Career Outlook
Average Salary
$48,000
Projected Regional Growth
Average
Outcomes
  • Advertising Specialist
  • Freelance Writer
  • Grant Writer
  • Human Resource Specialist
  • Lawyer
  • Lexicographer
  • Librarian
  • Market Researcher
  • Public Relations Specialist
  • Teacher

For individuals who

Have an interest in literature, language and writing. Appreciate seeing perspectives through writing. Enjoy articulating ideas through writing.  

Looking for

Flexibility to follow multiple interests, including linguistics, creative, technical and professional writing. An arts degree that can be used to pursue further education, like law school or counseling.

To become

  • Author
  • Copywriter
  • Journalist
  • Publishing
  • Technical Writing

The Program

The English department offers a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in English as well as a B.A. and a B.S. in English education. Departmental offerings include:

B.A. and B.S. in English – These degrees require 45 credits in English courses beyond first-year composition. The B.A. degree requires functional proficiency in at least one language other than English, typically 14 credits of course work in that language. The B.S. degree requires a minor. The flexibility of the single major in English studies means that students can emphasize course work in literature, linguistics, writing studies, or a balance of these.

B.A. and B.S. in English Education – These degrees require 39 credits in English courses beyond first-year composition and 34 credits in education courses. The B.A. degree requires functional proficiency in at least one language other than English, typically 14 credits of course work in that language. The B.S. degree in English education with a communication option requires 20 credits in communication courses and leads to certification in both English and speech. English education majors should contact the School of Education or the English education advisor for additional requirements.

There are two minors available: English and creative writing. Both minors require a minimum of 21 credits in English courses beyond first-year composition.

Creative Writing – This minor offers students the opportunity to take seven courses in a sequence designed to develop analytic abilities, writing skills, and an understanding of the student’s own creative process.

English - This minor has two option areas for students to pursue: literature or writing studies.

  • Literature option – This option of the English minor gives students the opportunity to read widely in literature, develop analytical skills, and hone writing skills. Courses include Literary Analysis, literature survey courses, elective literature and film courses, and one writing course.
  • Writing Studies option – This option of the English minor provides students with the opportunity to write creatively and professionally, and to explore emerging communication technologies. Courses include Introduction to Writing Studies, elective writing courses, and one upper-level literature or linguistics course.

Community/Student Involvement Opportunities

The Department of English offers many options for co-curricular activities that add value and dimension to English majors and minors. Students develop leadership and planning skills by taking part in English Club and the English Honor Society, Sigma Tau Delta. They practice spoken English with international students through Conversational English Circles, and they create and edit an annual literary magazine, Northern Eclecta. The department office suite includes a collaboration and creativity space for undergraduate students, where students can meet to study or work on projects, or share lunch and conversation with other majors. English classes often work with a range of local non-profits, and English majors are encouraged to pursue internships, co-ops, and field experiences, and regularly find opportunities in local industries, non-profits, and government offices.

Career Opportunities

Traditional careers in English studies, such as teaching, and professional and technical writing, are currently in high demand in our region, and the abilities to think critically, to synthesize information, and to write and speak with precision, clarity, and effectiveness are valuable in any career. Thus, many companies look for employees with English majors or minors. The demand for technical and professional writers has been growing, and many companies, non-profit organizations, and government agencies hire English majors. English majors also acquire project management skills and the ability to work as members of a team, which make them desirable employees. Former and current students are employed in writing intensive and/or training positions; some start their own businesses. Some English graduates seek professional degrees (law, library science, ministry, or medicine) or graduate degrees in English immediately after earning a B.A. or B.S.; some choose these options as career changes later in life.

High School Preparation

Beyond the core curriculum requirements necessary for admission to the University, students should have an English preparation that includes both frequent reading from most literary genres and extensive writing experience.

Scholarships

The Department of English awards more than $8,000 in scholarships each year and English students regularly are awarded Fulbright fellowships. Contact the department for details.

  • Hal and Alice Dickey Memorial Scholarship – awarded to a sophomore, junior, or senior.
  • Professor Ralph Engel Scholarship – awarded to a major who has completed at least 21 credits at North Dakota State University.
  • Marjory Archer Haggart Memorial Scholarship – awarded biennially to a sophomore or junior.
  • G. Wilson Hunter and Phyllis Krantz Hunter Scholarship – awarded to a sophomore, junior or senior.
  • Madeline S. Gittings Endowed Scholarship – awarded to two or three students each year.
  • Mart and Lois Vogel Award for Excellence – awarded to one or two upper-class students.
  • Richard L. Johnson Scholarship – awarded to a graduate student pursuing literary studies.
  • Rooney Scholarship – awarded to a graduate student.
  • English Faculty Award – awarded to one or two students with 15 to 45 credits.