Department of English
Welcome to the English Studies Program
Students who major in English Studies (formerly English Education option) at Fresno State join a diverse, lively community of learners and thinkers who share a passion for bringing the powerful world of literacy to others. The program is designed to prepare future middle school and high school English teachers. Many of our graduates go on to earn a teaching credential and move directly into secondary teaching positions throughout the Central Valley. Others go on to graduate programs and careers in school counseling, student services, or continue to pursue advanced programs in literature and rhetoric and writing studies.
English Studies majors explore literature and literacy in the world today with a focus on equity and teaching English language arts in a diverse society. Majors complete core requirements and choose one Extended Studies area from the following:
- Rhetoric and Writing Studies
- Creative Writing
- Linguistics (Language Awareness or TESOL)
- Literature
- Speech
- Theater
Program coordinator: Dr. Alison Mandaville (email)
A Path to the Classroom
Breanna Aivazian
English teacher, Clovis East HS
Byanca Leyva
English teacher, McLane HS
Maiyang Lor
English teacher, Clovis HS
For Breanna Aivazian, a chance to save money on college by living at home felt like a gift to her future self. For Byanca Leyva, a meaningful job at her high school alma mater felt too good to pass up. And for Maiyang Lor, a service learning class for future teachers sparked a reconnection with community elders.
Brenna, Byanca, and Maiyang are just three among dozens of Fresno State alumni who continue to land new jobs each year teaching English and language arts at area high schools. They are among a steady stream of newly minted Fresno State graduates who earn a single-subject teaching credential in English, and then within a year find themselves immersed in the day-to-day life of a high school classroom, doing the job they’ve trained for.
Read more about their paths to the classroom on Fresno State News and the Arts and Humanities blog.
Frequently Asked Questions
In both majors, students take core courses in literature textual analysis, and writing. Both learn to engage a wide range of authors, periods, and genres of literature deeply and skillfully.
English majors extend this study of literature with additional coursework in specialized literature or creative writing. English Studies majors take courses that explore educational contexts for the language arts, including issues in literacy, society, and communication.
Visit the University Catalog website. In the left index, click on "Courses" and then in the Course Filter box search for ENGL under prefix.
Visit the English Department's Student Resources page for a list of current topics courses being offered, including the topics for the Engl 195 senior seminar course.
Achieving what's called Subject Matter Competency (SMC) in English Education means that you have completed a program approved by the state of California that prepares you to train and work as an English teacher in California middle or high schools.
At Fresno State, the English Studies major coursework, combined with a final reflective portfolio process, can establish Subject Matter Competency.
Students with any bachelor's degree can also choose to demonstrate SMC through the California Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET) in English.
With your B.A. in English Studies and established subject matter competency, you can apply to the Education Credential Program to earn a Single-Subject Credential in English.
Most students complete the credential program, which involves further coursework and student teaching, in 2-3 semesters.
Although most students who major in English Studies do plan to become middle and high school teachers, others go on to varied careers. The skills gained through an English Education major are helpful for many jobs.
At any time, before or after you graduate, Fresno State's Career Services office can help you prepare for other careers.
B.A. English Studies (formerly English Education)
Degree information, 2024-25: University catalog
Degree roadmap, 2023-24: 4-year (freshman)
A path to Subject Matter Competency
Fresno State's B.A. degree in English Studies offers a California state-approved Subject Matter Program for students wishing to teach English Language Arts in California middle schools and high schools.
Completion of the B.A. degree in English Studies — together with:
- grades of A or B in ENGL 105, 131, 193/4T:
- major coursework GPA of 3.0; and
- satisfactory completion of a portfolio and interview process
— fully demonstrates competency in English subject matter.
This competency waives the California Subject Exam for Teachers (CSET) in English and qualifies students for application to the Single-Subject Credential Program.
For info on applying to the Single-Subject Credential Program please see this Admission Process Guide.
Subject Matter Program
The State of California requires prospective teachers to establish Subject Matter Competency before they can be granted a Single-Subject Credential to teach secondary English Language Arts.
Fresno State's B.A. degree in English Studies, together with grade requirements and a final portfolio process, is a California state-approved Subject Matter Program for students wishing to teach English in California middle schools and high schools, grades 7 through 12.
Students who have already attained any Bachelor of Arts degree in any major and wish to establish Subject Matter Competency in English — but do not want to take any more classes — can establish Subject Matter Competency by passing the CSET (California Subject Examination for Teachers) in English.