What is English?
The Bachelor of Arts in English provides students the opportunity to explore the study
of literature. Reading American and British literature from the Middle Ages to the
present, majors learn the arts of literary criticism by composing interpretations of novels, poems, plays, and essays. Students can add a concentration in either Creative Writing or Professional Writing
and Editing, learning to craft compelling creative work, or to practice the kinds of writing that are important
in the workplace. In their classes, and through internships and other research opportunities, English
majors integrate reading, research, and analytic writing skills that are crucial to
careers in any field where mastery of the language is valued.
Awareness
First Year
- Develop attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines
- Develop strong sense of skills related to literary works
- Establish communications skills and an open minded perspective
- Take English Composition I and II
Middle Years
- Take 300 and 400-level English courses including EH 300
- Gain greater competence in literary fundamentals
- Practice the use of higher-level concepts important to literary study
- Refine skills to craft persuasive interpretations of literary works
Last Year
- Take upper-level courses that focus on various literary periods and national traditions
- Take courses devoted to particular genres and to literary theory and rhetoric
Exploration
First Year
- Explore student organizations and
leadership opportunities through Involve South - Attend open-mic or literary readings and events
- Join student organizations like the Oracle Fine Arts Review and the Creative Writing Club to connect with peers
Middle Years
- Participate in an internship to explore potential future careers, gain direct experience, expand your professional network, and enhance your resume
- Interact with major national and international writers though the Stokes Center Series
- Attend and participate in the Spring Lecture Series, where renowned and innovative English literature, rhetoric, and theory scholars present their latest work
Last Year
- Develop relationships with community partners
- Attend networking events
- Learn to explain the importance of the skills gained through a degree in English
Preparation
First Year
- Meet with a Career Consultant to discuss career goals
- Begin to explore opportunities and areas of interest for future careers
Middle Years
- Engage through experiential learning opportunities like internships, studying abroad, student publications, and service learning
- Attend career fairs and networking events to become knowledgeable of career opportunities available
Last Year
- Compile a portfolio of publications, skills, and writings
- Decide whether to pursue full-time employment or graduate school before final semester
- Meet with Career Development to finalize resume and prepare strategies for the job search or graduate school preparation
Job Outlook
4% growth by 2034
Median Salary
$35,000 - $70,000
Annual Job
Openings Each Year
-
Current Workforce
-
What can I do with this major?
- Publishing
- Writing and Editing
- Education
- User Experience Design
- Social Media Specialists
- Social Media Specialists
- Government and Non-Profits
- Law and Policy
- Business
What skills will I learn?
- Critical Analysis: The ability to interpret complex texts and synthesize diverse information.
- Professional Writing & Editing: Crafting clear, persuasive, and grammatically correct content for business or government.
- Storytelling & Rhetoric: Understanding structure and audience to inspire or persuade others.
- Advanced Research: Utilizing databases and archives to gather and verify information.
- Creative Problem Solving: Applying literary and cultural knowledge to modern professional challenges.
- Instructional Communication: Skills that support careers in teaching and educational development.
USA Career Development
(251) 460-6188
careerdevelopment@southalabama.edu
Department of English
(251) 460-6146
english@southalabama.edu
Humanities Building, Room 240
591 USA Drive, N.
Mobile, AL 36688