Why study English?

What is the University of Cincinnati Blue Ash College English Associate of Arts Degree?

The Associate of Arts degree in English provides students with a solid foundation in literary studies and creative writing as part of a comprehensive general education. This program also provides students with a seamless transition from UCBA  to the UC Uptown Campus’ Department of English and Comparative Literature where students can work toward a bachelor’s degree or minor in English. Literary studies and creative writing allow students to envision the lives and experiences of others in order to gain perspectives beyond their own. Through this imaginative process, literature and creative writing help students to comprehend human complexity, to empathize with others, and to develop creative solutions to problems. Literature, like any art, is part of the human conversation that seeks to address the challenges we face. 

Career Possibilities

Most careers in liberal arts disciplines require four-year degrees. Once students complete the degree in English, they will find that a wide range of employers value the skills they have developed—the ability to analyze, solve problems, write, and think creatively. This fact provides students with many career paths, including work in communications, public relations, marketing, journalism, politics, government and nonprofits, education, human resources, publications editing and writing, business and account management, social media management, sales, and advertising.

Majoring in English

The UCBA Associate of Arts degree in English program fulfills all UC general education requirements. In addition, the program fulfills most first and second-year program requirements for students who want to transition to tracks in Creative Writing and/or Literary and Cultural Studies in the Department of English and Comparative Literature at the College of Arts and Sciences. Thus, a student who successfully completes this two-year program meets General Education requirements in humanities and literature, quantitative reasoning, natural science, foreign language, social science, historical perspectives, and diversity and culture.

Major Maps

• Guide: English - AA

Advising

Students can make an advising appointment by calling 513-745-5753 or by emailing advising@ucbluash.edu. The Advising Center is located in Room 125 Muntz Hall.

UC Advantages and Special Opportunities

Well-qualified literature and creative writing faculty work with UCBA students in small classes on a regional campus that is part of a university ranked nationally among the top 25 research institutions. Successful completion of this program will prepare students to transition to the Department of English and Comparative Literature on UC’s Uptown Campus or to transfer to other institutions to complete the four-year degree. The Department of English and Communication at UCBA offers a variety of opportunities for English students, including publication of the Blue Ash Review literary magazine and participation in National Poetry Month events, writing contests, and student and faculty readings. UCBA offers lower tuition than UC Uptown, making it an excellent value for students working toward an associate of arts degree. UCBA also offers free parking and a free shuttle featuring round-trip transportation to the UC Uptown Campus.

Accreditation