Department of English | College of Arts and Sciences

The Bachelor and Master of Arts in English degree programs at the University of South Alabama prepare students for jobs in professional settings including teaching, writing, and business areas. English majors and minors are taught by talented faculty and field experts in creative writing, literature, and professional writing in the College of Arts and Sciences. English undergraduate student Kelsi Fails describes her passion for writing poetry and studying literature at USA.

The English undergraduate program allows students to explore the study of literature and interpretation of novels, stories, poems and essays through critical approaches and writing, build the skills to craft meaningful creative work, and develop skills in professional writing and editing. The English master's program offers students in the creative writing and literature concentrations advanced study and preparation for careers in English as well as further graduate study. Through classes, as well as research opportunities and internships, students build skills in critical reading and writing, research, and instruction that support a range of career fields in business and education.

Undergraduate Program

English majors can add a concentration in creative writing or in professional writing and editing. Minor in English, creative writing, or professional writing.

Master of Arts in English

Continue your education at South. Earn a master’s degree in English with a concentration in creative writing or literature.

Stokes Center

The Stokes Center for Creative Writing sponsors readings, lectures, forums, community projects, and other events that are free and open to the public.

Upcoming Events

Yuri Herrera - Wednesday, November 13, 2024 - 5:30pm

Born in Actopan, Mexico, Yuri Herrera is the author of three novels, including Signs Preceding the End of the World, which The New York Times called "Short, suspenseful . . . outlandish and heartbreaking," as well as the collection Ten Planets, which was a finalist for the Ursula K. Le Guin Prize. This fall Graywolf Press will publish Season of the Swamp, Herrera’s major new novel set in nineteenth-century New Orleans, where a young exile named Benito Juárez disembarks at a fetid port city at the edge of a swamp, and, years later, becomes the first indigenous head of state in the postcolonial Americas. Herrera teaches at Tulane University.

Please note: this free event will be held in the Student Center Terrace Room with a book signing and reception to follow.

▼ Job Openings

One-Year-Only Instructor

The University of South Alabama's Department of English invites applications for two (2) non-tenure track (9-month, one-year-only) full-time Instructor positions to teach primarily freshman composition courses. Departmental, college, university, and/or community service also expected. Positions begin starting August 15, 2024 (4/4 teaching load).

Required: MA in English or related field with a minimum of 18 graduate hours in English and evidence of strong commitment to teaching college freshmen and sophomores.

To apply, send by email the following: vita, cover letter, one-page teaching statement, and names of three references to Dr. Patrick Shaw, Search Committee Chair, c/o Ms. Mary Ricciardi (english@southalabama.edu).

Applicants invited for a campus interview will arrange to have official graduate and undergraduate transcripts sent directly by the Registrars of all colleges and universities from which a degree was received to the Search Committee Chair:

Dr. Patrick Shaw
Department of English
5991 USA Dr N / HUMB 240
University of South Alabama
Mobile, AL 36688-0002

Official electronic transcripts may be emailed to Dr. Patrick Shaw (pjshaw@southalabama.edu). Review of applications will begin June 24, 2024 and continue until the positions are filled.

Part-Time Teaching

The English Department reviews applications on a continuing basis for part-time instructors, mainly to teach composition. Literature surveys and technical writing sections are available occasionally for those who are qualified in those areas.

Minimum Requirement: M.A. in English.

Please send your vita, cover letter, and contact information for three professional references and transcripts via email to Dr. Patrick Shaw: pjshaw@southalabama.edu

The University of South Alabama is an EO/AA employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, religion, age, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status, or any other applicable legally protected basis in admission policies and practices, educational programs, activities, or employment practices.