A liberal arts degree in English prepares you to read and interpret texts, think critically, and write effectively. Literary study also broadens your perspectives on human life and culture. 

An English degree can prepare you for a variety of different careers. Many students also use the B.A. in English as preparation for graduate study, either in English or in other areas like ministry, law, or library science.

Career Opportunities

  • Copywriter 
  • Teacher
  • Journalist
  • Editor
  • Manuscript Reader
  • Book Critic
  • Film Critic
  • Freelance Writer 
  • Publisher
  • Proofreader
  • Playwright
  • Scrip Writer
  • Website Developer
  • Bookstore Manager
  • Columnist
  • Court Reporter

Study Format

  • On Campus
  • Online

English Program and Degree Overview

The B.A. in English is a 36-hour major that requires coursework in British, American, and world literature, as well as literary theory, linguistics, and writing. It requires you to experience a broad range of literature, yet it allows you to select from a variety of courses.   

The four courses required of all majors are Literary Theory and Criticism, Linguistics, Shakespeare, and Seminar in English. Students take Literary Theory early in the major to learn the theories and methods that underlie literary studies. The Seminar in English, usually focusing on a single author, provides a capstone experience near the end of the major. It requires significant research and culminates in a long seminar paper.

Of the remaining eight courses in the major, one must be in American literature, one in British literature, one in world literature, and one in twentieth-century literature. Multiple course options exist to fulfill each of these requirements, so you can choose a course that interests you from each area. One advanced writing course is also required. The remaining hours may be taken as electives.

For details about required courses and course descriptions, please visit our online catalog.

 

The Minor in Creative Writing is a multi-genre approach toward developing the fundamentals of successful writers. The minor will provide you with an introduction to the art of creative writing and upper-level workshop courses dedicated to a single genre, such as fiction, poetry, playwriting, and creative non-fiction. You will also have the opportunity each semester to workshop with a professional writer.

Concordia-Chicago Writing Minor 

The Minor in Creative Writing requires six courses for a total of 18 hours from Concordia University Chicago. The introductory course provides students with the essential elements of the four genres. After that students will take advanced workshops in fiction. poetry, playwriting, and creative non-fiction. The advanced workshops may be taken in any order following the introductory course. Students will be required to take an advanced seminar which will focus on different topics each time it is offered. Topics may include "Writing a Novel," "Writing for Film and Television," "Creative Writing for the Church" and others.

For details about required courses and course descriptions, please visit our online catalog.

Writing Minor Opportunities

Creative writing students have an opportunity to publish their work in Motif, Concordia's annual creative arts journal, and be involved with public readings on campus.

Students will also have access to a professional writer each semester for an opportunity to workshop and gather information about what it takes to make a living with your words.

Our proximity to Chicago provides students with access to readings at storied locations such as The Poetry Foundation and opportunities to attend other major literary events such as the Chicago Humanities Festival. The rich literary heritage of Chicago will provide a backdrop and inspiration to the work that students will be creating.

As an English student at CUC, you will be able to participate in a variety of activities. Many English students enhance their writing skills by writing for The Spectator, the campus newspaper.  You may also submit your creative writing to Motif, Concordia-Chicago's annual creative arts journal. Each spring the students who are published in Motif offer a public reading of their work. The department also awards the Radke/Sorenson Prizes for Writing each year for an outstanding essay and poem written by a junior or senior English major.