English
Overview
Literature in English majors at East Tennessee State University are prepared for a number of jobs that require strong communication and interpretative skills, including careers in law, medicine, publishing, editing, journalism, human resources, program management, marketing, reporting, creative and technical writing, education, public relations, social work, government service, the clergy, non-profit organizations, and financial services.
Program
A command of the English language is one of the most important assets in any work environment, both domestically and globally. English majors direct multi-national corporations (Michael Eisner, Disney CEO), lead philanthropic organizations (Kathryn Fuller, Chair of the Ford Foundations and CEO of the World Wildlife Fund), take the bench of the Supreme Court (John Paul Stephens and Clarence Thomas), go into space (Sally Ride, astronaut), and assume important government administrative responsibilities (Carol M. Browner, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator, and Mario Cuomo, Governor of New York).
English majors can choose one of two tracks: Nonteaching or Teaching. The nonteaching track can be completed fully online. The teaching track contains some in-person requirements (one English course as well as residency courses within the education minor).
Nonteaching major - Program information including curriculum and graduation requirements can be found in the English - Nonteaching entry of the ETSU Catalog.
Teaching major - Program information including curriculum and graduation requirements can be found in the English - Teaching entry of the ETSU Catalog.
Steps to Apply
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Step 1 - Create your ETSU Application Account
Step 1 Create your ETSU Application Account by choosing the "Sign Up" option
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Step 2 - Sign into the ETSU Application Portal
Step 2 Sign into the ETSU Application Portal and select "Start a New Application"
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Step 3 - Complete the Remaining Fields
Step 3 Choose "Undergraduate," select your student type, select your start term, then choose English and complete the remainder of the form.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Why should a student pursue this program at ETSU? What makes it unique?
The courses needed to receive a Bachelor of Arts in English - Nonteaching Track can be completed 100% online. In addition, there are many on-campus events—such as the annual Creative Writing Festival—and organizations—such as the English Honors Society (Sigma Tau Delta) and the Creative Writing Society—which give students degree-related enrichment opportunities. English majors can take courses in a wide variety of areas to fit their interests, such as literature, linguistics, film, creative writing, and technical writing. -
What accreditations apply to this program?
East Tennessee State University is a public institution governed by its Board of Trustees.
East Tennessee State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, master’s, education specialist, and doctoral degrees.Degree-granting institutions also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of East Tennessee State University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC's website (www.sacscoc.org).
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What are the job prospects with this degree?
Because strong communication and interpretative skills are essential in the workforce, English majors are prepared for a variety of careers, including law, publishing, marketing, creative and technical writing, education, public relations, government service, social work, non-profit organizations, and financial services. English is currently a Top 10 College major (Princeton Review) based on job prospects, alumni salaries, and popularity. English majors compare favorably to STEM and Business majors in terms of lifetime salaries. In fact, English majors are doing better on the job market than Business majors, Biology majors, Education majors, Legal Studies majors, and many others. ETSU has a career preparation section on the program web page that provides information about job prospects. -
Do I need to have a background in this field? What are the prerequisites?
No background in this field is necessary, and there are no prerequisites other than the freshman English sequence. -
Are the courses for this program asynchronous or synchronous?
The courses for the nonteaching track are offered asynchronously. The teaching track requires residency courses, as well as one English course that is only offered on-ground. -
Does this program require an internship or field work?
There are no internship requirements, but internships relevant to the desired career path can be arranged in the student’s geographical area. -
Is this program designed to meet the needs of adults who work full-time and/or have family obligations?
The courses for the nonteaching track are offered asynchronously to accommodate student schedules and availability, meaning this track can be completed almost anywhere! The English teaching track requires residency courses and one English course that is only offered on-ground. -
Is there a plan of study/course schedule I can review for the full-time and part-time options?
The suggested Program of Study is published in the ETSU Catalog. Please visit the Nonteaching Major and/or Teaching Major to review the respective curriculum. -
How many spaces are available for each cohort?
There are no space limits for this program. -
Does the college/department offer scholarships?
There are nine scholarships specific to the English major. Please visit the Department of Literature and Language English and Foreign Languages Scholarships page for more information.