Bachelor of Arts in English

University of Waterloo

Love the written word? An English degree at Waterloo gives you all kinds of opportunity to explore that passion, with more than 150 undergraduate courses available in both the regular and co-op streams.

Take rhetoric courses and learn the art of persuasion. Focus on digital media, where youll merge the latest technology with enduring principles of effective communication. Or explore the pleasures and insights of English literature, from Beowulf to Virginia Woolf.

At Waterloo, youll be learning from the best. The Department of English features internationally recognized scholars. In their classes, youll develop all-important skills in communication, critical thinking, analysis, and persuasion. Your knowledge of language and culture will serve you well whether youre planning to be a technical communicator, or creative writer, PR professional, lawyer, or CEO.

Choose one of three majors

At the end of first year, you'll choose one of three majors within the English program.

• Literature: Great literature entertains, enlightens, transforms us, and shows us everything language is capable of. In this major, you'll take a deeper look at language and culture through a full spectrum of literary works.
• Literature and Rhetoric: Pair your appreciation of great books with the theory of persuasive writing. Youll examine history, professional writing, information design, and digital media to become an effective communicator and storyteller.
• Rhetoric, Media, and Professional Communication: Gain a critical eye in how language is used to persuade and sell while developing skills that enable you to write and design for professional communication channels, web, and social media. You'll learn about writing, reporting, interviewing, blogging, and public speaking.

Co-op

By alternating school terms and paid co-op work terms throughout your degree, you can explore new career areas and types of employers as your career interests evolve.

Sample co-op job titles

• Web and corporate communications officer
• Cross-cultural trainer
• Media relations specialist
• Technical writer
• Communications assistant
• Junior editor and marketing associate

Recent graduates

• Marketing and Communications Specialist – Munich Reinsurance Company of Canada
• Communications Coordinator – Glenn Davis Group
• Teacher – Waterloo Region District School Board
• Content and Project Specialist – Impact-Coaches
• Technical Writing Specialist – Manulife Financial
• Digital Publishing Assistant – The Geist Foundation
• Communications Specialist – Union Strategies

• Literature
• Literature and Rhetoric
• Rhetoric, Media, and Professional Communication