The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Literary Studies degree program at Marshall University focuses on in-depth study, emphasizing close-reading, writing, communication and critical thinking.
The program gives students the opportunity to develop their writing and close-reading skills through the application of critical and cultural theory in a vibrant learning community.

Course offerings for the Literary Studies major encompass a range of subject matter from Shakespeare and slave narratives to The Hunger Games and horror films. Going beyond written texts, this unique literature degree program also features courses that critically consider both cinematic and digital texts.
By completing a few additional courses, Marshall literature majors can choose to earn a double major in Creative Writing and Literary Studies.
Literary Studies majors have many opportunities at Marshall to develop their talents, explore interests, build professional skills and be ready to move beyond the classroom and into the community.
What can you do with a literature degree? Marshall Literary Studies majors have gone on to graduate study in education, law, literary studies, linguistics, creative writing, medicine, music, business and more.
- Author
- Business owner
- Editor
- Journalist
- Poet
- Professional & technical writer