The English major immerses students in the aesthetic, communicative, and cultural dimensions of language. Through application of Lasell's Connected Learning philosophy, English majors have ongoing opportunities to connect concepts discussed in the classroom with practical application to the development of sophisticated writing skills. Students take a set of required survey and topics courses to examine major concepts in literature and language through reading, reflection, and discussion. In these courses, students critically analyze and write about literature in its various forms and genres. English electives and directed study opportunities allow students the flexibility to pursue special interests.

English majors may choose to select courses with a focus on literature or creative writing. Students who focus on literature select from more advanced electives in literature and language studies while students who focus on the development of creative work may choose to take more advanced creative writing workshops in fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, and screenwriting.

Toward the end of their program, students complete a capstone literary research or creative writing project and an internship in an area related to their individual interests and career goals. The literature capstone is completed in a two-semester sequence; students read and research their chosen topic during a semester-long individual tutorial and write a capstone essay during the following semester. The creative writing capstone offers students a tutorial-style opportunity to complete a major creative writing project.

Skills emphasized in the major prepare students for careers involving oral and written communication, language applications, or the analysis of literature. Students in the English major may also prepare to be teachers at the secondary level; students interested in this option follow the program plan for Secondary Education and English Major (Grades 5-12)to ensure that they meet requirements for licensure.

By planning early in consultation with an academic advisor, students may be able to reduce the time it takes to complete a bachelor's degree in English to 3 or 3 ½ years.