The English major combines literary study and media studies, emphasizes analytical and writing skills, and prepares students for graduate study as well as for various professional careers.
English majors choose a concentration in either literature or communication.
The literature program explores English and American literature and further develops students' skills in research and textual analysis, while the communication program combines further textual study with courses that focus on the practical skills necessary to pursue careers in the communication field. Both develop research and analytical skills and require extensive pra ctice in critical thinking and writing. An honors program involving scholarly research under faculty direction is open to all majors with a 3.5 gpa in department courses. All English majors take four core courses that emphasize the basic tools and skills of the discipline-writing, analysis, an d theory. Beyond the core courses, the additional six courses needed to complete the English major depend on the student's choice of concentration.