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.
Upcoming Events
Jennifer Croft - Thursday, April 10, 2025 - 5:00pm
Associate Professor of English at the University of Tulsa, Jennifer Croft won a 2022 Guggenheim Fellowship for her novel The Extinction of Irena Rey, the 2020 William Saroyan International Prize for Writing for her illustrated memoir Homesick and the 2018 International Booker Prize for her translation from Polish of Nobel laureate Olga Tokarczuk's Flights. She is also the translator of Federico Falco's A Perfect Cemetery, Romina Paula's August, Pedro Mairal's The Woman from Uruguay, and Olga Tokarczuk's The Books of Jacob (a finalist for the Kirkus Prize). In 2023, she received an American Academy of Arts and Letters Award in Literature.
Please note: this free event will be held in the Student Center Terrace Room with
a book signing and reception to follow. PHOTO: Kelly Kurt Brown.
Two One-Year-Only Instructor Positions
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, starting on August 15, 2025. The two Instructors hired will teach primarily freshman composition courses. Departmental, college, university, and/or community service also expected.
Required: An MA in English or closely 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. Shawn Ash.
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, HUMB 240, 5991 USA Dr N, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL 36688-0002. Official electronic transcripts may also be emailed to Dr. Patrick Shaw.
Review of applications will begin May 27, 2025, 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.
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.
South's Common Read Offers Food for Thought
Pence Named Mobile Poet Laureate
'Descendant' Nominated for NAACP Image Award