What will I learn?

The study of English opens doors to many careers. English majors develop highly valued skills in oral and written communication, research, and the ability to think creatively as well as analytically. This major is considered excellent pre-professional training for careers in education, media, law, and medicine. Law schools and medical schools consistently place a high value on the qualities developed in the English major: broad humane understanding as well as articulateness. These qualities are also highly valued in training for civil service, public policy, and health services as well as for teaching and library science. Business also values English majors: excellent writing and research skills are highly portable.

Which department am I in?

College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences

Study options

Full Time (8 Semesters)

Tuition fees

$15,588.00 (13,15,221) per year

Start date

September 2026

Venue

Main Campus

900 University Avenue,

Riverside,

California,

92521, West, United States

Full Time (8 Semesters)

Tuition fees

$15,588.00 (13,15,221) per year

Start date

September 2027

Venue

Main Campus

900 University Avenue,

Riverside,

California,

92521, West, United States

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Entry requirements

For international students

To meet minimum requirements to be considered for UCR selection, you must earn a minimum GPA of 3.4 on a 4.0 scale (equivalent to an 85 percent on a 100 percent scale). The assessment of a qualifying GPA is based on “a–g” courses (required high school/secondary classes) completed in years 10 and 11. If the high school/secondary school offers a different curriculum, your academic achievement will be based on that educational systems grading scale.

English Language proficiency

You can demonstrate proficiency by meeting any of the following exam benchmarks. Keep in mind that you must complete one of these exams by December of your final year of high school/secondary school.

Score 3, 4 or 5 on the AP examination in English Language and Composition, or English Literature and Composition

Score 6 or 7 on the IB Standard Level examination in English (Language A only)

Score 5, 6 or 7 on the IB Higher Level examination in English (Language A only)

Score 6.5 or higher on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) examination: Internet-based test (iBT): Minimum score of 80 or better; Paper-delivered test: Minimum score of 60 or better.

Duolingo English Test (DET): Minimum score of 115

*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.