BA English at University of Massachusetts Amherst

Programme overview

The English programme at UMass Amherst studies language, literature and writing across diverse textual, cultural and theoretical traditions, with small classes that combine liberal arts college and research university strengths. The department also hosts a nationally ranked MFA programme.

Faculty: College of Humanities & Fine Arts | Department: Department of English | Study mode: full-time | Location: Amherst, MA, United States

What you will study

Language, literature and writing, with eight letters of specialization, one certificate and one individualized option for the undergraduate degree; graduate research areas include colonial, post-colonial and transnational studies, popular culture, American studies, composition and rhetoric, and early modern and Renaissance studies.

Career pathways

English gives a foundation for many careers and for graduate or professional study, with teaching certification available alongside the major.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

UMass Amherst first-year applicants (all undergraduate majors): complete Common Application including the UMass questions, official high school transcript (grades 9-11), official transcripts for any college coursework, a letter of recommendation and a $90 application fee; SAT/ACT scores are optional (test-optional policy). Minimum high school units: English 4; Mathematics 4 (Algebra II minimum, including math in senior year); Natural Science 3 (with labs); Social Science 2 (one course in US history); Foreign Language 2 of the same language; Electives 2. Non-native speakers of English must demonstrate English language proficiency.

Requirements published at faculty level.

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

First-year applicants: the Common Application opens August 1; the Early Application deadline is November 5; the Regular Decision deadline is January 15; the FAFSA priority deadline is March 1.

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