English Major

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

This major prepares students for careers in business and government, and for professions ranging from law and medicine to publishing.

Pre-1800 Literature Course Requirement

English majors must complete a 4-credit pre-1800 literature course, which may be fulfilled through the listed program requirements or taken as an elective. Pre-1800 literature courses include: EN 220, EN 283, EN 310, EN 312, EN 320, EN 322, EN 330, EN 370, EN 412, EN 420, EN 422, and EN 295/EN 495/EN 430 when topic is appropriate.

For department information or additional degree requirements, go to the English department page.

For related information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, http://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/writers-and-authors.htm

Total Credits Required 120 Credits

General Education 30-40 Credits

Required Courses in Major 52 Credits

English Core Courses 24 Credits

EN 247 - Introduction to Literary Studies 4 Credits
EN 366 - Applied Literary Theory 4 Credits
EN 493 - English Capstone Seminar 4 Credits
EN 283 - Survey of British Literature I [INTT] 4 Credits or
EN 284 - Survey of British Literature II [INTT] 4 Credits
EN 285 - Survey of American Literature [HUME] 4 Credits or
EN 286 - Survey of American Literature II [HUME] 4 Credits

Choose one course from the following: 4 Credits

EN 250 - Introduction to Gender and Sexuality in Literature [INTT] 4 Credits
EN 311 - World Literature in English [SOCR] 4 Credits
EN 311Z - World Literature in English [SOCR] [WC] 4 Credits
EN 314 - Traditional Oral Literatures: Selected Native American Cultures [SOCR] [WC] 4 Credits
EN 316 - Native American Novels and Poetry [SOCR] [WC] 4 Credits
EN 317 - Native American Drama, Nonfiction and Short Stories [SOCR] [WC] 4 Credits
EN 375 - Diverse Traditions in American Literature [SOCR] [WC] 4 Credits
EN 375Z - Diverse Traditions in American Literature [SOCR] 4 Credits
EN 378 - Early African-American Literature [SOCR] 4 Credits
EN 379 - Modern African-American Literature [SOCR] 4 Credits
EN 440 - Topics in Gender in Literature 4 Credits

Choose a Concentration: Literature or Writing

Concentration: Literature 24 Credits

Upper-Level Literature Courses (300+) 8 Credits
Literature Elective 4 Credits
English Electives* 8 Credits

Choose one course from the following: 4 Credits

EN 412 - Chaucer 4 Credits
EN 420 - Shakespeare 4 Credits
EN 422 - Milton 4 Credits
EN 430 - Major Authors 4 Credits

Concentration: Writing 24 Credits

Upper-Level Writing Courses (300+) 8 Credits
Upper-Level Writing Course (400+) 4 Credits
Upper-Level Literature Courses (300+) 8 Credits
English Electives* 4 Credits

Language Requirement 4 Credits

Minimum completion of EN 414 History of the English Language or one semester of a language other than modern English.

Notes:

*EN 090, EN 103, EN 109, EN 111, and EN 211 may not be used as English electives.

A minor is not required for this major.

Amended 3/2025