As an NSU English major, you'll learn to write clearly, read critically, connect ideas meaningfully, understand diversity, relate historical context to human interactions, and see others empathetically. Northern's English program is structured to help students tailor their major to suit their needs. Each student chooses from several program emphases, each of which prioritizes different skill sets and content to suit students’ own career goals.  

NSU's English degree pairs well with other specializations, and students are encouraged to take minors, or even to double major in areas such as history, business, political science, and art design.

Many English majors earn master's degrees in education or business. Explore NSU's graduate programs to learn more.

Emphasis

Literature (BA)

Students interested in an English B.A. with literature emphasis prepare themselves for post-graduate ambitions that include law school and graduate study in English (in pursuit of the M.A. or Ph.D. in English). At Northern, this emphasis includes extra surveys in British and American literature as well as training in literary theory and an elective literature course.

English Literature Emphasis (BA) Course Requirements and Student Learning Outcomes

English Literature Emphasis (BA) Plan of Study

English Minor Course Requirements

Creative Writing (BA)

Students interested in an English B.A. with a creative writing emphasis may focus on at least two of three creative genres: non-fiction, fiction, and poetry. This emphasis also includes instruction in literary criticism and an additional survey of British literature.

English Creative Writing Emphasis (BA) Course Requirements and Student Learning Outcomes

English Creative Writing Emphasis (BA) Plan of Study

Creative Writing Minor

Teaching (BA)

Students interested in the Teaching Emphasis within the BA degree in English prepare themselves either for the teaching they are likely to be called upon to do as graduate students in English (in pursuit of the BA or PhD) or for tutoring or teaching that does not require state certification. This emphasis includes coursework in linguistics (modern grammar), rhetorical theory, and additional surveys of British and American literature. 

Students wishing to earn a state-certified teaching degree should consider the English B.S.Ed. degree instead of the B.A.

English with Teaching Emphasis (BA) Course Requirements and Student Learning Outcomes

English with Teaching Emphasis (BA) Plan of Study

Teaching English as a Second Language (BA)

Students interested in the Teaching English as a Second Language Emphasis within the BA degree in English prepare themselves for teaching English either in the U.S. or abroad to students coming to English as their second language. This emphasis includes linguistics coursework (modern grammar, second-language development, and methods of teaching English as a second language) and cultural anthropology. Students preparing for careers in this area may also wish to pursue NSU’s twelve-credit Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages.

Teaching English as a Second Language Emphasis (BA) Course Requirements and Student Learning Outcomes

Teaching English as a Second Language Emphasis (BA) Plan of Study

Professional Writing (BA)

Students interested in an English B.A. with professional writing emphasis prepare themselves for business-oriented careers that include advertising, publicity, and grant writing. This emphasis includes coursework in graphic design, HTML, grant writing, and rhetorical theory. Students wishing to pursue a career in professional writing may wish to consider NSU’s minor in Professional Writing and Rhetoric, which may be taken along with the B.A. in English or any other four-year program.

English Professional Writing Emphasis (BA) Course Requirements and Student Learning Outcomes

English Professional Writing Emphasis (BA) Plan of Study

Professional Writing and Rhetoric Minor Course Requirements

Media Studies (BA)

Students interested in an English B.A. with media studies emphasis receive interdisciplinary instruction in writing, design, programming, and marketing - skills that are in demand in the evolving world of media and media production. Courses offer theory and hands-on practice, teaching students to create content and reflect upon media while acquiring skills in communication, problem solving, planning, designing, writing, editing, producing, and collaborating. Career options include journalist, web content manager, advertising or public relations representative, art designer, news analyst/producer, production assistant, broadcast programmer, editor, publisher, and teacher.

English Media Studies Emphasis (BA) Course Requirements and Student Learning Outcomes

English Media Studies Emphasis (BA) Plan of Study