The English major prepares students to become skilled readers, writers, thinkers, and communicators whose abilities are valuable across a wide range of careers. Students have opportunities to apply their learning through elective internships in settings such as public relations firms, newspaper offices, schools, law firms, and businesses that require strong writing, editing, research, and communication skills. Internships are available during the fall, spring, summer, and Winterim terms.
English majors also participate in a vibrant literary and creative community. Students regularly publish creative work in outside publications, and departmental chapters of Sigma Tau Delta, the International English Honor Society, and Alpha Psi Omega, the American Honor Society for Theatre, sponsor theatre excursions, lectures, literary readings, and service projects.
Graduates of the department have gone on to pursue advanced degrees at institutions including the Yale School of Drama, The Johns Hopkins University, The Catholic University of America, the University of Delaware, American University, and the University of Pittsburgh. Alumni work in a wide range of fields and organizations, including The Baltimore Museum of Art, Baltimore County Public Schools, the U.S. Department of Justice, and The Johns Hopkins University Press.
Students must earn a Cumulative Grade Point Average of at least 2.0 in all courses taken to complete the requirements of the English Major.
Required Courses for a Major in English
Creative Writing (one course)
American Literature (one course)
Required Courses (three courses)
Shakespeare (one course)
Required Courses (three courses)
Additional Courses (15)
Creative Writing Track
Five additional courses in place of the five elective courses:
Second Techniques Course (choose one)
One workshop (choose one)
Upper-level genre course (choose one)
Practicum (choose one)
Elective
Secondary Education Certification: Approved Program in English
Students who wish to prepare for teaching in secondary schools take the required courses for a Major in English. They also take the professional education courses offered by the Education Department. The Education Department requires students also complete English courses in which some adolescent, ethnic and non-Western literatures are taught. The Education Department recommends students complete courses in Drama and Film.
Drama Emphasis
English majors who wish to complete a Drama Emphasis complete the following seven courses:
Liberal Arts Majors With English Track
Students who desire to Major in Liberal Arts with a track in English may select any courses from English Department offerings.
Four-Year Plan
Below is a sample Program of Study for the English Major. Students should select courses with the assistance of a faculty advisor.
See course descriptions for a list of required courses and description of course and program options.