English

The English studies major offers students the flexibility to follow interests in literature, linguistics, and creative, technical, and professional writing. The curriculum joins the strengths of a traditional humanities education with the career outcomes today’s students seek. English majors develop strong communication skills, multiple research strategies, flexibility in responding to complex situations, and effective project-management skills. Career success is tied to the ability to understand, restate, and analyze complex ideas and texts for multiple audiences. Such success requires habits of investigation, the ability to critically analyze sources of information, and the self-assurance to handle unfamiliar materials and situations. The department offers multiple opportunities to develop these skills both in the classroom and outside the university, while working with and for authentic clients.

The Program

The English department offers a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in English. The B.A. degree requires functional proficiency in at least one language other than English, typically 14 credits of course work in that language. The flexibility of the single major in English studies means that students can emphasize course work in literature, linguistics, writing studies, or a balance of these.

The English minor has two option areas for students to pursue: literature or writing studies.

• Literature option – This option of the English minor gives students the opportunity to read widely in literature, develop analytical skills, and hone writing skills. Courses include Literary Analysis, literature survey courses, elective literature and film courses, and one writing course.
• Writing Studies option – This option of the English minor provides students with the opportunity to write creatively and professionally, and to explore emerging communication technologies. Courses include Introduction to Writing Studies, elective writing courses, and one upper-level literature or linguistics course.

Community/Student Involvement Opportunities

The Department of English offers many options for co-curricular activities that add value and dimension to English majors and minors. Students develop leadership and planning skills by taking part in English Club and the English Honor Society, Sigma Tau Delta. They practice spoken English with international students through Conversational English Circles, and they create and edit an annual literary magazine, Northern Eclecta. The department office suite includes a collaboration and creativity space for undergraduate students, where students can meet to study or work on projects, or share lunch and conversation with other majors. English classes often work with a range of local non-profits, and English majors are encouraged to pursue internships, co-ops, and field experiences, and regularly find opportunities in local industries, non-profits, and government offices.

Career Opportunities

Traditional careers in English studies, such as teaching, and professional and technical writing, are currently in high demand in our region, and the abilities to think critically, to synthesize information, and to write and speak with precision, clarity, and effectiveness are valuable in any career. Thus, many companies look for employees with English majors or minors. The demand for technical and professional writers has been growing, and many companies, non-profit organizations, and government agencies hire English majors. English majors also acquire project management skills and the ability to work as members of a team, which make them desirable employees. Former and current students are employed in writing intensive and/or training positions; some start their own businesses. Some English graduates seek professional degrees (law, library science, ministry, or medicine) or graduate degrees in English immediately after earning a B.A. or B.S.; some choose these options as career changes later in life.

High School Preparation

Beyond the core curriculum requirements necessary for admission to the University, students should have an English preparation that includes both frequent reading from most literary genres and extensive writing experience.

Scholarships

The Department of English awards more than $8,000 in scholarships each year and English students regularly are awarded Fulbright fellowships. Contact the department for details.

• Hal and Alice Dickey Memorial Scholarship – awarded to a sophomore, junior, or senior.
• Professor Ralph Engel Scholarship – awarded to a major who has completed at least 21 credits at North Dakota State University.
• Marjory Archer Haggart Memorial Scholarship – awarded biennially to a sophomore or junior.
• G. Wilson Hunter and Phyllis Krantz Hunter Scholarship – awarded to a sophomore, junior or senior.
• Madeline S. Gittings Endowed Scholarship – awarded to two or three students each year.
• Mart and Lois Vogel Award for Excellence – awarded to one or two upper-class students.
• Richard L. Johnson Scholarship – awarded to a graduate student pursuing literary studies.
• Rooney Scholarship – awarded to a graduate student.
• English Faculty Award – awarded to one or two students with 15 to 45 credits.

Sample Program Guide

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: This guide is not an official curriculum. This guide is a sample four-year degree plan of how students might plan this major with other degree requirements to complete their education in four years.Student plans will vary from this sample due to a variety of factors, such as, but not limited to, start year, education goals, transfer credit, and course availability. To ensure proper degree completion, enrolled students should utilize Degree Map and Schedule Planner in Campus Connection and consult regularly with academic advisors to ensure graduation requirements are being met.  

Sample Program Guide

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: This guide is not an official curriculum. This guide is a sample four-year degree plan of how students might plan this major with other degree requirements to complete their education in four years.Student plans will vary from this sample due to a variety of factors, such as, but not limited to, start year, education goals, transfer credit, and course availability. To ensure proper degree completion, enrolled students should utilize Degree Map and Schedule Planner in Campus Connection and consult regularly with academic advisors to ensure graduation requirements are being met.