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English Major

Earn a bachelor's degree in English

As an English major at SBU, you will learn how to write effectively, understand the nature of language, appreciate literary traditions, think critically about literature and language, and organize your thoughts — all within the context of a Christian atmosphere.

Small class sizes foster a close-knit community in which lifelong relationships are formed and you receive individualized instruction and one-on-one advisement, setting you up for success in a variety of career paths after earning your Bachelor of Arts in English.

An English degree from SBU will prepare you for a variety of career paths. Our graduates are employed in a wide variety of jobs both in the U.S. and abroad!

The English degree is offered through SBU's College of Arts and Sciences

Resources

Major Map (PDF)

Degree Plan

SBU students

The SBU Advantage

  • Optimize your ability to communicate effectively through a variety of opportunities.

  • Develop your skills through participation in annual writing contests; selected entries are published in SBU's literary journal.
  • Meet regionally and nationally recognized literary artists who visit campus through the Barnett-Padgett Literary Artist Series.
  • Discuss topics within language and literature from the perspective of Christian beliefs and values.

Faith Integration

Faculty in the department of language and literature intentionally integrate the Christian faith into classroom instruction by showing how Scriptural truths are foundational to educational practices and theoretical understandings. Classroom discussions of literature occur within the context of a Christian worldview. You will be challenged to consider how your faith affects your literary analysis and your writing.

Careers

SBU English graduates are equipped for a variety of career opportunities including:

  • Author
  • Editor
  • Freelance Writer
  • Librarian
  • Media Writer

Graduate Schools

Many SBU English graduates have pursued further education at institutions such as:

  • Baylor University
  • Missouri State University
  • Spalding University
  • University of Missouri-Kansas City
  • University of Missouri

University Writing Center

Put your learning into action by working as a tutor in the University Writing Center and working with other students one-on-one to provide individualized help and feedback on writing assignments and projects.

Writing Contests

Be recognized for your writing abilities by participating in annual writing contests. Selected entries are published in the department's literary journal.

Barnett-Padgett Literary Artist Series

Meet regionally and nationally recognized literary artists who visit campus to read from their original works as part of the Barnett-Padgett Literary Artist Series. Authors also lead seminars for students particularly interested in the creative process. Past guest authors include Robin Jones Gunn, Marilyn Nelson, Ted Kooser and Naomi Shihab Nye.

Author Unknown

Join Author Unknown, SBU's campus poetry society open to any SBU student. Weekly meetings provide opportunities for you to express creativity by reading and critiquing original poems while spending time with students and faculty who share a passion for poetry.

Celebrations of Creative Works

Share your creative writing and join SBU’s writing community by attending readings.  Each semester, students and faculty celebrate their own original creative works by participating in a reading of poetry, fiction, song, and other genres.

Sigma Tau Delta

The SBU chapter of Sigma Tau Delta, the international English honor society, is open to English and writing majors who maintain a 3.0 GPA and rank in the top third of their class.

Scholarships

As a student in SBU's division of language and communication, you will have the opportunity to apply for several privately funded scholarship awards available to English and writing students.

SCOP Journal

SBU students have the opportunity to submit their original works and be published in SCOP, the literary journal of SBU's Division of Language and Communication. Students also receive valuable experience with editing and publishing the journal.

Download SCOP 2021

Download SCOP 2019

Download SCOP 2018

English Four-Year Plan

Freshman

Fall Semester

UNI 1111 University Seminar 1
ENG 1113 English Composition I 3
COM 1103 Fundamentals of Speech Communication 3
BIO 1004 Principles of Biology 4
BIB 1013 Old Testament History 3
POL 1113 American Government and Politics 3
Total hours 16

Spring Semester

UNI 1121 Critical Thinking 1
ENG 2213 English Composition II 3
CIS 1103 Computer and Information Management 3
FAR 10_3 Intro. to Art, Fine Arts, Music or Theatre 3
BIB 1023 New Testament History 3
MAT 1243 Algebraic Reasoning and Modeling 3
Total hours 16
 

Sophomore

Fall Semester

  Foreign Language 4
SPF 2012 Introduction to Spiritual Formation 2
ENG 3313 American Literature I* or  
ENG 3323 American Literature II* or  
ENG 4033 Focused Readings in American Literature* 3
HIS 2213/2223 U.S. History I or II 3
PSY 1013 General Psychology (or alternative) 3
KIN 1162 Foundations of Physical Fitness/Wellness 2
Total hours 17

Spring Semester

  Foreign Language 4
ENG 2313 World Literature 3
PHS 1004 Physical Science (or alternative) 4
ECO 2003 LIFE Economics 3
ENG 3313 American Literature I* or  
ENG 3323 American Literature II* or  
ENG 4033 Focused Readings in American Literature* 3
Total hours 17
 

Junior

Fall Semester

ENG 3333 Romantic Period* or  
ENG 3343 Victorian Period* or  
ENG 4023 Contemporary British Literature 3
ENG 3363 History of the English Language or  
ENG 3373 Structure of the English Language 3
  English Elective 3
  Elective 5
  Cultural Study 2
Total hours 16

Spring Semester

ENG 3353 Advanced Composition 3
ENG 4413 Shakespeare* or  
ENG 3233 Medieval/Renaissance Literature* or  
ENG 3243 17th/18th Century English Literature 3
  English Elective 3
  Elective 3
  Elective 4
Total hours 16
 

Senior

Fall Semester

  British Literature* 3
  Elective 3
  Elective 3
  Elective 3
  Elective 3
Total hours 15

Spring Semester

  Elective 3
  Elective 3
  Elective 3
  Elective 3
  Elective 2
Total hours 14

*Course availability varies by semester. Please consult course catalog for details.

This is a proposed guideline. Please check the catalog and see your advisor for your final degree requirements.
Southwest Baptist University reserves the right to make changes to degree plans without advanced notice or obligation.
The student is responsible for understanding and completing all general education, degree, departmental and graduation requirements.

Download in PDF format:
English Plan (PDF)