BA in English - Professional and Technical Writing in San Jose United States | San Jose State University

Learn from acclaimed instructors and published authors. Hone your editing and publishing abilities through Reed Magazine, among the West's longest-running literary publications. Gain qualifications for diverse paths in education, technical writing, or further studies in English, legal, and medical fields. The English and Comparative Literature Department provides curricula covering English, American, global, and comparative literature, plus creative and professional writing. Our MA program readies graduates for teaching positions or PhD pursuits. The MFA in creative writing develops skilled authors through intensive study of poetry, nonfiction, fiction, and screenwriting traditions. As host to the Steinbeck Fellows and Lurie Visiting Author initiatives, we also operate the Center for Literary Arts, welcoming renowned poets and prose writers for public presentations.

Our Literature curriculum provides comprehensive training in literary forms, historical periods, and analytical methods across British, American, and international works. Students engage with both classic and contemporary texts, mastering precise textual analysis and articulate written expression. Throughout their SJSU journey, undergraduates cultivate research capabilities, learning to source, assess, and present information strategically. Program alumni demonstrate exceptional abilities in textual interpretation, analytical reasoning, and persuasive communication—highly valued competencies in modern professional environments.