English, BA

Program Coordinator: Randall Martoccia (2207 Bate Building; 2207 Bate Building; martocciar@ecu.edu)

The English, BA prepares students for skilled jobs in the 21st century. Employers are looking for people who can communicate through writing and speaking in different situations and with people from all walks of life, using a variety of media and technology. 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 problem-solving abilities 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 influential authors, past and present, how to engage, persuade, inform, and explain. English majors excel at recognizing connections among ideas and information in texts, talk, and visual media. They know to approach problems from a broad perspective informed by social and cultural differences in their historical context. 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 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 career fields in today’s information-based economy that requires creativity, flexibility, effective communication, and life-long learning.

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