Mar 28, 2024  
2022-2023 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2022-2023 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

English, BA


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Certificates, Degrees, and other Undergraduate Programs

Program Coordinator: Donna Kain (2202 Bate Building; 252-328-6041; englishug@ecu.edu)

Skilled jobs in the 21st century will go to people who can communicate in a variety of situations, with people from all walks of life, and through media and technology. The English, BA prepares students for such careers. English majors create their own paths through the major, selecting courses in literature, creative writing, multicultural and transnational literature, business and technical communication, linguistics, rhetoric and composition, folklore, and film studies. Students develop a number of skills valuable in the workplace, in volunteer organizations, and in civic and family life. Above all, English majors are skilled analysts and effective writers. Sensitive to the nuances of language, they have learned from the great authors, past and present, how to move, charm, and explain. English majors excel at recognizing patterns wherever they occur, including visual media. They are trained to approach problems from a broad perspective, one that is informed by cultural differences and by history. Research shows that reading fiction increases empathy: English majors are skilled at reading people as well as books. English graduates have pursued careers in education, government, publishing, business, law, healthcare, journalism, script and songwriting, library science, social work, industry, and the public sector. They have obtained graduate degrees in literature, linguistics, teaching of English to speakers of other languages, writing, rhetoric, communication, law, engineering, business administration, and other fields. Strong writers, readers, and critical thinkers, English majors are prepared to enter many different career fields in an information-based economy that requires creativity, flexibility, effective communication, and life-long learning.

The degree requires a minimum of 120 s.h. as follows:

1. General education requirements - 40 s.h.


(For information about courses that carry general education credit view the General Education Program  section.)

2. Demonstrated foreign language proficiency through level 2004 - 12 s.h.


(For information about the foreign language requirement view Special Requirements for the BA Degree in the Academic Advisement, Progression and Support Services  section and Placement Testing, Foreign Language in the Admission and Readmission  section.)

3. Required coursework - 18 s.h.


c. Historical surveys (6 s.h.)


4. Electives - 18 s.h.


  • Choose ENGL, FILM, or LING electives (exclusive of writing foundations courses [GE:EN]).
  • Choose at least 9 s.h. of ENGL, FILM, or LING electives 4000 or above; excluding ENGL 4510, ENGL 4520, ENGL 4550, and ENGL 4555. Up to 3 s.h. may be satisfied with a professional internship (ENGL 4890 or ENGL 4891; or, for ENED majors only, ENED 4324 or ENED 4325). 

Note: Qualified undergraduates may take 5000-level ENGL courses as electives.

5. Senior writing portfolio


6. Minor and general electives to complete requirements for graduation


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Certificates, Degrees, and other Undergraduate Programs