing, critical thinking, research, and analysis that are highly marketable in the workforce.

What courses will you take?

Journalism and Professional Writing students working together on a desktop computer

UMass Lowell's B.A. in English program offers courses covering critical reading, research, writing, and creative activity.

You can choose from four concentrations, which lead to a wide range of career opportunities.

  • Creative Writing Concentration — Study literary artistry in small group workshop classes that emphasize style, technique, and other aspects of craft. You’ll take courses that focus on reading widely and writing well, preparing you to pursue a writing career beyond the classroom. 
    Courses for Creative Writing Concentration
  • Journalism and Professional Writing Concentration — Learn how to write for an audience and explore the different aspects of professional writing through courses about digital rhetoric, editing, publishing, grant writing, new media and more. Graduate with a portfolio of professional writing to pursue jobs as a journalist, technical communicator, or a writer in other professional contexts.
    Courses for Journalism & Professional Writing Concentration
  • Literature Concentration — Explore authors and texts through the historically under-represented perspectives of race, ethnicity, gender, disability, post-coloniality, and sexuality. Courses provide an understanding of the major critical approaches in literary study. You’ll graduate prepared for graduate work in literary and cultural studies as well as professions that require skilled reading, writing, research, and communication.
    Courses for Literature Concentration
  • Theatre Arts Concentration — Take courses in the history and literature of theatre as well as theatrical practice—acting, design, directing, stage management, production, and dramaturgy. You will gain the creative, analytical, and communication skills to pursue graduate study or professional work in such fields as theatre, education and the entertainment industry.
    Courses for Theatre Arts Concentration | Learn more about the Theatre Arts program

Visit the Academic Catalog for:

Learn about our online B.A. in English.

Why study English at UMass Lowell?

Brigid Archibald holds up copy of The Connector

Fun Outside the Classroom

Put your learning into practice. Check out some of the fun ways UML students come together with these student organizations.

Emily Crespo sits at a table with a Jumpstart poster.

Internships

Develop your writing and communication skills in professional settings through our internship program. Local placement sites include:

  • Businesses
  • Government organizations
  • Non-profit organizations
  • Schools
Creative writing faculty Andre Dubus, Maureen Stanton, Sandra Lim, and Maggie Dietz

Expert Faculty

Engage with our nationally recognized faculty through small class sizes and highly personalized advising.
Meryl Street holding a book in front of the UMass banner

Scholarships

UMass Lowell and the English Department offer you the opportunity to apply for scholarship awards, including English-specific scholarships such as the Meryl Streep Scholarship, Stephen King Scholarship and more.

What can you do with a degree in English?

Graduates of UMass Lowell's English program gain skills in writing, research, critical reading, and creative activity, allowing them to work in a wide range of career fields, or to continue to graduate school.

Roberta Rivera in his middle school classroom.

 Job roles can include:

  • Actor
  • Business writer
  • Journalist
  • Lawyer
  • Librarian
  • Publishing copy-editor
  • Teacher
  • Technical Writer

Meet Our Students and Alumni

Melisa Hussain stands at a table talking with a student
Melisa Hussain '21
English

Melisa Hussain’s experience as a visibly Muslim teenager inspired her honors thesis.

I want to create that critical research we need to make our lives better – and America better.
Read More About Melisa Hussain 
Tim Murphy reading "My Big TOE."
Tim Murphy '21
English Literature

Tim Murphy says his experiences at UMass Lowell have increased his confidence along with his expertise.

School has helped me learn how to work toward any goal and accomplish it.
Read More About Tim Murphy 
Taylor Carito, editor-in-chief of UMass Lowell's student newspaper The Connector, sits in The Connector office and works on a computer.
Taylor Carito '18
English

Taylor Carito signed up to work on The Connector, the student newspaper, at the beginning of freshman year. Now she’s editor-in-chief, and her involvement has shaped her college experience.

The whole campus is amazing. I like that it’s spread out, but integrated into the city, too. It forces you to get involved in the city more.
Read More About Taylor Carito 
Fahad Alden holding a director's clapperboard.
Fahad Alden '25
Digital Media and English (Theatre Arts concentration)

Fahad Alden says college is about finding where your passions and skills align.

I’m just so excited to see what next year brings.”
Read More About Fahad Alden 
Emmy Misail works on her comic strip
Emmy Misail '20
English – Journalism and Professional Writing

Emmy Misail won an Honors College creativity fellowship to draw comic strips under the guidance of an art professor.

Journalism and professional writing offer a really broad range of pathways to choose from.
Read More About Emmy Misail 
Brigid Archibald holds up copy of The Connector
Brigid Archibald '21
English

Brigid Archibald always wanted to be a superhero. Now the editor of the student newspaper, The Connector, she sees journalists as today’s heroes.

I saw how journalism could be another form of justice.
Read More About Brigid Archibald 
Edward Morante (left) stands with Benjamin McEvoy in front of their poster at a DifferenceMaker event, talking to a student
Edward Morante '21
English

Edward Morante says his studies in education and English, and his participation in the DifferenceMaker program, are preparing him to teach children of all ages.

I want to become a teacher because I want kids to succeed and enjoy life.
Read More About Edward Morante 
UMass Lowell student stands in front of
Kylie Letendre '23
Education, minor in English

Kylie Letendre, who struggled in school due to ADHD, wants to help children with learning disabilities.

I really like this program because of the dual certification. Right now, I’m thinking I want to work in special education.
Read More About Kylie Letendre 
Adeja Crearer in front of video camera
Adeja Crearer '17, '18
English, minors in Political Science and Digital Media

One faculty member opened a door for Adeja Crearer, and it changed her life.

Every opportunity I got came from someone on the faculty or staff who took the time to see my potential and then took the extra step to open a door for me.
Read More About Adeja Crearer 
Michelle Garcia reads aloud in front of a class
Michelle Garcia '21
English, Sociology

Michelle Garcia, a rising spoken word poet, is also learning how to write poetry for the page.

Writing keeps me sane. It keeps me grounded.
Read More About Michelle Garcia 
Troy Lafond seated in front of a computer
Troy Lafond '23
English

After switching from mechanical engineering to English, Troy Lafond uses his writing skills to excel with two student organizations.

I feel like I’m giving back to the campus, giving them a solid newspaper every week to keep everyone up to date on what’s going on both here and around the world.
Read More About Troy Lafond 
Roberta Rivera in his middle school classroom.
Roberto Rivera '18, '20
English, Spanish and Italian & Education

Roberto Rivera combined a B.A. in English literature and Spanish and Italian with a master’s degree in education to become an ESL teacher in the Lawrence schools.

My professors didn’t just make me an English teacher. They made me a teacher: someone who can work with children and teach them properly, whatever they need.
Read More About Roberto Rivera 
David Rosario with Prof. Maureen Stanton
David Rosario '21
English

David Rosario says his professors help him to stay focused and motivated.

The people in the community are really helpful.
Read More About David Rosario 
UMass Lowell student Carolina Reyes talks with a professor
Carolina Reyes '22
English – Creative Writing

Inspired by a summer program, Carolina Reyes is determined to become an English teacher at Lawrence High School.

I want to help other kids like me.
Read More About Carolina Reyes 
Emily Crespo sits at a table with a Jumpstart poster.
Emily Crespo '21
English & Music Composition

Emily Crespo came to UML for its affordability – and for the River Hawk Scholars Academy, now a supportive community for first-year, first-generation college students.

I learned not only that you can help others, but that they can help you on your journey, too.
Read More About Emily Crespo 
Tariq Brathwaite poses for photo with Prof Andre Dubus III.
Tariq Brathwaite '25
English

Tariq Brathwaite’s superpowers — creativity and work ethic — have already taken him farther than he dreamed possible.

I want to teach creative writing because everyone has a creative side.
Read More About Tariq Brathwaite