The English major at NSU combines classic literary study with cutting-edge professional skills, preparing you for success in today's rapidly evolving job market.
From Shakespeare to contemporary literature, from creative expression to digital writing and online content creation, from grant writing to AI prompt engineering, our program builds the critical thinking, communication, analytical, and observational skills employers demand.
Whether you're drawn to journalism, law, medicine, education, marketing, publishing, social media management, or public relations, our program provides a well-rounded foundation in English studies along with the flexibility to tailor your education through specialized tracks in creative writing, media writing, literary contexts, and theory.
You’ll gain real-world experience through internships and dedicated career guidance through our Professional Development course that answers the question “What can I do with an English degree?”. By the time you graduate, you'll have a clear vision of your future and the knowledge and practical skills needed to achieve your career goals.
At NSU, an English degree isn't just about literature and writing—it's about developing the versatile, high-value critical skills that open doors to a wide range of professions.
Offered On Campus
120 Credit Hours
Estimated Time to Complete: Four Years
Sample Coursework
British Literature to/from 1800
Young Adult Literature
American Literature to/from 1865
Introduction to Creative Writing
Foundations in English: New Media
Rhetorical Theory and Practice
Professional, Tech, and Grant Writing
History of the English Language
Basic Media Writing
Related Minors
Creative Writing
Professional and Media Writing
Critical Analysis
Public Relations
Legal Studies
Digital Media
History
Psychology
Marketing
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Experience
The English program offers professional experience through two student-run publications available in print and online. NSU's student news source, The Exponent, provides internship opportunities and is entirely supported by paid student editors, photographers, reporters, layout designers, and cartoonists. NSU's student arts and literature magazine, Northern Lights, publishes original fiction, poetry, essays, photography, artwork, music, and short films, providing multiple internships including managing editor, copy editors, and graphic designers.
Students in our program also gain practical experience through a wide variety of internships related to their career interests. Placements have included Aberdeen Magazine, Office of Indian Education, KELO-TV, McQuillen Creative Group, Hub City Radio, NSU's Tutoring Center, Aberdeen Community Theater, K.O. Lee Aberdeen Public Library, Senator Thune's Office, and Sun Publications.
Alumni Spotlight
Benn Tronnes
I practice law. As that simple sentence suggests, and as most lawyers will attest, the field is never mastered. There is one constant, however, and that is that I read and write every day. My goal when I write - not uncommon in any field - is to convince the reader of something. I just happen to be asking judges, some of the most brilliant legal minds in my community, to accept that I am right, and my opponent is wrong. This is not always an easy task, particularly when I am given poor facts to support my arguments.
My English degree at Northern State has continued to help me in two key areas: comprehension and clarity. I need to be able to read a legal opinion or a statute and quickly understand the law and apply it to my facts. Once I have my arguments and the law, I need to draft a brief that will convince a busy judge to read the whole thing, and then agree with me. Most judges won't waste their time trying to slog through a poorly written brief. I find the ability to get to the point quickly and make my arguments clearly has given me an edge on other litigants.
