6 things you should know before college
November 25, 2016
College is different than high school. Keep these things in mind while preparing to come to Colorado State University.
English Major
Prepare for boundless career options while transforming your understanding of what it means to be human through inquiry, imagination, and the development of insight.
At a glance
English majors at CSU study how people process and document the human experience through critical literacy, interdisciplinary thinking, and culturally informed interpretive skills. Here, you’ll tap into curiosity and creativity and read with care and vision—fusing analysis and imagination. You’ll learn how to write purposefully for diverse audiences and develop nuanced cultural understanding by exploring literature from a range of global perspectives and historical contexts. Upon graduation, a degree in English grants you incredible career flexibility, while imparting how to be actively involved in the deliberate work of leading a meaningful life.
| Degree type | Bachelor of Arts | |||
| Format | On campus | |||
| Part of | College of Liberal Arts | |||
| Competitive major? | No | |||
| Accelerated option? | No |
Not sure if this is the right major for you?
See all of them!
See all of them!
Concentrations
A concentration allows you to specialize in a certain area within your major, offering a depth of information and hands-on experiences that you may not otherwise get. Many students in this major will concentrate in one area to work in a specific field after college, as well as find mentors and internships before they even graduate.
Creative Writing
The Creative Writing concentration gives you the opportunity to strengthen your creative writing in three different genres while deepening your reading skills, approaches to craft, and individual voice. In intermediate and advanced workshop classes, students read and discuss one another’s work, offering experience in problem-solving and collaborative discovery.
English Education
The English Education concentration is designed for students who wish to pursue a career in teaching language arts, and offers a range of courses in language, literature, and writing. Through your studies here, you’ll have opportunities to engage with 6th-12th grade students in local schools to learn teaching practices. You can also receive a teaching endorsement from the state of Colorado in English/Language Arts.
Integrated English Studies
This concentration allows you to work closely with a faculty advisor to create a major of your design that explores the connections between the many fields housed in English Studies: Creative Writing, English Education, Linguistics, Literature, and Writing, Rhetoric, and Literacy. By practicing creative collaboration, you’ll forge a unique set of skills as you learn to think and make in ways that span multiple disciplines.
Linguistics
The Linguistics concentration is for students who wish to focus on the science behind human language and teaching English as a second or foreign language, as well as literature, writing, and education. In this concentration, you’ll dive into big questions about how people acquire language, how meaning is created, and how language reflects identity, culture, and society.
Literature
The Literature concentration invites you to engage in the critical study of poetry, prose, and drama. You will learn how to craft evidence-based written and verbal arguments, communicate complex information with clarity and efficiency, and develop habits of critical and analytical thinking — all while gaining exposure to popular genres, such as science fiction, young adult literature, and environmental writing.
Writing, Rhetoric, and Literacy
The Writing, Rhetoric, and Literacy concentration builds on strengths in writing theory and design, composition, public writing, and rhetoric and writing instruction. You’ll enhance your understanding of the connections between writing, rhetoric, literacy, identity, and power and hone your writing skills.
Some Career Options
There’s a reason why the English degree is so versatile and applicable. This major prepares students to be engaging communicators, convincing writers, empathetic collaborators, ethical decision makers, and compassionate global citizens. These skills translate to compelling careers in healthcare, education, business, publishing, media, policy, environmental justice, hospitality, and more. You’ll also have the option to pursue graduate study in multiple fields, including medical and law school. English grads work in all areas of interest and care, all while making a difference in their communities.
- Agency/Arts Administrator
- Community Outreach/Development Coordinator
- Copy Editor/Copywriter
- English Teacher/Teacher of English as a Second Language
- Grant Writer/Technical Writer
- Human Resources Manager
- Communications/Events Coordinator
- Digital Marketing/Social Media Manager
- Curriculum and Materials Developer
- Magazine, Newspaper, Television, Education, or Government Writer
- Book Publicist/Promoter
- Writer of Poetry, Fiction, or Nonfiction
Tour and info session options
Tours may be available as part of Admissions tours and info sessions, offered throughout the year.
For additional opportunities, please reach out to:
College of Liberal Arts recruiter at [email protected] or (970) 821-5276 (Text friendly. Please include your/the student’s full name in the message.)
academic Info and Tips
Not sure what to major in? Follow these steps
January 4, 2017
Get all the tools and advice you need to find the major that suits you best.
Why should I join the Honors Program?
September 30, 2017
Current student Marcela explains why the Honors Program at CSU has been a life changer for her, and why you should join.
Competitive majors: must-know tips for transfers from a transfer student
October 11, 2017
Recent grad Holly offers transfer-only advice.
Explore even more
Want a more in-depth look at this major? Take a look at the program website to learn more.