The English Department began in 1962 (1382 A. H.) when the English language was a co-major with Social Studies in the College of Education. In 1965 (1385 A. H.), however, the Social Studies section became an independent college having its own aims and objectives, and developing programs in accordance with its new aims. Also, English was established as a separate independent major; and it continued in the college of Education. Later, in the academic year 1984—85 (1404—05), the English Department was made part of the newly established College of Social Sciences, consequently amending its aims to encompass new aims.

The department has developed a comprehensive undergraduate program to prepare specialists in applied linguistics and in various fields of literature. To improve and develop English education in the Kingdom, it also has started masters programs in literature, linguistics, and Arabic-English-Arabic translation. In all of its programs, the department makes a concerted effort to give its students a native or near native efficiency in both spoken and written English. To accomplish this goal, it maintains a highly qualified faculty whose members have obtained a Ph. D. or other terminal degree from universities of the U.S.A., U.K., Canada, and Australia.

The language of the Kingdom, i. e., Arabic, is only partially used in a few translation courses. In all courses, including practically all those on translation, English is used as it is used in the schools and colleges of the English speaking countries of the West. The ultimate aim of the department is to put out well-informed, well-articulate, and well-rounded members of not only the Saudi society but also of the human community in general.