University of Hawaii

What you'll study

The programme covers a wide range of topics in literary and language studies, balancing close reading, theory and practical writing. Core areas typically include literary analysis across periods and genres, contemporary and historical approaches to criticism, creative writing workshops in poetry and prose, and modules on the structure and history of the English language.

Because the University of Hawaii has a distinctive regional focus, students can usually take courses that examine Hawaiʻi literature, Pacific and Asian American literatures, and indigenous and postcolonial perspectives. Coursework is delivered through lectures, seminars, close-reading tutorials and writing workshops, and students complete research projects or a capstone to synthesise analytical and research skills.

• Literary Analysis: study of poetry, drama and prose with attention to critical methods and theory.
• Creative Writing: craft development in fiction, poetry and non-fiction with peer workshop feedback.
• Language Studies: topics in linguistics, historical development of English and sociolinguistics.
• Cultural Contexts: exploration of regional, postcolonial and transnational literatures, including Hawaiian and Pacific Islander voices.
• Research and Capstone: training in scholarly research methods, archival work and independent project design.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised secondary school graduation qualification with a record of strong academic performance and preparation in reading and writing. The university typically asks for official transcripts and an application form; standardized test requirements vary and may be optional depending on the applicant's background and current admissions policies.

Most applicants will submit a personal statement that explains their interest in English and their academic or creative goals; some programmes may also request a writing sample. International applicants must meet the university's English language proficiency standards. Specific departmental prerequisites, such as prior coursework in literature or composition, can be beneficial but are not always mandatory.

Career prospects

A BA in English Language and Literature develops transferable skills valued across many sectors: critical thinking, close reading, persuasive and creative writing, research, and oral communication. Graduates move into careers such as:

• Education and teaching (secondary education, tutoring, adult education)
• Publishing, editing and journalism
• Marketing, public relations and content strategy
• Non-profit, cultural organisations and community outreach
• Government, policy and legal support roles (often following further professional training)
• Creative professions including writing, script development and media production

Many students also continue to postgraduate study in literature, creative writing, library science, law, or specialised professional programmes.

Why study at University of Hawaii

The University of Hawaii offers a distinctive setting for English studies because of its geographic and cultural position in the Pacific. Students have access to courses and faculty expertise in Hawaiʻian, Pacific and Asian American literatures, and opportunities to engage with local archives, community projects and interdisciplinary centres.

Smaller seminar classes and writing workshops allow close interaction with faculty, while the broader university environment supports cross-disciplinary study in areas such as history, anthropology, Asian studies and indigenous studies. For students interested in combining literary study with regional and cultural engagement, the University of Hawaii provides a supportive and intellectually diverse environment.