English Major, Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

For students who entered fall 2018 and beyond.

Freshman Year

Sophomore Year

Junior Year

Senior Year

Total Minimum Credits = 120.

¹World Ready Language Track (WR track) requires successful completion of a two course sequence in a World Language (depending on placement) and three approved courses on the culture/history/literature/film related to that language, but taught in English. (Total of 15 credits.) For detailed information refer to Policies - Language Requirements in the undergraduate catalog.

²Appropriate Creative Writing Electives are listed below.

³Some students may satisfy the Diverse Traditions requirement with a 2000 level course and should consult with their advisors to be sure that they will also satisfy both the DCA and SRE ELOs.

⁴Quantitative Literacy (QL) is fulfilled outside the English major. The department recommends that all majors take MATH.1110 which fulfills both the Math Breadth of Knowledge requirement and the Quantitative Literacy ELO. See QL course listing for a full list of classes that fulfill this requirement.

A minimum of 36 credits, appropriately distributed, is required in English department courses. Students may not exceed the maximum of 54 credits of English department courses (not counting College Writing I and II). At least 66 credits must be earned outside of the major.

• In order to graduate, students must earn a cumulative 2.200 grade point average for all English department courses, with the exception of College Writing I and II.
• Students must complete 12 credits of advanced creative writing courses and 9 credits of literature electives as well as Introduction to Creative Writing (ENGL.2380), Critical Methods (ENGL.2000), Shakespeare 1 or 2 (ENGL.4230 / ENGL.4240), and a 4000 level creative writing capstone course.
• Majors must take at least one course that fulfills the department's Diverse Literary Traditions requirement. Students should consult AR in SIS for the department's list of approved courses.

No more than two Breadth of Knowledge courses can be taken with the same prefix. The Core Curriculum courses may be taken in any sequence. Refer to the Core Curriculum policy for further details. You should meet with your faculty advisor to determine how you will meet the Core Curriculum requirements.

Current UMass Lowell students should be using their Advisement Report in SiS. If you need assistance, please contact your advisor.

Required Courses

Two foundation courses are required (6 credits):

• ENGL.2380 Introduction to Creative Writing (must be completed before taking any advanced creative writing courses)
• ENGL.2000 Critical Methods of Literary Inquiry

Five approved creative writing electives are required (15 credits):

Note: At least one of these must be a level II course.

• ENGL.3020 Creative Writing: Fiction
• ENGL.3030 Creative Writing: Poetry
• ENGL.3040 Creative Writing: Playwriting
• ENGL.3220 Creative Writing: Nonfiction
• ENGL.3660 Creative Writing: Poetry II
• ENGL.4070 Creative Writing: Fiction II
• ENGL.4180 Creative Writing: Nonfiction II

Three 3000 or 4000 level literature electives are required (9 credits):

Any 3000/4000 level literature course qualifies. Review your Advising Report in SIS for the full list.

• ENGL.3/4xxx Literature Elective

One of these literature courses should meet the department requirement for “Diverse Literary Traditions”.

One of the following is required (3 credits):

• ENGL.4230 Shakespeare 1
• ENGL.4240 Shakespeare 2

One capstone course is required (3 credits):

• ENGL.4xxx Creative Writing Workshop
• ENGL.4xxx Selected Authors
• ENGL.4900 / ENGL.4930 Directed Study (must be pre-arranged with faculty approval)

Optional: An additional six English electives may be taken (0-18 credits):

Additional English courses (up to six courses within the 54 credit limit) may be taken in literature, theatre, or writing. For students contemplating graduate school in the discipline, additional 3000/4000 level creative writing and literature courses are recommended. Students are encouraged in the spring of junior year or fall of senior year to seek an experiential learning opportunity such as the Practicum (Internship) or Community Writing 1 or 2, depending on the student's career goals and interests. Students planning a career in secondary teaching should consider the Undergraduate Seminar on the Teaching of Writing.

Creative Writing students are not required to take a minor, but they are encouraged to do so. Depending on the student's career goals and interests, several different minors may be appropriate. All students are encouraged to discuss possible minors with their academic advisors.

Restriction on off-campus study:

Be advised that any course taken at another institution must be formally approved prior to enrollment.

See the catalog policy for details.

For students who entered fall 2025 and beyond.

Freshman Year

Sophomore Year

Junior Year

Senior Year

Total Minimum Credits = 120

Minimum [major] Credits: 36

Maximum [major] that can be counted toward graduation: 54

¹World Ready Language Track (WR track) requires successful completion of a two course sequence in a World Language (depending on placement) and three approved courses on the culture/history/literature/film related to that language, but taught in English. (Total of 15 credits.) For detailed information refer to Policies - Language Requirements in the undergraduate catalog.

²See list of options for writing electives.

³See requirements for literature electives, Theory/Composition/Language, capstone, and portfolio requirements below. One literature elective must fulfill the department’s Diverse Traditions requirement. Some students may satisfy the Diverse Traditions requirement with a 2000 level course and should consult with their advisors to be sure that they will also satisfy both the DCA SRE ELOs.

⁴Quantitative Literacy (QL) is fulfilled outside the English major. The department recommends that all majors take MATH.1110 which fulfills both the Math Breadth of Knowledge requirement and the Quantitative Literacy ELO. See QL course listing for a full list of classes that fulfill this requirement.

A minimum of 36 credits, appropriately distributed, is required in English department courses. Students may not exceed the maximum of 54 credits of English department courses (not counting College Writing I II). At least 66 credits must be earned outside of the major.

• In order to graduate, students must earn a cumulative 2.200 grade point average for all English department courses, with the exception of College Writing I and II.
• Students must complete Introduction to Professional Writing (ENGL.2390); Critical Methods (ENGL.2000); 15 credits of advanced writing courses; 6 credits of literature electives; 3 credits of English electives; 3 credits of Theory/Composition/Language electives, and a 4000 level capstone course or practicum.
• Majors must take at least one course that fulfills the department's Diverse Traditions requirement. Students should consult the AR in SIS for the department's list of approved courses.

No more than two Breadth of Knowledge courses can be taken with the same prefix. The Core Curriculum courses may be taken in any sequence. Refer to the Core Curriculum policy for further details. You should meet with your faculty advisor to determine how you will meet the Core Curriculum requirements.

Current UMass Lowell students should be using their Advisement Report in SiS. If you need assistance, please contact your advisor.

Restriction on off-campus study:

Be advised that any course taken at another institution must be formally approved prior to enrollment.

See the catalog policy for details.

Writing Requirements

Two foundation courses are required (6 credits):

• ENGL.2390 Introduction to Professional Writing (must be completed before taking any advanced writing courses)
• ENGL.2000 Critical Methods of Literary Inquiry

Five approved writing electives are required (15 credits):

• ENGL.3000 Introduction to Journalism
• ENGL.3050 Reviewing the Arts
• ENGL.3060 Intermediate Professional Writing
• ENGL.3200 Personal and Reflective Writing
• ENGL.3210 Community Writing I
• ENGL.3230 Writing About People
• ENGL.3240 Writing About Place
• ENGL.3280 Writing About Women
• ENGL.3680 Feature Writing
• ENGL.3690 Reading and Writing New Media
• ENGL.3860 Editing: Grammar and Style
• ENGL.3870 Introduction to Editing and Publishing
• ENGL.3910 Writing on the Job
• ENGL.3920 Visual Rhetoric
• ENGL.4020 Topics in Writing
• ENGL.4060 Community Writing II
• ENGL.4080 Principles of Technical Writing
• ENGL.4370 Newspaper Editing
• ENGL.4900 Directed Studies in Writing
• ENGL.4960 Internship I

One capstone course is required (3 credits):

Any 4000 level writing course on the list above or ENGL.4900 Directed Study in Writing (must be pre-arranged with faculty approval).

Portfolio Requirement:

Students must submit an electronic portfolio of work to a JPW faculty committee in order to graduate. This portfolio should include a resume and cover letter, and substantial written and/or multimedia work created for a public audience, including assignments from relevant coursework, output from extracurricular activities, and work done as part of an internship.

Additional Requirements

Two literature electives are required (6 credits):

Students take at least two 3000/4000 level literature courses (any 3000 or 4000 level literature course qualifies).

• ENGL.3/4xxx Literature Elective
• ENGL.3/4xxx Literature Elective

One English elective is required (3 credits)

Any ENGL course at the 2000 level and above

One of the following Theory/Composition/Language courses is required (3 credits):

• ENGL.3070 History of the English Language
• ENGL.3080 Structure and Variation of the English Language
• ENGL.3150 Old English
• ENGL.3154 Middle English Literature and Language (1066-1500)
• ENGL.3691 History and Theory of Media 
• ENGL.3693 Reading and Writing in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
• ENGL.3770 Theories of Rhetoric & Composition
• ENGL.3860 Editing, Grammar, and Style
• ENGL.3880 Teaching Writing
• ENGL.3920 Visual Rhetoric
• ENGL.4290 Introduction to Literary Theory
• ENGL.4320 Introduction to Digital Humanities

Optional: Up to six free English electives may be taken (0-18 credits):

Additional English courses (up to six courses within the 54 credit limit) may be taken in literature, theatre, or writing. For students contemplating graduate school in the discipline, additional 3000 or 4000 level writing and literature courses are recommended. Students planning a career in secondary teaching should consider the Undergraduate Seminar on the Teaching of Writing.

For students who entered fall 2021 and beyond.

Freshman Year

Sophomore Year

Junior Year

Senior Year

Total Minimum Credits = 120

¹Quantitative Literacy (QL) is fulfilled outside the English major. The department recommends that all majors take MATH.1110 which fulfills both the Math Breadth of Knowledge requirement and the Quantitative Literacy ELO. See QL course listing for a full list of classes that fulfill this requirement.

²These three foundations courses may be taken in any order: Critical Methods, British Literary Traditions, and American Literary Traditions. They will introduce you to essential approaches to literary study and to the literary history that will ground your further studies. We strongly encourage you to take these courses before moving on to upper-level English courses.

³World Ready Language Track (WR track) requires successful completion of a two course sequence in a World Language (depending on placement) and three approved courses on the culture/history/literature/film related to that language, but taught in English. (Total of 15 credits.) For detailed information refer to Policies - Language Requirements in the undergraduate catalog.

⁴See requirements for period electives, Theory/Composition/Language/Methods, and capstone below. Some students may satisfy the Diverse Traditions requirement with a 2000 level course and should consult with their advisors to be sure that they will also satisfy both the DCA and SRE ELOs.

A minimum of 36 credits, appropriately distributed, is required in English department courses. Students may not exceed the maximum of 54 credits of English department courses (not counting College Writing I and II) within the first 120 credits presented toward graduation. At least 66 credits must be earned outside of the major.

In order to graduate, students must earn a cumulative 2.200 grade point average for all English department courses, with the exception of College Writing I and II.

All English majors must take at least two courses that satisfy the Diverse Literary Traditions requirement. These courses explore authors and texts through the historically under-represented perspectives of race, ethnicity, gender, disability, post-coloniality, and sexuality. Certain diversity courses may also significantly address non-western literary traditions. Courses satisfying this requirement take as their main focus literary traditions that respond to and represent voices outside the traditional canon, providing students with an opportunity to consider the complex power dynamics that influence literature and the academic field of literary study and to consider the way literary texts can engage and influence these same power dynamics. Students should consult the AR in SIS for the department's list of approved courses.

No more than two Breadth of Knowledge courses can be taken with the same prefix. The Core Curriculum courses may be taken in any sequence. Refer to the Core Curriculum policy for further details. You should meet with your faculty advisor to determine how you will meet the Core Curriculum requirements.

Current UMass Lowell students should be using their Advisement Report in SIS. If you need assistance, please contact your advisor.

Restriction on off-campus study:

Be advised that any course taken at another institution must be formally approved prior to enrollment.

See the catalog policy for details.

Required Courses

Each of the following 2000 level foundation courses is required (9 credits):

• ENGL.2000 Critical Methods of Literary Inquiry
• ENGL.2810 British Literary Traditions
• ENGL.2820 American Literary Traditions

Six approved English literature electives are required (18 credits):

Students take six literature electives. One of these may be at the 2000 level (but can be 3000/4000 level). Five of the electives must be at the 3000/4000 level. Courses must also meet the literary period distribution requirements listed below (lists of approved courses for period categories may be found in the Literature AR on SIS):

• ENGL.2/3/4xxx any literature course
• ENGL.3/4xxx Pre-1700 literature course
• ENGL.3/4xxx 1700-1900 literature course
• ENGL.3/4xxx Post-1900 literature course
• ENGL.3/4xxx any upper-division literature course
• ENGL.3/4xxx any upper-division literature course

One of the following Theory/Composition/Language/Methods courses is required (3 credits):

• ENGL.3070 History of the English Language
• ENGL.3080 Structure and Variation of the English Language
• ENGL.3150 Old English
• ENGL.3154 Middle English Literature and Language (1066-1500)
• ENGL.3691 History and Theory of Media 
• ENGL.3693 Reading and Writing in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
• ENGL.3770 Theories of Rhetoric & Composition
• ENGL.3860 Editing, Grammar, and Style
• ENGL.3880 Teaching Writing
• ENGL.3920 Visual Rhetoric
• ENGL.4290 Introduction to Literary Theory
• ENGL.4320 Introduction to Digital Humanities

One capstone course is required (3 credits):

The capstone will provide a culminating opportunity to complete a substantial learning project. Students should discuss their interests with their academic advisor to plan ahead for the capstone. Choose one of the following, depending on student goals and interests:

• An Individually-Designed Research Project
  • ENGL.4xxx Literary Research and Methods Seminar
  • ENGL.4910 Directed Study in Literature
• Experiential Learning
  • ENGL.4960 Internship I
  • ENGL.4970 Practicum
• A 4000-level Literature course (including single-author studies, upper-level thematic/period study, and advanced theory/methods courses)
  • ENGL.4010 Selected Authors
  • ENGL.4230 Shakespeare I
  • ENGL.4240 Shakespeare II
  • ENGL.4270 Virginia Woolf
  • ENGL.4280 The Harlem Renaissance
  • ENGL.4290 Introduction to Literary Theory
  • ENGL.4320 Introduction to Digital Humanities
  • ENGL.4790 Literature Seminar

Optional: An additional six English electives may be taken (0-18 credits):

Additional English courses (up to six courses within the 54 credit limit) may be taken in literature, theatre, or writing. For students contemplating graduate school in the discipline, additional 3000 or 4000 level literature courses are recommended. Students are encouraged in the spring of junior year or fall of senior year to seek an experiential learning opportunity such as the Practicum (Internship) or Community Writing 1 or 2, depending on the student's career goals and interests. Students planning a career in secondary teaching should consider the Undergraduate Seminar on the Teaching of Writing.

Note: Literature students are not required to take a minor, but they are encouraged to do so. Depending on the student's career goals and interests, several different minors may be appropriate. All students are encouraged to discuss possible minors with their academic advisors.

For students who entered fall 2025 and beyond.

Freshman Year

Sophomore Year

Junior Year

Senior Year

Total Minimum Credits = 120

Minimum [major] Credits: 36

Maximum [major] that can be counted toward graduation: 54

¹World Ready Language Track (WR track) requires successful completion of a two course sequence in a World Language (depending on placement) and three approved courses on the culture/history/literature/film related to that language, but taught in English. (Total of 15 credits.) For detailed information refer to Policies - Language Requirements in the undergraduate catalog.

²Theatre Arts has three foundations courses: ENGL.2330 Play Analysis, ENGL.3820 World Theatre I: Ancient Greece to 18th Century OR ENGL.3830 World Theatre II: 19th Century to the Present, and THEA.2300 Foundations of Theatrical Design

³There are several different varieties of Theatre Electives, with a required distribution. These can be taken in any order; see the list of Theatre Electives and specific categories and distribution requirements below. One literature elective must fulfill the Department’s Diverse Traditions requirement. Some students may satisfy the Diverse Traditions requirement with a 2000 level course and should consult with their advisors to be sure that they will also satisfy both the DCA and SRE ELOs.

⁴Quantitative Literacy (QL) is fulfilled outside the English major. The department recommends that all majors take MATH.1110 which fulfills both the Math Breadth of Knowledge requirement and the Quantitative Literacy ELO. See QL course listing for a full list of classes that fulfill this requirement.

A minimum of 37 credits, appropriately distributed, is required for the Theatre Arts major:

• In order to graduate, students must earn a cumulative 2.200 grade point average in their coursework for the Theatre Arts major.
• Students must complete 18 credits with the “ENGL” prefix and 13 credits of “THEA” prefix courses. They may then select additional THEA or ENGL courses to complete the major. See below for details on various categories and requirements.
• Students must complete a capstone course in Theatre in their senior year (see options below). The capstone may be a one-credit course.
• At least one course must fulfill the department's Diverse Literary Traditions requirement; consult with your adviser or see the list in the SIS advising report.

No more than two Breadth of Knowledge courses can be taken with the same prefix. The Core Curriculum courses may be taken in any sequence. Refer to the Core Curriculum policy for further details. You should meet with your faculty advisor to determine how you will meet the Core Curriculum requirements.

Current UMass Lowell students should be using their Advisement Report in SiS. If you need assistance, please contact your advisor.

Restriction on off-campus study:

Be advised that any course taken at another institution must be formally approved prior to enrollment.

See the catalog policy for details.

Required Courses

The Theatre Arts Concentration consists of 36 credits. Of these, a minimum of 15 credits of “ENGL” course work and 12 credits of THEA coursework are specifically required; students may select from either course group for the remaining 9 required credits.

Each of the following foundation courses is required (9 credits):

• ENGL.2330 Play Analysis
• ENGL.3820 / ENGL.3830 World Theatre I: Ancient Greece to 18th Century / World Theatre II: 19th Century to the Present
• THEA.2300 Foundations of Theatrical Design

One of the following courses in Shakespeare is required (3 credits):

• ENGL.4230 Shakespeare I
• ENGL.4240 Shakespeare II

Students must take Play Production at least once (3 credits):

• THEA.3110 Play Production (3cr; may be repeated for credit)

At least two courses in Dramatic Literature/Theatre History Electives (6 credits):

• ENGL.2100 Drama
• ENGL.2180 Comedy
• ENGL.3440 Women in Theatre (Diverse Traditions/DCA)
• ENGL.3480 Modern American Drama
• ENGL.3590 Contemporary World Drama (Diverse Traditions/DCA)
• ENGL.3600 Medieval and Renaissance Theatre
• ENGL.3610 Restoration Comedy
• ENGL.3620 Modern Drama
• ENGL.3630 English Renaissance Drama
• ENGL.3640 African-American Drama (Diverse Traditions/DCA)
• ENGL.3820 Theatre History 1
• ENGL.3830 Theatre History 2
• ENGL.4230 Shakespeare I
• ENGL.4240 Shakespeare II

At least one course in Performance Electives (min. 3 credits):

• THEA.2610 Acting 1
• THEA.2620 Acting 2
• THEA.2650 Voice and Movement for Actors
• THEA.3400 Directing Workshop
• THEA.3640 Performing Shakespeare
• THEA.4900 Performance Practicum (1cr; may be repeated for credit)

At least one course in Creative Electives (min. 3 credits):

• THEA.2300 Foundations of Theatrical Design
• THEA.3400 Directing Workshop
• THEA.4010 Topics in Theatre
• ENGL.3040 Creative Writing: Playwriting

Two additional 3-credit Theatre Arts Electives (either ENGL or THEA) in any of these areas:

Students need to take two more courses (6 credits) in any one of the four areas listed below; see course lists in each of these sub-sections above for specific options. Students should choose these courses from the area in which they wish to specialize.

• Dramatic Literature/Theatre History
• Performance
• Creative
• Technical Theatre

A 3-credit capstone course is required:

• ENGL.4230 Shakespeare I
• ENGL.4240 Shakespeare II
• THEA.4010 Topics in Theatre
• THEA.4930 Practicum in Theatre  
• THEA.4940 Directed Study in Theatre

Optional: An additional 18 credits in THEA and ENGL electives may be taken (0-18 credits):

Additional courses (up to 18 credits within the 54 credit limit) may be taken in literature, theatre, or writing. For students contemplating graduate school in the discipline, additional 3000 or 4000 level theatre or dramatic literature courses are recommended.

Note: Theatre Arts students are not required to take a minor, but they may wish to do so. Depending on the student's career goals and interests, several different minors may be appropriate. All students are encouraged to discuss possible minors with their academic advisers.