The English program is a flexible one, allowing students to pursue studies in literature, creative writing, folklore, linguistics, and technical writing.The English major requires 124 hours of coursework with 39 hours in English. Required English courses include: 101, 102, 9 hours of 200 level surveys, 423 or 424, and a Major Figures course. The remaining 24 hours can be chosen from 300 and 400 level courses.

The Master of Arts in English satisfies the needs of a variety of students; those who plan to continue in a Ph.D. program, those who want to teach at the high school or college levels, and those who wish to acquire professional training in writing or research. Students may concentrate in English and American Literature, American Culture, Creative Writing, ESOL, Folklore, Linguistics, Reading or Rhetoric.

The English Department is one of seven departments at The University of Louisiana at Lafayette to award the Doctor of Philosophy degree. The program of over a hundred students affords its participants close professional contact with and guidance from a diverse graduate faculty distinguished in its commitment to both teaching and research. All Ph.D. students receive a broad education in the discipline that prepares them to teach effectively at any college level and provides the background for advanced research in their areas of particular expertise.