English

The Bachelor of Arts degrees in English and Communication and the Master of Arts and Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies in English degrees guide students in learning about the nature and uses of language though the study of literature, composition, speech, journalism (both print and broadcast), and linguistics.

The English curriculum, which consists primarily of literature courses, instructs students in the principles of effective communication embodied in the writing of authors whose ideas, sympathies, or literary innovations have helped shape civilization and have contributed to an understanding of people in their various cultures, environments, and times; the department believes that oral and written responses to literature strengthen the abilities of students to think critically and creatively and to express themselves well. The Master of Arts and Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies promote rigorous and professional scholarly research within the area of English studies. They offer high quality courses and a degree that produce highly competent English educators and professional scholars who pursue further scholarly degrees in English.

The curriculum in Communication prepares students for careers in advertising, public relations, marketing, journalism, media, training and development, speech writing, sales, offices of public information, and a variety of other fields, such as event planning, with an emphasis on effective language use. In the end, whether students elect to pursue a degree in English or in Communication, they must see clearly the recursive and evolutionary process by which students in any discipline come to master the knowledge and skills of that field and achieve the higher-level thinking skills associated with a mature intellectual life.

Because both the fields of English and Communication provide students with essential skills necessary to communicate effectively, enrich their lives both materially and intellectually, and function as productive members of society, students who major in either English or Communication have many options for employment in many fields, most notably in education and industry. Any of our degrees will produce life-long learners with language skills that will enable them to function as professionals, pursue advanced degrees, and live as informed citizens in their communities.