Welcome

The Department of English and Foreign Languages provides courses leading to the Bachelor of Arts degree in English, with majors in literature and teaching.  In addition, the department offers a broad range of electives in language and literature designed to enhance the general education of all students, regardless of major.

The mission of the English department is to help students appreciate, understand, and interpret the human experience as it is expressed through the written and spoken word.  To achieve this end, the curricula provide opportunities for the student (1) to gain mastery of language, especially the forms of Standard American English, (2) to develop skills and techniques of effective writing, (3) to cultivate an appreciation for literature from a variety of cultures and skills in interpreting it, (4) to develop and broaden problem-solving and analytical skills, and (5) to develop intellectual curiosity.

Through its curricula the department prepares its majors to enter the work force in a variety of occupations, including teaching, writing and editing, business and sales, public relations, and government service with local, state, and federal agencies.  The major also prepares students for graduate or professional study in such fields as literature, linguistics, communications, law, library science, and business administration.

Degree Programs

       Students majoring in English may choose from two distinct majors: literature or teaching. Students who are interested in graduate school, professional writing, and college teaching should choose the literature major. Students interested in secondary school teaching should choose the teaching major. 

The literature major provides an excellent background for those majors who wish to enter law, medicine, business, or government service.  With course preparation in the aforementioned areas, a student in the literature concentration can be assured of using the English language effectively, an invaluable asset in professional fields.  For further details on these professional options, contact the English Department, 108 Harmon Hall, (601) 877-6400.

Concentrations/Endorsements

Students majoring in English Literature can choose a concentration in Professional Writing.  This concentration includes twelve hours in writing courses as designated by the department chair/advisor. Students majoring in Communication can choose a concentration in English.  Students majoring in Elementary Education can choose a concentration in Language Arts by taking selected English courses.   

 The English Department also offers an endorsement in English for the Master of Science in Education Degree in Secondary Education (MS E.D.).