ENGLISH

Express Yourself

An English major at The W allows you to explore cultures through their artistic written production, developing the skills of analyzing complex literary texts and arguing for an interpretation. You can delve into American, English, and World literature, creative writing, professional writing, or teaching English at the secondary level (middle and high school) or as a second language (TESL).

Courses

As an English major, you will take classes such as:

• Shakespeare
• African American Literature
• Literature of the South
• LGBTQ+ Literature
• Modern Poetry

Concentrations

As an English major you will take an emphasis in one of the following areas:

African American Literature

Gain a deeper understanding of the work of black American writers with a concentration in African American Literature. Read and research works from the 19th Century through today, including many authors from here in Mississippi.

Creative Writing

The Creative Writing Concentration allows you to explore your creative side while gaining a rich background in literary traditions. We offer fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, and playwriting with a four-genre intro course and advanced workshops. Our students go on to earn MFAs in creative writing and find jobs in writing careers in publishing, public relations, web content creation, and more.

English Secondary Education

Students who wish to teach English in middle school or high school can choose the Secondary Education Teaching Certificate Track. You will take teacher training courses in addition to your subject classes. Upon graduation, you will have earned a secondary education license in the State of Mississippi.

Literature

Focus on literature and literary movements with this concentration. Students explore American, English, and World Literature from throughout history.

Professional Writing

From marketing to scientific research, industries and organizations around the world need writers and editors. The Professional Writing Concentration focuses on technical writing, digital publication, and nonfiction writing to prepare you for a career in a wide number of fields.

Secondary Education Track

Students who wish to teach English in middle school or high school can choose the teaching certificate track. You will take teacher training courses in addition to your subject classes. Upon graduation, you will have earned a secondary education license in the state of Mississippi.

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