English Advising Guide
What is English?
The BA in English 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. 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. You can major in English with a focus on American and British Literature and you have the option to add concentrations in Creative Writing or Professional Writing and Editing.
Why Study English?
English majors often choose this area because of a love of writing or a passion for literature and language, but they also value the skills our degrees offer including critical thinking and analysis, the ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, presentation skills, problem solving skills, ethical judgment and reasoning, and the ability to work with people from various cultural backgrounds. This field provides preparation for a range of careers and graduate study in a range of areas; as effective writers, thinkers, and communicators, English majors are able to adapt to a changing marketplace.
Career Opportunities
- Graduate and Professional School preparation for careers in law, healthcare, education, and business
- Teaching Careers, including Educators and Specialists at all levels
- Technology and Writing Careers, including Social Media Specialist, UX Designer, Technical Writer, and Professional Editor
- Marketing and Business Careers, including Marketing, Advertising, Management, and Sales Roles
- Nonprofit and Arts Careers, including Grant Writer, Research Development Professional, Librarian, and Archivist
Career Trends in English
English majors prepare students for many careers, most commonly as postsecondary and secondary teachers, lawyers, writers, education administrators, editors, and managers (Bureau of Labor Statistics). Like other Arts and Sciences majors, English degrees are compatible with a wide-range of career options: one large survey of employers found that 81% of employers will consider any degree, so most employers do not require a specific degree to be hired for a range of positions.
Economist David Deming notes:
According to a 2018 survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, the three attributes of college graduates that employers considered most important were written communication, problem-solving and the ability to work in a team. [...] In the liberal arts tradition, these skills are built through dialogue between instructors and students, and through close reading and analysis of a broad range of subjects and texts."
Also, wages increase over time at higher rates than many STEM fields as humanities graduates as employees move into management positions and attain additional education. Having an English degree means, in addition to excellent writing and communication skills, graduates have a useful flexible skill set in a changing labor market. For instance, new media fields including UX design and social media specialist positions rely heavily on the critical thinking and professional writing skills in the English major.
High School Preparation
Standard English courses
How to Major in English
Our degree requirements and opportunities are available here, including the BA in English and our concentrations in Creative Writing and in Professional Writing and Editing.
Special Opportunities
Study Abroad. Studying abroad is an exciting and meaningful experience that will contribute to your academic and personal development. English faculty regularly teach study abroad programs on everything from Jane Austen to crime fiction to world literature in Italy. We are happy to assist you in planning a study abroad experience that helps you complete your English degree. The Study Abroad (https://www.southalabama.edu/studyabroad/) team can assist you as you navigate through the process of choosing a program, and will help you from the advising stage until you return from your program.
Student Publications. English students can learn the process of publishing a journal from start to finish by participating in the Oracle Fine Arts Review, in which student editors select and edit works for publication in a long-standing campus journal that publishes poetry, prose, and art from all over the world.
English Events. English majors regularly interact with major national and international writers as part of the Stokes Center series, including winners of and finalists for the Pulitzer Prize, the National Book Award, the MacArthur “Genius Grant,” and other significant and emerging voices. Students are able to attend university presentations, benefit from classroom visits and readings, and participate in service opportunities as part of this program.
Internships. Editing and publishing internships (1-2 credit hours) are available for selected juniors and seniors. The English Department has a longstanding relationship with Negative Capability Press, a premier local publisher of nationally and internationally distributed books of poetry. Student interns work closely with Dr. Sue Brannan Walker, the Director of the Press, and oversee the production of a book from start to finish. Other internship positions are available with Studies in American Culture, a journal edited by Professor Bob Coleman, as well as other scholarly publications.
Academic Plan
Following an academic plan will help you stay on track to graduate in four years.
To see a sample academic plan for English, please click here. Degree plans provide only a suggested schedule; make sure to meet with your academic advisor to find the actual schedule that is right for you.
To see a sample academic plan for English - Creative Writing, please click here. Degree plans provide only a suggested schedule; make sure to meet with your academic advisor to find the actual schedule that is right for you.
To see a sample academic plan for English - Professional Writing and Editing, please click here. Degree plans provide only a suggested schedule; make sure to meet with your academic advisor to find the actual schedule that is right for you.
For More Information
For information on current classes, events, faculty, you can consult the Department of English at (251) 460-6146 or English@southalabama.edu.
You can find us on campus at:
English Department
Humanities Building Rm. 240
5991 USA Drive, N.
Mobile, AL 36688