What courses will you take?
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.
Creative Writing Concentration degree pathway - 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.
Journalism & Professional Writing Concentration degree pathway - 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.
Literature Concentration degree pathway - Theatre Studies 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.
Theatre Studies Concentration degree pathway | Learn more about the Theatre Studies program
Visit the Academic Catalog for:
Learn about our online B.A. in English.
Why study English at UMass Lowell?
Fun Outside the Classroom
Put your learning into practice. Check out some of the fun ways UML students come together with these student organizations.
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
Expert Faculty
Engage with our nationally recognized
faculty through small class sizes and highly personalized advising.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Valentina Munoz Roa '25
English (Creative Writing)
Valentina Munoz Roa ’25 turned her passion for writing and design into a publishing career with a social media internship at Boston’s Beacon Press.
(Publishing is) all about who you know and who you can connect with. If you know the right people, a lot more jobs open up for you.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
David Rosario '21
English
David Rosario says his professors help him to stay focused and motivated.
The people in the community are really helpful.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
Celia Hoffman '26
English
Celia Hoffman discovered her passion for helping others improve their writing, a skill that’s guiding her toward two possible career paths: teaching and publishing.
I’m doing a lot of things that are putting me to the test, but it’s going to be great for my future.
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.
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.
