A strong Department of English is central to a liberal arts education because it helps students to become incisive in their critical thinking, effective as communicators, aware of cultural diversity, and skillful as interpreters of the written and spoken word in all areas of life.

We are committed to academic excellence, innovative instruction, and collaborative service to the community. Literature is the story of us. What better way to engage with those big things in the world around you than to know how those different from you see the same things.

Studying literature provides excellent preparation for professional employment in any area where the close examination of written texts and the ability to communicate well are important. The Department takes pride in working with students to connect their immediate studies with their long-term goals.

A student graduating with a B.A. degree in English will be able to demonstrate the following:

1. Recognize and analyze literary elements in a text.
2. Situate and interpret  texts in their historical, cultural, or literary context.
3. Create well-developed and organized essays with clear and precise prose, presenting sustained arguments.

To graduate with Honors in English, a student must: 

• be admitted to the Honors College; 
• successfully complete at least three credit hours of Honors Research Seminar (ENGL 4610) over three semesters;
• successfully complete and present an Honors Thesis or Capstone Project; 
• be in good standing in the Honors College at the time of graduation.

Programs

Majors

Minors