English (BA)
Prepare for a variety of careers and graduate school endeavors through a robust analysis and critique of various forms of literary expression.
Why an English (BA) Degree?
An English degree is a versatile undergraduate program that lays a solid foundation in literature, communication, grammar/mechanics, and the liberal arts. While English majors sometimes get a bad rap for lack of career direction, this judgment is unfounded. An English degree can lead to hundreds of careers. Think about it: Any time you see words written somewhere—novels, textbooks, billboards, cereal boxes—someone had to craft those sentences and someone had to edit them. There are countless career opportunities for those who know how to communicate effectively and write well (even if it just pays the bills while you pursue a book contract or graduate school!).
English (BA) at Cairn
Biblical Integration
Navigate diverse literary criticism with a biblical worldview.
Career Preparation
Complete up to six credits of internship in professional workplaces, including the University's own communications office.
Personalized Education
Customize your education through the addition of minors in other disciplines, or complete this program alongside a Master of Education degree in as few as five years.
Experienced Faculty
Learn from professors who have varied literary interests and specialized concentrations.
Academic Opportunity
Prepare a final thesis paper or project on a topic of personal interest that can be shared with prospective graduate schools.
Honors Program
Join the Honors Program and dive deeper into a specific literary time period or writing style in your Honors thesis.
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Get an inside look at our English Program
There are over 70 unique programs at Cairn to choose from! Not sure if this is the best program for you? Here are some more details to help you decide.
Required Credits: 120
Curriculum Highlights:
- LIT 231 American Literature
- ENG 321 Advanced Composition
- LIT 333 Shakespeare
- LIT 344 The Novel
- LIT British Literature Elective
Graduate School in English, literature, Law, etc.
Editor
Proofreader
Copywriter
Communications specialist
Freelance writer/ editor
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An Affordable Education
While the cost of a Cairn University education is competitive with similar institutions, we realize you may need financial assistance to take this journey. You are not alone. 97% of our full-time undergraduate students receive some form of financial assistance.
Meet Our Faculty
Charlotte Gleason
Chair, Humanities department
After graduating from Cairn University in 2000, Charlotte taught high school English in public schools both in Pennsylvania and New York. Her high school students inspired her to reconsider the place of adolescent literature in the classroom, and in 2006 she completed her thesis on how to integrate both the classics and YA literature in the classroom.
The birth of her first son led her to pursue higher education, and in 2007 she accepted a position as a part-time faculty member at Cairn University. During the last two decades, Charlotte has taught in a variety of classrooms and developed curriculum for private Christian schools and home school families, including her own. Recently, Charlotte transitioned to a full-time role at Cairn. She teaches a variety of literature, composition, and education courses and serves as the Chair of the Humanities Department in the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Victoria Bradley Aquilone
Assistant Professor, School of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Victoria (Tori) Aquilone has always loved learning. She started attending Cairn for her undergraduate degrees in social studies education and Bible while she was a senior in high school. Her studies took her to graduate school where she has spent two degrees—a master’s degree in liberal studies from Villanova University and the better part of a PhD in English from the University of Delaware—studying human relationships with the natural environment in the context of contemporary American literature.
At the forefront of Tori’s academic work is the God of the Bible, whose general revelation of Himself in creation, namely His “invisible attributes” of “eternal power and divine nature” (Romans 1:20), drives her desire to learn about and care for that very creation, as well as study literary works that celebrate it. In particular, Tori’s work engages sustainable agriculture, tree community, and plant-thinking. Even with such rich scholarly studies, Tori’s heart is in the classroom and thoroughly enjoys teaching English Composition, Literature and Arts in Historical Context I & II, and other literature courses.
What Our Students Have To Say
Eliezer Vargas
Cairn has given me the opportunity and resources to expand my abilities as a writer while also providing me with a strong biblical foundation and Christ-centered approach to learning. I have been blessed to have been cared for by my professors, alumni, and fellow students, and I know I am receiving a rewarding experience that will follow me into the professional world.”
