Santa Clara University

What you'll study

The English programme emphasises close reading, historical and theoretical approaches to literature, and sustained practice in writing and research. Students take a mixture of required core courses and electives that cover a range of periods, genres and global traditions.

• Foundations in literary study: introductory surveys in British, American and world literature that introduce methods of interpretation and major authors.
• Critical theory and approaches: courses in literary theory, cultural studies, gender and sexuality studies, race and ethnicity, and other critical frameworks.
• Genre and period work: specialised classes on poetry, drama, the novel, and on historical periods such as the Renaissance, Romanticism, Victorian literature, modernism and contemporary literature.
• Language and linguistics: offerings that examine language structure, rhetoric, discourse analysis and the history of the English language.
• Creative writing and composition: workshops and practicum-style classes in fiction, poetry, creative non-fiction and professional writing.
• Research and capstone: advanced seminars that require sustained research projects, critical essays or a thesis, often guided by a faculty mentor.
• Interdisciplinary options: opportunities to pair English study with courses in history, philosophy, communications, theatre, digital humanities and media studies.

Programme structure

Students follow a curriculum that blends university general-education requirements with a department sequence: introductory courses, intermediate topical and skills-based classes, and advanced seminars. Electives and independent-study options allow students to tailor the degree toward interests such as literary theory, creative practice, or applied writing. Many students also pursue minors, double majors or experiential learning through internships and study abroad.

Entry requirements

Admission to Santa Clara University is based on a holistic review of an applicant’s academic record and broader preparation. Typical considerations for applicants to the English major include the strength of high-school coursework, grades, and the quality of written work.

• Academic preparation: successful applicants usually present a strong record in college-preparatory English and humanities courses; demonstrated writing ability is important.
• Application components: a completed university application, personal essays or statements, and academic transcripts. Letters of recommendation and a writing sample or portfolio may strengthen an application, especially for students emphasising creative writing.
• Transfer and international applicants: transfer students submit college transcripts and evidence of readiness for upper-division work; international applicants provide documentation of secondary education and proof of English proficiency where required.
• Additional notes: Santa Clara assesses applicants holistically and values intellectual curiosity, community engagement and alignment with the university’s Jesuit mission. Specific course prerequisites or programme notes are provided by the department and academic advisors.

Career prospects

A degree in English Language and Literature provides transferable skills valued across many fields: analytical thinking, persuasive writing, close reading, research and communication. Graduates pursue a wide range of careers and further study.

• Publishing and journalism: editorial work, reporting, content creation and copyediting.
• Communications and marketing: public relations, corporate communications, technical writing and social media strategy.
• Education: secondary teaching (often following teacher-credential programmes), college-level instruction with further graduate study, and educational programme development.
• Law and public policy: many English graduates go on to law school or roles in policy analysis, where strong argumentation and writing are essential.
• Technology and user experience: roles in UX writing, content strategy and documentation, especially given the university’s Silicon Valley context.
• Graduate study and research: prospects include MA and PhD programmes in literature, creative writing MFAs, and interdisciplinary graduate degrees.

Why study at Santa Clara University

Santa Clara’s English programme is delivered within a Benedictine-style liberal-arts framework informed by Jesuit values emphasising critical inquiry and ethical engagement. The department offers small classes, close faculty mentorship and opportunities for independent research and creative projects.

• Close faculty interaction: small seminars and accessible faculty support for thesis work, internships and career advising.
• Experiential opportunities: internships and partnerships in the San Francisco Bay Area, including publishing, media, non-profit and technology organisations.
• Interdisciplinary resources: access to programs and centres across the university for interdisciplinary study, digital humanities, and community engagement.
• Global perspective: study-abroad options and coursework that emphasize world literatures and diverse literary traditions.
• Support services: writing centres, career services and alumni networks that help translate the degree into professional opportunities.