Designed to afford students an integrated, comprehensive learning program, the English major teaches students the fundamental ways of organizing knowledge in the discipline of English Studies. The major also provides students with a core of knowledge and skills essential to career choices in teaching, writing, publishing, editing, or work in business and industry that requires creative thinking and excellent communication skills.

The English major incorporates a writing-intensive requirement that integrates instruction in writing and the use of writing as a powerful learning tool into the whole curriculum, following a sequenced and coordinated plan. Students take four writing-intensive courses throughout the major: ENGL 300 (Introduction to English Studies), ENGL 420 (Literary Criticism), ENGL 470 (The Author in Context) and ENGL 496 (Senior Seminar).