BA in English
Students who major in English study literature and other forms of verbal expression, literary history and criticism, critical theory, linguistics, and creative writing. Courses offered by the department explore a wide range of discourses written in English, including poetry, drama, fiction, film, popular culture, and electronic media. Students examine the cultural, social, political, and economic contexts that condition a variety of texts. Majors write extensively and learn to express themselves effectively, both orally and in writing. They gain practical insight into the words that they speak, read, and write.
The Department of English supports an engaged, civic-oriented curriculum and teaches the critical skills of reading and writing in the context of community involvement and real public spheres by incorporating community and service-learning components into literature classes.
To clarify what you can expect to learn by the time you graduate with a major in English, the department has developed a set of student learning outcomes. By the time you graduate, we also want you to know at least one of your English professors well enough to ask for a letter of recommendation in support of an application for a job or for graduate or professional school.
Declaring the Major
Although the English major does not have any formal prerequisites, we encourage interested students to take a course in literature or creative writing before officially declaring the major.
To declare the English major, call English Undergraduate Studies (612-625-4592) to schedule an advising appointment, or schedule an advising appointment online.
Transfer Students
Students transferring courses from other colleges and universities must complete five upper-division English courses in residence at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus.
To discuss course equivalencies and petition transfer coursework, call English Undergraduate Studies (612-625-4592) to schedule an advising appointment.
For more information on the transfer process, consult the Transfer Student Guide below.
Transfer Guide
If you are exploring or planning to transfer to CLA, learning more about your intended major is important.
Click on the ” Full Requirements” button above to see all of the major requirements, and any limits or restrictions on certain kinds of courses or credits. Every major has a requirement of a minimum number of upper level credits or courses that must be taken through their department. Some departments also have limits to the number of 1xxx or 2xxx level courses that can count towards major requirements.
Courses to Prepare for the Major
There is no specific course that students are required to take to prepare for the English major. If you are considering a major in English you are encouraged to take a 1xxx-level (lower division) English Literature or Creative Writing course early in your college career to explore your interest.
At UMTC, ENGL is the designator for English Literature courses and ENGW is the designator for Creative Writing courses. If you are interested in creative writing and plan to take upper division (3xxx-5xxx) Creative Writing (ENGW) courses, taking a 1xxx-level introductory Creative Writing course may be beneficial as our 3xxx-level ENGW courses have a prerequisite of an approved 1xxx-level ENGW course.
A grade of C- or better is required in all courses approved to satisfy major requirements.
Transferring Courses and Credits
Use Transferology to help you plan your courses for the major. Remember, when using Transferology, look for courses that transfer as direct equivalents to UMTC major courses.
Check Transferology to see if an evaluation already exists for courses you would like to use towards the major. If you find a course that has not been evaluated, you can submit an evaluation request to find out if your course is equivalent to a specific UMTC course. A copy of the course syllabus is required for the evaluation.
Declaring the Major
Transfer students must apply and be admitted to the College of Liberal Arts in order to declare a major. Check out the information on the English declaration process on the Advising page.
BA Second Language Requirement
The BA degree does have a second language requirement. Consider completing or starting your second language before you transfer to CLA. Be sure to talk with a CLA transfer advisor about any questions.
Who Can Help as You Plan Your Transfer
- CLA Transfer Advising - CLA Transfer Advisors are ready to assist you as you plan your transfer to CLA. The Transfer to CLA website provides additional information to help you in your transfer exploration and planning.
- English Department Advising - The departmental advisor can answer questions that are specific to the major.
- Office of Admissions - Requirements for admission to CLA are not the same as the requirements to declare a major. Read through the CLA Transfer Admissions requirements to learn more, and contact the Office of Admissions with any questions.
If you are a current UMTC student or a UM-Rochester student, you will use the
Change of College application process.
Career Paths
All liberal arts degrees help CLA students develop their Core Career Competencies, and English majors develop specific skills that are applicable to lots of different careers. These skills include a strong ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, critical thinking & analysis, and the ability to analyze and solve problems.
Students who take the SuperStrong Interest Inventory receive a three-letter interest code, which identifies their top three areas of interest, work activities, potential skills, and personal values. The interest code "AIS" is often associated with this major, however, the SuperStrong assessment can help you understand how your interests connect to a variety of majors and career options. You can learn more about common employer types and occupations associated with this major. You can also see CLA specific examples of alumni careers below.
Internship & Job Search Websites
- Handshake
- Authorlink: Information Services for Writers, Editors,
Literary Agents and Publishers - Minnesota Council of Nonprofits
- Idealist (Nonprofit positions in the US and internationally)
- Media Week
- Small Publishers, Artists and Writers Network
- MediaBistro
- The Write Jobs
Student Groups
- The Tower: University of Minnesota’s Literary Magazine
- FUSE (Fellowship of Undergraduate Students in English)
Professional Organizations
- American Copy Editors Society
- American Society of Journalists & Authors
- Association of Directory of Publishers
- Association of American Publishers
- Magazine Publishers of America
Alumni Career Examples
Below is a small sampling of what alumni with this major have pursued, organized by the most common career fields they go into (although keep in mind that there are alumni in all eight of the career fields). You can also utilize the LinkedIn's Alumni Tool and the Maroon and Gold Network to further explore alumni career pathways and connect directly with professionals.
Click to expand each accordion panel below for opportunities pursued by alumni in this major!
Internships
- Editorial Intern, Greenspring Media
- Corporate Communications Intern, Land O'Lakes
- Intern, ABC Radio
- Development Intern, Graywolf Press
- Intern, Redleaf Press
- Creative Writing Intern, Mid-Continent Oceanographic Institute
- Staff Writer, The Odyssey Online
- Editorial Intern, Tiger Oak Media
- Marketing and Social Media Intern, Free Arts Minnesota
- Promotions Intern, Clear Channel Media & Entertainment
- Digital Communications Intern, Limericks’ Gateway to Education
- Editorial Intern, Redleaf Press
- Writer, Borgen Project
- Intern, University of Minnesota Press
- Reporter Intern, ECM Publishers
- Reporter Intern, Star Tribune
Entry-Level
- Writer, Jesse Avant
- Art Connection Grant Liaison, Free Arts Minnesota
- Engagement Assistant, International Student & Scholar Services at the U of MN
- Freelance Playwright, various venues
- Freelance Writer, various publications
- Reporter, Aberdeen American News
Experienced
- Client Relationship Manager, Fast Horse
- Editor, ABB
- Director, Adobe Publishing
- Writer, About.com
- Writer, American Public Media
- Writer, Aveda Corporation
- Technical Writer, Beckman Coulter Inc.
- Editor, Business Wire
- Editor, Metro Magazine
- Director, Media Productions
- Account Executive, Star Tribune
- Technical Writer, PTC/Windchill
Note: *Asterisks denote that further education and/or training is often required
Internships
- Marketing Intern, Anderson Tours
Entry-Level
- Marketing Associate & Copywriter, Polaroid
- Director of Marketing and E-Business, T-Chek Systems
- Account Manager, Carmichael Lynch
- Marketing and Advertising Coordinator, People's Center Health Services
- Marketing Coordinator/Copywriter, Modern Survey
- Executive Development Program, Macy’s
- Executive Assistant, Alienus Inc
- Business Development Representative, Sovos Compliance
Experienced
- Analyst, 3M*
- Human Resources Manager, Accenture*
- Senior Vice President, American Express*
- Manager, Barnes and Noble
- Marketing Manager, Bloom Health*
- Director of Global Marketing, C.H. Robinson*
- Marketing Communications Manager, Grassroots Solutions
- Marketing Services Manager, Brother International Corp
- CEO, The Patient Source*
- Project Manager, West Companies Inc
- Analyst, UnitedHealth Group*
- Training and Development Specialist, Target Corporation
- Human Resources Trainer, Pepsi-Cola Co.
Note: *Asterisks denote that further education and/or training is often required
Internships
- Party Affairs Intern, Minnesota DFL
- Congressional Office Intern, Senator Harkin
- Intern, Legal Rights Center
- Legislative Intern, Office of U.S. Amy Klobuchar
- Immigration Services Intern, The International Institute of Minnesota
- Research and Marketing Associate, openGlobalRights
Entry-Level
- Legal Assistant, Park Nicollet Health Services
- Experienced
- Public Service Director, City of Saint Paul*
- Judge, U.S. District Court*
- Lawyer, California Department of Justice*
- Lawyer, Metropolitan Council*
Graduate Programs
- Humphrey School of Public Affairs (MPA)
Note: *Asterisks denote that further education and/or training is often required
Entry-Level
- Program Coordinator, College of Liberal Arts at the UMN
- Branch Manager, St. Paul Public Library
- Teaching Assistant, Normandale Community College
Experienced
- English as a Second Language teacher, self-employed*
- Teacher, Anoka Hennepin School District*
- Professor, Bemidji State University*
- Administrator, University of Missouri*
- Assistant to Vice Provost & Dean of Undergraduate Education, U of MN*
- Librarian, Union College*
- Teacher, Minnetonka School District*
Graduate Programs
- MLIS from St. Catherine
- MLIS from Univ of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
- M.A., International and Comparative Education, UMN
Note: *Asterisks denote that further education and/or training is often required
Internships
- Grants Directory Intern, Minnesota Council of Nonprofits
- Inclusion and Community Engagement Intern, Minnesota History Center
- Administrative Intern, Zenon Dance Company
- Leadership Minor Intern, Amherst H. Wilder Foundation
- Entertainment Media Intern, GLAAD
- Youth & Community Programs Intern, Minnesota Center of Book Arts
- Communications Intern, Domestic Abuse Project
- Women's Human Rights Program Intern, The Advocates for Human Rights
- Marketing & Public Relations Intern, Children’s Theatre Company
- Intern, Cornerstone Advocacy Services
Entry-Level
- Community Volunteer, Peace Corps
- Program Staff, YMCA
- Program Assistant, Fraser
Experienced
- Director of Communications & Engagement, Pollen
- Communications Program Manager, the Bush Foundation
- Director of Communication, Greater MSP
- Director, Teach for America
- Social Worker, St. Paul Public Schools*