Professor Blackwood’s research interests include US literature, culture, and art, with a focus on the nineteenth-century, visual and popular cultures, and the history of inner life.
English Language and Literature, BA
Bring your stories to life and develop the critical and creative expertise that defines today’s top communicators with a bachelor of arts in English language and literature. Choose from concentrations in creative writing, literature, or linguistics while studying in the literary hub of New York City. Gain hands-on experience through publishing, research, and mentorship from award-winning faculty, preparing you for careers in writing, education, law, media, and more.
Location
New York City
Number of Credits
120
Start Date
Fall, Spring
F1 Visa Eligible
Yes
STEM Designated Program
No
Master Storytelling and Analysis in a Global Literary Hub
The BA in English Language and Literature at Pace University immerses you in a diverse exploration of storytelling, culture, and language. With specialized tracks in creative writing, literary studies, and linguistics, you’ll engage in rigorous coursework while being mentored by award-winning authors and scholars. Whether you’re crafting fiction, analyzing the works of global literary giants, or uncovering linguistic patterns, the program empowers you to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and creative expression.
Pace’s New York City location provides unparalleled opportunities for growth beyond the classroom. Attend readings and workshops with acclaimed authors, work on the university’s literary magazine Aphros, and gain real-world experience through internships at top publishing houses including Penguin Random House and literary organizations such as the PEN America Foundation. Students also collaborate with faculty on innovative research projects or publish their own work, building a standout academic portfolio.
Graduates leave the program with marketable skills in writing, analysis, and research—attributes highly valued by employers in publishing, communications, media, law, and education. Alumni have gone on to work for leading companies, such as HBO, Simon & Schuster, and NBC, or pursue graduate studies at top institutions. No matter the path you choose, this program provides the tools to thrive in any field where storytelling, language, and creativity matter.
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English majors earn comparable median salaries to STEM majors (Source: HumanitiesWorks.org)
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English majors have a lower probability of being underemployed than business majors (Source: HumanitiesWorks.org)
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English majors have among the highest average scores on the GMAT, LSAT, MCAT, and GRE (Source: HumanitiesWorks.org)
Curriculum
Courses in this major are wide-ranging and will challenge your intellect. Our curriculum is unique and innovative in how it combines creative and analytic skills and traditions. Our fun and rigorous coursework prepares you to collaborate and think creatively in whatever you go on to do.
Take Courses Like
- ENG 316 Writing Comics and Graphic Novels
- LIT 375 The Black Arts Movement
- ENG 217 Language, Linguistics, and Discrimination
Combined Degree Options
Be sure to consider one of our accelerated programs, all of which give you the opportunity to earn a BA and a graduate degree in fewer years than doing each program separately.
Careers
What are you going to do with a degree in English? The sky’s the limit! English majors have the opportunity to combine a rigorous and rewarding academic experience with all New York City has to offer to burgeoning creative professionals. Recent English majors have landed prestigious internships with The National Book Foundation, Penguin Random House, Macmillan-St. Martin’s Press, David Black Literary Agency, and more.
In addition to entering the workforce in fields such as copywriting, journalism, publishing, marketing and communications, and more, recent graduates have gone on to earn master’s degrees and PhDs from schools such as Northwestern University, The New School, Georgetown University, Fordham University, UCLA, the University of Edinburgh, and the University of Virginia.
As a Pace student, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with our robust career services team to develop a career plan that best fits your goals.
Our graduates are prepared for jobs like:
- Media and Traffic Coordinator
- Production Assistant
- Publicity Assistant
- Medical Writer
- Publicist
- Marketing Assistant
- Junior Copywriter
Student Quote
Pace’s English Department has been instrumental in my academic and professional journey. I’ve had so many wonderful professors who have taught me valuable skills that have improved my writing, and thanks to them, I’ve even gained publication credit in a literary magazine.
—Jon Ovadia '23
Where Pace Graduates are Employed
- Apex Entertainment
- Bantam Books
- HBO
- Simon and Schuster
- Nancy Yost Agency
- The Morgan Library
- NBC
- Fox Sports
- Fox Corp.
- Weill-Cornell
Featured Faculty
Professor Johnson’s research focuses on Caribbean literature and cultural memory studies.
Professor Richie’s research interests include translation theory and practice and European, Latin American, and American avant-garde literature and art.
Admission and Financial Aid
Ready to take charge of your future? Pace is with you every step of the way, providing a world class education and the skills your industry will be looking for far into the future.
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- November 1: Early Decision
- November 15: Early Action I
- December 1: Early Action II
- February 15: Regular Decision
Explore required documents and admission decision dates for first-year, transfer, and international students.
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Ready to apply? Begin your application process.
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Understanding the value of a degree is essential, especially in terms of return on investment (ROI). According to The Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce, Pace University is in the top 6% of U.S. colleges that provide the best return on tuition investment.
For the 2024–2025 academic year, full-time undergraduate tuition is $51,382. However, many students pay significantly less due to our generous merit scholarships, which offer up to $33,000 annually, as well as need-based scholarships, grants, on-campus employment opportunities, and loans. Pace is more affordable than you think. Financial assistance can come from many places, including scholarships, grants, on-campus employment, and loans.
Merit Scholarship Estimator
Estimate your merit scholarship eligibility based on your academic achievements to see how much merit aid you may receive.
Net Price Calculator
Use our Net Price Calculator to estimate your annual education costs and financial aid package.
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Connect with our dedicated admission counselors who are here to support you every step of the way. Schedule a one-on-one appointment to discuss your goals, application questions, and any other information you need to make an informed decision about your future at Pace.
Top 6%
Did You Know?
Pace is ranked in the top 6% nationally for return on investment (Source: The Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce)
Contact Us
Admission Contact
Office of Undergraduate Admission
New York City: (212) 346-1323
Westchester: (914) 773-3746
Email: undergradadmission@pace.edu
Departmental Contact
Stephanie Hsu, PhD
Associate Professor and Co-chair
Email: shsu@pace.edu
Sid (Grace) Ray, PhD
Professor and Co-chair
Email: gray@pace.edu