Overview

The English programme at Northern Illinois University provides a versatile academic foundation designed to enhance critical thinking and sophisticated communication. Students engage deeply with various forms of text to understand how language shapes society and personal expression across different historical and modern contexts.

This degree allows for significant customisation, enabling learners to align their studies with specific professional goals. Whether pursuing a career in education, law, or digital media, the curriculum fosters the analytical abilities required to interpret complex information and connect effectively with diverse global audiences.

Why English at Northern Illinois University?

Students benefit from a supportive academic environment within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, where faculty expertise spans literature, film, and linguistics. The institution is recognised for its commitment to student success, offering dedicated career support resources such as leadership courses and professional resume assistance.

The university provides distinctive pathways for high-achieving students, including an accelerated track that combines the undergraduate degree with a Juris Doctor for those interested in legal careers. Additionally, the department offers specialised certificates in creative writing to complement the primary major and enhance creative output.

The campus facilities and research libraries provide extensive archives for literary study and academic inquiry. Through various partnerships and a strong alumni network, students gain insights into the professional world, preparing them for the evolving demands of the modern workforce in both the public and private sectors.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 10742 per semester
National fee: USD 5371 per semester
Local fee: USD 5371 per semester

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is structured around specific areas of emphasis to guide student development. Modules may include:

American Literature
Secondary Licensure in English Language Arts
Literature, Language and Film
Writing
Creative Writing

Careers with English

Graduates from this programme are highly sought after by organisations requiring expertise in research, editing, and interpersonal communication. Many alumni secure roles in diverse sectors including healthcare, government, non-profit management, and media, or choose to progress into advanced graduate-level study.

Common professional roles for graduates include:

Copywriter
Marketing Manager
Writer
Editor
High School English Teacher
Attorney

Prominent employers of former students include organisations such as Accenture, Mercy Health, AEM Corporation, and Adtalem Global Education. The skills gained in social media management and information synthesis ensure that graduates remain competitive in a variety of rapidly changing industries.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Dynamics of our Living Language
History of the English Language
Structure of Modern English
Language in American Society
Topics in General Linguistics
Discourse Analysis
Language and Gender

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-26 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-08-01 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-01-13 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-10-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-08-26 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-05-01 00:00:00 , International

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

105

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TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

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IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

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AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

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98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

DeKalb, United States

Disciplines

Language Studies View 2641 other Bachelors in Language Studies in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

105

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

High school diploma: You must have graduated by the time you start at NIU in order to be admitted
Grades: You must have passing grades equivalent to a U.S. C+ average on all transcripts and/or exam scores

A completed NIU application

Official transcripts from all high schools attended

ACT/SAT score

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

21484 USD / year

≈ 21484 USD / year
Out-of-State

10742 USD / year

≈ 10742 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

10742 USD / year

≈ 10742 USD / year

Additional Details

Local: $5,115.34 per semester National and International: $10,230.68 per semester

Living costs

DeKalb

United States

1100 - 1500 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for English.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Additional Details

Living costs

DeKalb

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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