English majors typically study European literary history.
English degree options are available at most universities. Departments with an English program offer the standard courses toward the major, but also provide options for students who want to write or teach as a full-time career professional. In addition, students pursuing an English degree option may elect a minor in another English specialization. Students have a wide range of courses and options available, where they can pursue multiple degrees in the major.
Bachelor of Arts, English and American Literature
Bachelor of Arts programs in English and American literature prepare students for a curriculum centered on literary and theatre history, dramatic literature and the study of critical theory. Students complete courses in both writing and literature to fulfill graduation requirements. Students have the option of also selecting the major as a minor. They enroll in seminar to prepare for the undergraduate thesis. This type of major encourages students to study abroad and complete courses in British politics, art and architecture.
Bachelor of Arts, Comparative Literature
The comparative literature program prepares students to become literary professors of cultural and international studies. Students receive a foundation in world literature in which they study literary classics such as Ovid's "Metamorphosis," prose and dramatic writings. Students who choose this major also find classes on the literary aspects of the bible, African literature, contemporary Asian literature and European literature. Students explore culture, film influences, gender issues and biography through creative writing exercises and group study.
Bachelor of Arts, Creative Writing
The creative writing major is a popular undergraduate program for aspiring professional writers. Students learn the art of writing and structuring dialogue by enrolling in workshops throughout the academic year. To gain entrance into this competitive program, students submit a standard admissions application, writing sample, letter of application and reference letters; they apply to one genre such as fiction, nonfiction, poetry, playwriting or screenwriting. They also complete courses in their chosen genre and additional electives. Graduate creative writing students complete a thesis.
Master of Arts, English with Specialization in Children's Literature
The graduate program in children's literature is a unique major because not many universities offer this specialization -- only a handful across the country do. With this English degree, students earn a standard master's degree in the major by completing literature classes, sitting for a qualifying exam and writing a thesis. The program offers more advanced coursework in literary criticism, but not in the arena of creative writing. Students complete additional courses in the history, literary period and movement of children's literature and study major authors.
Doctor of Philosophy, English
The doctorate program in English is ideal for students who want to enter the field of tenured faculty teaching. The program typically takes four to seven years to complete and students conduct intensive research within their specialization. A doctoral candidate completes the required classes to graduate but also centers his studies on a particular specialization such as American literature, creative writing, and English or British literature. This English degree option is the most comprehensive because it trains students become a professional in the field.
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