In school year 1921–1922, English became one of the course options that a student could take in order to attain a Bachelor of Arts degree from what was then known as Ateneo de Manila. 

Several events in history can be viewed as important in the evolution of the Department of English. In 1960, the book Higher Education in Philippine Culture, a report presented to the Rector of the Ateneo de Manila on the occasion of its centenary, stressed the need for a redirection toward supporting the development of Philippine culture. On the other hand, the manifesto “Down from the Hill,” published in The Guidon in 1968, stated:

We recommend a drastic reorientation of the present curriculum… that the present courses in English Literature be converted into courses in Philippine Literature in English and Tagalog.

The change makers who either used to teach at or studied under the Department of English include Rev. Miguel A. Bernad, S.J.; National Artist Salvador F. Bernal; Gilda Cordero-Fernando; Doreen G. Fernandez; Rev. Joseph A. Galdon, S.J.; National Artist Bienvenido L. Lumbera; Edna Zapanta Manlapaz; Emy M. Pascasio; National Artist Rolando S. Tinio; Soledad S. Reyes; and Emmanuel S. Torres, among others.