ENGLISH

Male professor stands at a lecturn during class

Bachelor of Arts in English

English majors study the literatures of the English speaking world, linguistics, literary theory, creative and expository writing, and the history of the language. An English major learns and polishes skills that are always in demand by employers, such as critical thinking and creative problem-solving, focused research, sophisticated written and oral communication, the ability to appreciate differences, as well as the capacity to explain complex issues. An English degree offers flexibility in choice of major and elective courses while, providing students with the practical skills to adapt to employment in the rapidly changing world.

While many English graduates move into the workforce immediately after graduation, many use this degree to prepare for graduate school in the humanities or professional careers in law, media, publishing, communication, public policy, medicine, information systems and business.

The department offers a B.A. in English with concentrations in African American Literature, Creative Writing, Literature, Professional Writing or Teacher Certification. All concentrations take a core of English classes that includes two literature surveys, one early literature class, one diversity literature class, one advanced writing class, and one language or theory class, and English Capstone. Other requirements vary by concentration. We also offer minors in English and Creative Writing and a certificate in Teaching English as a Second Language.

English, BA Concentrations

https://www.muw.edu/llp/African%20American%20Literature

African American Literature

The African American Literature concentration focuses on African American literature and its influence and influences around the world.

African American Literature

https://www.muw.edu/llp/Creative%20Writing

Creative Writing

The Concentration in Creative Writing begins with a four-genre introduction to creative writing and includes advanced classes in Fiction, Poetry, Creative Nonfiction, Playwriting, and Digital Writing, where students can explore their creativity in multiple genres.

Creative Writing

Literature

The Concentration in Literature allows students to explore American, English, and World literatures from Classical and Medieval periods to the present.

Literature

https://www.muw.edu/llp/Professional%20Writing

Professional Writing

The Concentration in Professional Writing focuses on academic and other forms of expository writing with a foundational course in Professional Writing, along with Technical Writing, Digital Writing, and Nonfiction.

Professional Writing

https://www.muw.edu/llp/Secondary%20Education%20Certification

Secondary Education Certification

Teacher Certification in Secondary English provides prospective teachers with the attitudes, content, pedagogical knowledge and skills necessary for a teaching career in middle or high school.

English Secondary Education

Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing

The W offers a Low-Residency MFA in Creative Writing. It is a 48-hour program that can be completed in two to three years (or longer if students choose to attend part time). Students take online classes, combined with two types of brief residency classes. Online classes include Graduate Writing Workshops in Fiction, Poetry, Nonfiction, Playwriting, Translation, and Writing for New Media, as well as Literature and Form classes.

MFA Creative Writing

Woman takes notes on a story during a workshop

Teaching English as a Second Language

The Certificate in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) prepares students to teach English to non-native speakers. The certificate is an ideal choice for students interested in teaching in elementary, middle or high schools, in teaching abroad, or in teaching adults in the workplace. Junior or senior status and completion of at least six hours of core English classes are required before beginning the twelve hours of certificate coursework.

TESL Certificate