What Can I Do with an English Degree?

SLO 1
Students will identify significant literary works, authors, and movements as a requisite skill for literary analysis.

SLO 2
Drawing upon both primary and secondary sources, students will critique one or more literary works in a research paper or project.

SLO 3
Students will compose a multi-paragraph extemporaneous response that demonstrates competence in grammar, mechanics, and organization.

SLO 4
Students will articulate a succinct and coherent literary philosophy.

Guided by the principles of Northwestern's mission, the English program offers courses in literature and composition to develop creative and critical thinking skills, leading to successful performance in written communication required for success in a rapidly changing global environment. In addition, the program encourages innovative and interactive learning through computer technologies, engages students as participants in the construction of knowledge, and involves them in the analysis and creation of texts and discourse through historical, cultural, visual, and rhetorical contexts. Furthermore, English courses foster a sense of intellectual community between faculty and students by cultivating discussions about literature, rhetoric, writing, film studies, and pedagogy. They stimulate intellectual curiosity and creativity, leading to original and independent thinking in order to prepare students to teach in the public school, to enter graduate programs, or to qualify for careers in non-academic environments.

We offer:

• Bachelor of Arts in English
• Bachelor of Arts in English Education
• Minors in English, Writing, and Spanish

For a detailed look at the course requirements and descriptions for these degrees, please see the Undergraduate Catalog.

Course Rotations

• English Course Rotation
• Humanities Course Rotation

Plans of Study

• English Major 
• English Education Major
• English Minor
• Writing Minor

Scholarship opportunities are available for students in this department!

Current students have until March 15 for academic scholarships using the Continuing Student Scholarship Application.

Use the English, Foreign Language, and Humanities Department Scholarship Application Form to apply for foundation/departmental scholarships by February 15.

• Gladys Bingham-Dotter Scholarship: Awarded to a full-time junior or senior majoring in English with a 3.00 CGPA. Preference will be given to applicants from the Northwestern service area.
• Judy Jenlink Language Arts Scholarship: Awarded to a full-time junior or senior majoring in English Education with a 3.25 CGPA. The candidate must also be active in at least one campus organization.
• Agnes Lebeda Writing Award: Granted to a full-time senior or graduate student majoring in English with a 3.50 CGPA. 
• The Milt and Becky Lehr Award: Given to a full-time sophomore student who has been admitted to the Teacher Education Program and who is majoring in Elementary Education, English, or Mathematics. The English Department awards this scholarship every third year.
• Gloria Piersall Scholarship: Awarded to a full-time English major with a CGPA of 2.50.
• Fran Wadley Slack Scholarship: Awarded to a full-time junior or senior English major or minor with a CGPA of 3.00.

For more information, please visit Scholarships.