The English major is divided into four concentrations, each with its own student learning outcomes. To view the student learning outcomes for each emphasis, click on the links below. To see the course requirements for each emphasis, see the section headings below.

The literature concentration prepares students to pursue graduate work in English, as well as careers in fields such as the ministry, law, business and teaching. In the literature concentration, students sharpen their critical thinking, reading and writing skills as they analyze and write about American, British, classical and multicultural literature. Electives allow students to focus on specific authors, genres, periods and themes. The senior capstone course in literature enables students to research and write about a topic of their choice and to prepare for postgraduate options. The degree is granted upon completion of 125 credits as specified on page 42 of the catalog (40 credits must be in 3000- or 4000-level courses).

The writing concentration prepares students to pursue graduate work in English, as well as careers in fields such as technical writing, publishing and freelancing. In the writing concentration, students sharpen their critical thinking, reading and writing skills as they engage in three primary genres of writing: creative, expository and technical. Electives allow students to pursue the types of writing that most interest them. The senior capstone course in writing enables students to produce a portfolio and to gain experience writing in a specialized field. The degree is granted upon completion of 125 credits as specified on page 42 of the catalog (40 credits must be in 3000- or 4000-level courses).

The literature and writing concentration prepares students to pursue graduate work in English, as well as careers in fields such as the ministry, law, business, teaching, technical writing, publishing and freelancing. In the literature and writing concentration, students sharpen their critical thinking, reading and writing skills as they analyze and write about literary texts and as they engage in three primary genres of writing: creative, expository and technical. Options within the required course offerings allow students to pursue areas that most interest them. Students choose between a literature or writing emphasis for their theory and capstone courses. The degree is granted upon completion of 125 credits as specified on page 42 of the catalog (40 credits must be in 3000- or 4000-level courses).

The linguistics concentration prepares students to pursue graduate work in linguistics, as well as careers in fields such as intercultural studies, translation, anthropology and comparative studies. In the linguistics concentration, students sharpen their critical thinking, reading and writing skills as they examine core areas of linguistic studies (e.g., phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, theory of second language acquisition and sociolinguistics). Students will complete one summer of course work at SIL International at the University of North Dakota (SIL-UND). Electives allow students to pursue the subfields that most interest them. The senior capstone course in linguistics enables students to apply their knowledge as they participate in field research. The degree is granted upon completion of 125 credits as specified on page 42 of the catalog (40 credits must be in 3000- or 4000-level courses).

Note: WCE= Written Communication Emphasis; OCE = Oral Communication Emphasis. See page 39 of the catalog of explanation and prerequisites.