
Turn your passion into a career with a BA in English
In the English program at St. Thomas, you will find joy while advancing your skills as a writer, reader, and thinker. You will work will top-notch faculty who are master teachers and engaged scholars. Mentoring students is the keystone of our department.
Our graduates have excellent job placement rates in the fields of editing, publishing, marketing, business, and communication. Their success reflects broader trends in the labor market. In fact, graduates with bachelor's degrees in English earn salaries comparable to several other majors, including business management and public policy (US Census, 2018 American Community Survey). At St. Thomas, you will have opportunities to gain practical experience through tutoring, participating in internships, engaging in collaborative research with faculty, and editing our literary magazine, the Summit Avenue Review. Our students have high rates of acceptance into law school and other graduate programs.
Degree Options
Related Programs
Pre-Law for English Majors
Why study English?
According to the American Bar Association, English is a traditional major for students who plan to study law. Many of our BA students pursue a minor in legal studies along with their English course work. We also have an active Pre-Law Society with mock trial opportunities at St. Thomas. Thus, you will receive all of the support you need when preparing for the LSAT and exploring law school options.
Core Skills Needed for Law School
The American Bar Association recommends that students enroll in an undergraduate program that strengthens their skills in writing, editing, research, problem solving, analytical reading, and oral communication. These are core skills in literature and writing courses, so it is not surprising that many pre-law students choose English as their major!
Featured Alumni
Recent English BA alumni have been accepted into law schools at Stanford University, Mitchell Hamline, the University Minnesota, and the University of St. Thomas. We have a large alumni network that you can tap for internships and informational interviews.
Thomas Theune, Associate Attorney at Bühler Group, BA '13, JD '19, University of St. Thomas
"My undergraduate English degree from the University of St. Thomas prepared me well, not only for law school but also for my law career afterwards where analytical reasoning and strong writing skills are critical components for success. I am very thankful for all the program taught me."
Why study English?
According to the American Bar Association, English is a traditional major for students who plan to study law. Many of our BA students pursue a minor in legal studies along with their English course work. We also have an active Pre-Law Society with mock trial opportunities at St. Thomas. Thus, you will receive all of the support you need when preparing for the LSAT and exploring law school options.
Core Skills Needed for Law School
The American Bar Association recommends that students enroll in an undergraduate program that strengthens their skills in writing, editing, research, problem solving, analytical reading, and oral communication. These are core skills in literature and writing courses, so it is not surprising that many pre-law students choose English as their major!
Featured Alumni
Recent English BA alumni have been accepted into law schools at Stanford University, Mitchell Hamline, the University Minnesota, and the University of St. Thomas. We have a large alumni network that you can tap for internships and informational interviews.
Thomas Theune, Associate Attorney at Bühler Group, BA '13, JD '19, University of St. Thomas
"My undergraduate English degree from the University of St. Thomas prepared me well, not only for law school but also for my law career afterwards where analytical reasoning and strong writing skills are critical components for success. I am very thankful for all the program taught me."
Alumni Spotlight
"My English courses at St. Thomas were incredible — I'm still close with several of my wonderful professors today! They taught me how to think critically, question everything and communicate effectively. After St. Thomas, I went on to work in editorial at American Girl, landed an incredible agent and published a book (with more in the works)! Currently, I manage social for Reese's Book Club and work on book-to-screen content for Reese Witherspoon's production company, Hello Sunshine. I'm so grateful for the St. Thomas English Department and all the incredible faculty — shout out to Dr. Bouwman's children's lit class — it changed my life!"
— Melissa Seymour '14

Get Involved


Student Clubs
You can engage with your peers in the Creative Writing Club, Theater Club, as well as Sigma Tau Delta, the English honor society.

Research
Upcoming Events
Faculty

Dr. Catherine Craft-Fairchild

Dr. Matt Batt

Dr. Liz Wilkinson
Other Opportunities

Creative Writing Prize

Study Abroad

Internships

Make a gift
Give to the English Department
A gift to our department can help us invite renowned authors to campus, fund research assistantships, sponsor student travel to conferences and support annual scholarships.
Contact Information
Mailing Address
Mail #JRC 333
University of St. Thomas
2115 Summit Avenue
Saint Paul, MN 55105-1096
Campus Location
We are located on the third floor of the John Roach Center for the Liberal Arts (Building #2 on the campus map).