The First-Year Composition program provides courses that fulfill the university's general education requirement in written communication. More advanced writing courses are opportunities for students to develop skill in electronic communication, disciplinary writing, and research.

Students who major in English choose one of three options: literature, rhetoric and language, or education. The literature option focuses on significant examples of literature from different periods and genres, as well as the social and cultural forces that shape them. The rhetoric option focuses on rhetorical strategies and techniques of composition, emphasizing historical and theoretical perspectives in contemporary settings. The education option focuses on preparation appropriate for teaching certification. All options prepare majors to conduct research in the discipline and to write for a variety of purposes and audiences. In addition, they offer the opportunity to earn honors in English.

The minor in English enhances the experience of students majoring in other subjects by providing a study of significant authors and literary works, as well as by developing skills in writing and critical analysis.

The graduate program is a 36-credit Master of Arts with a choice of emphasis: literature or rhetoric. The degree prepares students for a wide variety of jobs in teaching, editing, marketing, and technical communication. Regardless of emphasis, students enjoy significant flexibility in designing their degree. Competitive teaching assistantships and research assistantships are available.

For information on English placement tests, challenge exams, transfer credits, petition procedures, or special registration, contact the English department.