Focusing on English and American literary culture and its traditions, across genres and time periods, the Bachelor of Liberal Studies (BLS) in English & American Literature degree completion program at Boston University’s Metropolitan College (MET) is designed specifically for domestic transfer students with at least six or more completed courses at a regionally accredited college or university. The bachelor’s in English & American Literature provides a focused liberal arts education that develops facility in literary analysis and interpretation, writing, research, communication, and argumentation—enhancing the ability to reason and assess subjectivity and ambiguity.
These deep skills are sought after in the fields of technology, law, government, business, medicine, journalism, advertising, literature, and education—and a liberal arts degree remains a valuable proposition, especially in today’s high-tech world. According to Forbes, software and other companies recognize that the strengths of a liberal arts education bring depth and breadth to innovation. Fast Company has noted that tech CEOs believe people with liberal arts backgrounds add value to their company, bringing much-needed creativity and critical thinking skills.
Note: Students wishing to pursue an English degree program may have to cross-register and take upper-level English courses in the College of Arts & Sciences at day tuition rates.
Flexible, Part-Time Degree Completion—at Boston University
The bachelor’s degree in English & American literature at Boston University’s Metropolitan College is a self-paced bachelor’s degree completion program offered in a convenient, part-time evening format—ideal for busy professionals who seek to earn a Boston University degree without turning their personal lives upside down or putting their careers on hold. Along with self-paced programs in a variety of majors on campus, MET also offers the Online Undergraduate Degree Completion Program, leading to a bachelor’s in Interdisciplinary Studies.
A Foundation for Success
Metropolitan College’s Bachelor’s in English & American Literature degree will equip you with:
- A critical understanding of English and American literary culture and its traditions, across genres and time periods.
- Proficiency in written literary analysis, argumentation, interpretation, and research.
- Proficiency in the oral discussion of literature.
- An excellent background for further study, and for employment, in teaching, writing, and editing, as well as for work in law, government, business, journalism, and advertising.
Why Complete Your English & American Literature Bachelor’s at BU?
- Engaged Faculty: In BU MET’s English & American literature bachelor’s program, an exceptional student-to-instructor ratio ensures close interaction with highly qualified faculty who draw from active research and substantial professional achievements in areas such as academia, publishing, and technical writing.
- Extensive Network: Study liberal arts principles alongside peers with professional experience, learn from faculty who have valuable contacts, and benefit from a global alumni community with strong connections.
- Student Support: Benefit from access to personalized professional academic advice from the team of academic counselors in MET Enrollment & Student Success.
- Valuable Resources: Make use of Boston University’s extensive resources, including the Center for Career Development, Educational Resource Center, Fitness & Recreation Center, IT Help Centers, Mugar Memorial Library, Center for Antiracist Research, Howard Thurman Center for Common Ground, George Sherman Union, and many others.
- Flexible Schedule: Pursue your studies part-time, at the pace that works for you, evenings on campus.
- Affordable Tuition: Complete your bachelor’s part-time at BU at a substantial savings compared to full-time study.
- Financial Assistance: Undergraduate students at BU MET are eligible for a range of financial aid and community-minded scholarship opportunities designed to support those investing in their education part-time who still need to navigate full-time responsibilities.
Bachelor of Liberal Studies in English & American Literature Curriculum
Candidates for the bachelor’s degree at Metropolitan College are required to complete a minimum of 32 courses (128 credits), including Hub requirements, major requirements, related courses, and electives.
Hub Requirements
All BU undergraduate students, including transfer students, will pursue coursework in the BU Hub, the University’s general education program that is integrated into the entire undergraduate experience. BU Hub requirements can be satisfied in a number of ways, including coursework in and beyond the major as well as through cocurricular activities. Students majoring in English will, through coursework in the major, satisfy BU Hub requirements in Writing, Research, and Inquiry; Oral and/or Signed Communication; Aesthetic Exploration; Historical Consciousness; and Research and Information Literacy.
Major Courses
A total of 11 courses (44 credits), completed with a grade of C or higher, is required.
Required Courses
The following four courses (16 credits):
MET EN 220 Proseminar: Literacy Study
MET EN 322 Survey of British Literature I
MET EN 323 Survey of British Literature II
MET HU 221 Major Authors I
And seven advanced-level courses (28 credits) in the department (numbered 301 or above), including one course in American literature.
Electives
Electives are chosen with the advice of an academic counselor. The number of electives varies depending on transfer credit.
View undergraduate courses.
View all English Composition & Literature undergraduate courses.
Tuition & Financial Assistance
Competitive Tuition
Our part-time rates are substantially lower than those of the traditional, full-time residential programs yet provide access to the same high-quality BU education.Comprehensive Financial Assistance
Our services include scholarships, graduate loans, and payment plans.How Much Does This Program Cost?
BU MET’s bachelor’s degree completion programs allow students to quickly complete their degree at an affordable part-time tuition rate, enrolling in two to three courses (8–12 credits) each semester. Eligible graduates from any public Massachusetts community college receive a 50 percent tuition reduction.
Total program cost is dependent on the quantity of transferrable credits and number of courses taken each semester. For a cost estimate based on your academic background, please connect with an admissions advisor.
This chart shows the variable costs dependent on the volume of incoming transfer credit:
| Incoming Transfer Credits** |
68–80 (17–20 courses) |
36–64 (9–16 courses) |
24–32 (6–8 courses) |
| Remaining BU Credits for Degree Completion |
48–60 (12–15 courses) |
64–92 (16–23 courses) |
96–104 (24–26 courses) |
| Time to Degree | 4–7 semesters (16–28 months)*** |
6–11 semesters (24–44 months)*** |
8–13 semesters (32–62 months)*** |
| Tuition per Credit* | $567 | $567 | $567 |
| Fees per Semester* | $75 | $75 | $75 |
| Total Degree Cost* | $27,516– $34,545 |
$36,738– $52,989 |
$55,032– $59,943 |
*Based on 2025–2026 Boston University tuition & fee rates. Some courses may require a $200 undergraduate lab fee (for non-computer science courses).
**To determine your transferrable undergraduate credits, schedule an appointment with Assistant Director of Admissions Kevin Ahearn.
***Program completion time is dependent upon transfer credits and pace of enrollment (two or three courses per semester).
Please note that enrollment in four or more courses in a semester requires students to pay the full-time (per semester) tuition rate.
Questions? Please contact us to hear from an Admissions Advisor who can help you determine the best enrollment pathway. For information regarding financial aid, visit the Boston University Financial Assistance website. We also encourage you to review the scholarship opportunities for BU MET undergraduate students.
Get Started
Please visit the BU MET admissions page for details on how to apply, financial assistance, tuition and fees, requirements for international students, and more.
News & Events
May 6th, 2025 at: 9:00am - 9:45am
Admitted Student Webinar: On-Campus Students Meet Your BU Classmates!
May 6th, 2025 at: 1:00pm - 1:45pm
Admitted Student Webinar: On-Campus Students Meet Your BU Classmates!
May 8th, 2025 at: 1:00pm - 1:45pm
Admitted Student Webinar: Online Students Meet Your BU Classmates!