BA in English (Narrative Studies)
Examine the power of stories and learn how narratives shape culture, media and social change.
Stories shape how we understand the world and how ideas move through it. The Bachelor of Arts in English with a concentration in narrative studies prepares students, online or on campus, to apply storytelling as a powerful, in-demand skill across media, social issues and professional contexts.
Why Narrative Studies at ASU
The narrative studies BA prepares students to understand and create stories that shape media, culture and professional life. Through this concentration, students gain practical and analytical training in narrative while exploring its cultural, ethical and professional impact.
Cross-media focus
Explore storytelling in film, digital media, video games, podcasts, publishing and emerging platforms, with opportunities to tailor coursework to your interests.
Skills employers need
Learn to craft, analyze and apply narratives to influence audiences and drive real-world results across industries like marketing, media, publishing, film, game design, advocacy and more.
Real-world application
Courses offer hands-on training in podcasting, screenwriting and publishing, or focus on literary and media analysis. Students connect theory to practice through applied projects, internships and career exploration opportunities.
Flexible learning environment
Whether online or on campus, students engage in the same curriculum and collaborate with award-winning storytellers and thought leaders, gaining a fully immersive, career-connected education.
Learn from leading narrative scholars
Meet the faculty shaping how narrative is studied, taught and applied across media and culture — from film and digital media to social justice, writing studies and game design.
A scholar and screenwriter whose work explores narrative, media and representation, with a focus on film, gender and culture. She's the author of "There She Goes Again" and a contributing editor at Ms. Magazine.
Aviva Dove-Viebahn
Associate Professor of Film and Media Studies
Department of English
An expert in writing studies and artificial intelligence whose work examines how people compose meaning in digital spaces. He is the author of the award-winning book "Composing Place" and directs ASU’s Writing, Rhetorics and Literacies program.
Jacob Greene
Associate Professor and Director
Writing, Rhetorics and Literacies Program
A scholar of literature and political culture whose work centers on race, social justice and the stories that shape public life. His most recent book, "Rules for Reactionaries," examines narrative, ideology and contemporary politics.
Lee Bebout
Professor of Literature
Department of English
A film and media studies instructor and video game scholar whose teaching and research focus on narrative, game design and digital culture. His work explores how stories function across games, technology and education policy.
Jeffrey Holmes
Instructor, Film and Media Studies
Department of English
Find degree info and application timelines that work for your schedule. Flexible options include start dates in fall, spring and summer.
If you have questions about the narrative studies BA program or the next steps for applying, please feel free to email us at [email protected].