English

Gain skills such as reading, writing, critical thinking, and complex reasoning lead to greater professional and personal success.

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English, B.A.

The Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Sciences in English are offered through the College of Liberal Arts at MTSU.  The English major at MTSU boasts an exciting curriculum in literary and cultural studies, rhetoric and composition, creative writing, and linguistics.  

The skills developed in these courses—analysis, writing, reading, research, and communication—help prepare students for potential careers in writing and editing, publishing, law, advertising, public relations, education, business and management, and public service, as well as the performing and creative arts.  

In English, we offer an exciting curriculum in literature, film, rhetoric, writing, and linguistics. Our diverse course offerings are designed to appeal to students with varying academic and professional goals. In fact, the skills students develop in our courses—analysis, writing, reading, research, and communication—prepare them well for careers in writing and editing, publishing, law, advertising, public relations, education, management, public service, as well as the performing and creative arts. 

You may pursue a traditional degree program in English or opt for one of these concentrations: 

  • English Language Linguistics engage students in the formal study of the English language and introduces them to theoretical and practical applications of the scientific study of language. The concentration in English Language Linguistics will engage students in the formal study of the English language and introduce them to theoretical and practical applications of the scientific study of language.
  • Literary Studies provides training in theory and critical thinking for students considering careers in academia or other fields.
  • Literature and Culture gives students an interdisciplinary context, helping prepare them to engage with different aspects of popular and intellectual culture.
  • The Writing concentration is designed for students who want to focus on a variety of writing skills, in forms such as fiction, nonfiction, poetry, plays, and technical writing. 
  • The Teaching Licensure concentration is for students who plan to teach English in grades 6–12. This concentration is combined with a minor in Secondary Education and includes a two-semester classroom-based residency.

A major in English consists of 36 hours of which no more than six (6) may be lower-division hours.  Additionally, majors are expected to consult a member of the English faculty each semester regarding the selection and arrangement of electives. 

Recommended minors for English majors include a foreign language minor, Film Studies, History, Linguistic Studies, Philosophy, Political Science, Theatre, Writing, Southern Studies, and Women's and Gender Studies, but students may choose a minor from those listed under the B.A. requirements or from the interdisciplinary minors. 

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News Briefs

Rethinking traditional writing in the 21st century

Students who think that writing a traditional essay will be the only thing that happens in Dr. Eric Detweiler's rhetoric and composition classes are likely in for a surprise. Detweiler includes a variety of technology — especially sound related — to broaden perceptions of what writing is and what can be done with it. "I want them to become sensitive to these differences and realize that they can reach a broader audience as well as have fun." Full disclosure: Detweiler emphasizes that traditional writing is very much a part of his classes — it's just not the only part!

Children's and Young Adult Literature Around the World

Dr. Poushali Bhadury engages her students in a lively discussion of race, nation, and sexuality in her new Topics in Children's Literature course, Children's and Young Adult Literature Around the World. The class challenges the lack of diversity in children's and young adult literature by exploring writers and writing from perspectives that address gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, ability, and other facets of identity and culture. Says one student, "This is the most eye-opening course I've ever taken, and Dr. Bhadury is amazing!"

News Briefs

Rethinking traditional writing in the 21st century

Students who think that writing a traditional essay will be the only thing that happens in Dr. Eric Detweiler's rhetoric and composition classes are likely in for a surprise. Detweiler includes a variety of technology — especially sound related — to broaden perceptions of what writing is and what can be done with it. "I want them to become sensitive to these differences and realize that they can reach a broader audience as well as have fun." Full disclosure: Detweiler emphasizes that traditional writing is very much a part of his classes — it's just not the only part!

Children's and Young Adult Literature Around the World

Dr. Poushali Bhadury engages her students in a lively discussion of race, nation, and sexuality in her new Topics in Children's Literature course, Children's and Young Adult Literature Around the World. The class challenges the lack of diversity in children's and young adult literature by exploring writers and writing from perspectives that address gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, ability, and other facets of identity and culture. Says one student, "This is the most eye-opening course I've ever taken, and Dr. Bhadury is amazing!"

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CAREERS

Degrees in English increase opportunities for success in a constantly changing job market. An emphasis on clear and logical communication prepares students for a wide range of occupations, rather than emphasizing one or two vocational tracks. Students in the program have gone on to such positions as

  • Advertising/public relations executive
  • Content manager
  • Creative writer
  • Director/support staff for non-profit organizations
  • Editor
  • Lawyer (after law school)
  • Librarian
  • Manager
  • Professional/technical writer
  • Public servant
  • Publisher
  • Researcher
  • Reviewer
  • School administrator
  • Software developer
  • Teacher

Employers of MTSU alumni include

  • Aquinas College
  • Belmont University
  • Bryant College
  • C. S. Lewis Foundation
  • Calhoun Community College (Ala.)
  • Chattanooga State Community College
  • Cleveland State Community College
  • College of the Cumberlands (Ky.)
  • Columbia State Community College
  • Covenant College
  • David Lipscomb University
  • Education Networks of America
  • Fisk University
  • Franklin Road Academy
  • Kentucky Christian University
  • Michigan State University
  • Motlow State Community College
  • MTSU
  • Nashville State Community College
  • Rutherford County Schools
  • Tennessee Board of Regents
  • Tennessee State Board of Education / Dept. of Education
  • Tennessee State University
  • Trevecca Nazarene University
  • University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill Medical School
  • Vanderbilt University
  • Volunteer State Community College
  • Western Kentucky University
  • Williamson County Schools

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