Literature and Criticism

The English & Communication department offers a bachelor of arts degree and a minor in English with a concentration in literature & criticism. Pursue your interest in literature by choosing literature and criticism as a concentration in the English major or as a minor. You'll learn to:

read and think critically
engage with literature—and the world—thoughtfully and analytically
identify and analyze formal literary genres and schools of literary criticism
communicate effectively through literary analysis, persuasive argument, critical exposition, and presentation

Our award-winning faculty members specialize in a wide and diverse range of fields such as creative nonfiction, drama, fiction, poetry, world and British literature, and many more.

The skills you'll develop as an English major are essential in today's competitive job market and can lead to rewarding careers in communications, editing, freelance writing, grants writing, journalism, public relations, publishing, teaching, technical writing, screenwriting, and many other fields. You'll also be prepared for graduate study across many disciplines, such as creative and professional writing, education, law, and library/information science.

Major in English: Literature & Criticism concentration

Develop your analytical skills as you consider literary texts, language, and the creation of meaning. Hone your ability to critically engage literature through oral, written, and web-produced assignments.

Minor in English: Literature & Criticism

Consider a minor in English to improve your writing, communications, and critical thinking skills: all qualities that employers value highly.

Course descriptions, schedules and requirements

Student success

Kamryn Kobel '24: Prepared for anything

"English is about making a connection that spans across time, space, race, and gender. I can read a manuscript written in the 1500's or a short story from last year and make a personal or societal connection to it. Literature is about understanding and being understood."

Graduate School Placements

Bridgewater State University
University of Pennsylvania
UMass Dartmouth
St. Petersburg College
Holy Names University
Harvard Kennedy School

Career Placements

AE Ventures
American Conservatory Theatre
American Mathematical Society
Health Imperatives
Gradeable
Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School
Goodwill Industries
Lionbridge
McKesson
NASDAQ OMX
The New Bedford Standard Times
Nokia Siemens Networks ( Germany )
Olympus NDT
SapientNitro
Townsquare Media
WCVB-TV

English literature and criticism mean starting salary:
$47,600

NACE Data Collection of Class of 2022 Undergraduate Alumni

UMassD's undergraduate experiences

Honors College

Take advanced courses, pursue research, and be part of a community of scholars.

Study Abroad

Earn academic credits and gain a global perspective on your field.

Bhen with his art students at Talibon Elementary School in Bohol, Philippines.

Undergraduate Research

Faculty work with students on cutting-edge research projects.

Student studying at Claire T. Carney Library

University Studies

Gain the benefit of a broad university education to enhance your knowledge and skills.

UMassD advantages

Publish your work in Corridors, an e-journal of student essays; Dart, a pop-culture magazine; or Temper, a literary review
Pursue internships in communications, editing, journalism, professional writing, publishing, and more
Join the Literary Society, write for The Torch student newspaper, or DJ on WUMD 89.3FM

Expand your opportunities

Accelerated Master's Program: Earn your master's degree with only one additional year of study. Juniors and seniors are eligible to apply.
MA in Professional Writing & Communication: Develop your professional skills in diverse areas of writing such as technical writing, web authoring, journalism, public relations, and creative writing.
Graduate certificate in Professional Writing & Communication: develop professional writing skills that focus on specific settings, situations, and communities.