English Major

Description: A general program that focuses on the English language, including its history, structure and related communications skills; and the literature and culture of English-speaking peoples. Is English the right major for you?
Take the MyMajors Quiz and find out if it fits one of your top recommended majors!

English Major

What Kinds of Students Major in English?

Typically, students who enjoyed and did well in English in high school consider this discipline as a major. Excellent reading and writing skills are important, as is an interest in discussing the ideas of others.

Is English the right major for you?
Take the MyMajors Quiz and find out if it is one of your top recommended majors!

What Courses Do English Majors Take?

The required and elective courses you would take for English majors vary considerably among institutions. Courses are listed here that are illustrative of the breadth of topics you are likely to experience were you to major in this field.

  • The Novel (Western/European/Modern American/Japanese/Latin American/etc.)
  • Composition
  • Creative Writing
  • Drama
  • English as a Second Language
  • International Fiction
  • Language and Linguistics
  • Literary Theory and Criticism
  • Poetry
  • Shakespeare
  • Teaching English
  • Women Writers
  • Writing and Culture

Specializations In This Major

Various specializations related to a major in English may be offered by colleges and universities. These specializations may be of greater or lesser interest to you. A few of these specializations related to this field include, but are not limited to: