English, BA

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 bachelor of arts in English 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.

Minimum degree requirement is 120 s.h. as follows: