We Invite You to Explore the Undergraduate English Program!

English is a lively discipline that is at the forefront of many recent developments in the humanities, while at the same time retaining its traditional focus on the study of literary texts and on the artful and thoughtful use of language.  Majoring or minoring in English can help prepare one for work or for further study in a wide variety of fields, including education, law, publishing, and business. 

Students interested in the field of English may choose to follow one of three courses of study: the Major in English, which provides a broad exposure to the study of literature and other aspects of the discipline; the Major in English with a Writing Emphasis, which combines a foundation of literary study with a sequence of writing courses focused on poetry, fiction, and literary nonfiction, or on a range of nonfiction prose forms, including analytical, persuasive, and academic writing; and the Major in English with a Teacher Education Emphasis (5-12), which prepares students for teaching middle and secondary school and requires coursework in linguistics, literature, writing, and writing pedagogy. This particular major also requires additional coursework from the Department of Teacher Education and the Department of Communication and Journalism. Finally, students who are interested in exploring the art of language by comparing literature written in English with literature written in another language may wish to consider the Major in Literary Studies.

The English Department also offers a number of other programs and opportunities for further exploration of the field, including an academic honor society, departmental colloquia, and a variety of study abroad options.