Lesley University

What you'll study

The English Language and Literature programme emphasises both literary analysis and practical writing. Core study typically includes surveys of British and American literature, world and contemporary literatures, and historical approaches to major literary movements. Students explore literary theory and criticism, rhetoric and composition, and courses in language such as sociolinguistics or the history of the English language.

Alongside these foundations, the curriculum offers workshops and practicum-style classes in creative writing (poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction), professional and technical writing, and editing. Students choose electives to build concentrations—examples include creative writing, literary studies, digital humanities, or rhetoric and public writing. The programme culminates in a senior seminar or capstone project (such as a major critical essay, portfolio of creative work, or an applied research project), and encourages internships with local cultural organisations, publishers, media outlets or education partners.

• Introduction to Literary Studies and Critical Methods
• Survey courses in British, American and World Literature
• Literary Theory and Criticism
• Creative Writing workshops (fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction)
• Rhetoric, Composition and Professional Writing
• Electives in linguistics, digital humanities, editing, or genre studies
• Capstone seminar or senior project and internship opportunities

Entry requirements

Admission to Lesley's undergraduate English programme is based on a combination of academic records, personal statement, and evidence of written work. Applicants should submit high-school transcripts or equivalent, and first-year applicants are often asked to provide a short writing sample or portfolio demonstrating their engagement with reading and writing.

Lesley evaluates applications holistically; successful candidates typically show strong reading comprehension, clear written expression and an interest in literary or rhetorical study. Standardised tests may be optional depending on the applicant's background. International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through approved tests or equivalent documentation when English is not their first language.

Career prospects

Graduates with a BA in English Language and Literature develop transferable skills prized by employers: clear written and oral communication, critical analysis, research, and storytelling. Common career paths include roles in publishing and editing, journalism, content strategy and copywriting, public relations, and digital media. Many alumni also move into education (often combined with teacher certification), nonprofit communications, law and policy-related work, or pursue graduate study in literature, creative writing, library science or related disciplines.

The programme’s emphasis on internships, workshop experience and community partnerships helps students build practical portfolios and professional networks in the Boston–Cambridge area and beyond.

Why study at Lesley University

Lesley offers small, discussion-focused classes and close faculty mentoring, which benefit students of literature and writing. The university’s location in Cambridge provides access to a rich cultural and literary scene as well as internship opportunities with publishers, museums and media organisations in Boston.

The English programme integrates creative practice with critical study, enabling students to explore multiple career-relevant modes of writing and editing while developing a rigorous understanding of literary history and theory. Advising, writing-centre support and experiential learning options make it straightforward for students to tailor the degree to specific interests—whether that is creative work, applied writing, or preparation for graduate study.