English
The Department of English in the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Memphis offers an enriching online Bachelor of Arts in English. This 120-credit hour program includes 60 hours of general education, 27 hours within the major, and the remaining hours in elective credits. Students can complete this degree entirely online with a focus on either African American Literature or Professional Writing.
Concentration in African American Literature: Students who choose the African American Literature concentration engage in courses that emphasize close analytical reading skills and critical thinking. This concentration prepares students for a variety of careers, including teaching at all educational levels. The skills acquired in this concentration are also valuable in roles such as social media manager, where critical reading and creativity are essential, or in the medical humanities, enhancing applications to medical schools by providing a humanistic perspective.
Concentration in Professional Writing: The Professional Writing concentration focuses on communication skills vital for dynamic fields such as business, publishing, and technology. Students learn advanced writing techniques, making them suitable for roles like technical writer, where clear and precise language is critical, or grant writer, where storytelling skills are needed to secure funding. This concentration also prepares students for careers in public relations, where compelling storytelling can capture media attention.
Core Curriculum:
- American Literature to 1865: A survey of major authors, themes, and movements in American literature from the colonial period through 1865.
- Forms of Fiction: Analyzing the short story, novella, and novel to understand technical developments in fiction.
- Advanced Composition: Principles of writing clear expository prose, emphasizing application, analysis of readings, and student writing.
- History of the English Language: Development of English from a minor Germanic dialect to a major international language.
- Persuasive Writing: Study and practice of writing persuasive essays and reports, including research, rhetorical principles, and evidence use.
Career Opportunities: Graduates of the B.A. in English program develop skills that open doors to numerous career paths. The program emphasizes the importance of the written word and fosters abilities leading to community engagement and personal growth.
Teaching: Graduates are well-prepared to teach English at various educational levels, benefiting from a deep immersion in literature and intimate seminar discussions. These skills are also valuable in roles such as ESL instructor, both domestically and internationally.
Law and Critical Analysis: The ability to analyze complex texts and read critically positions graduates for careers in law and other fields that demand strong analytical skills. English majors excel in crafting legal documents and arguments, essential for success as a lawyer.
Communication Skills: The advanced reading and writing skills gained through this program are highly sought after by employers. Graduates often pursue careers in publishing, public relations, advertising, media, and teaching. Occupations to consider include copywriter, editor, public relations specialist, and technical writer.
Medical Humanities: The medical profession values the perspectives provided by humanities courses like English. An English degree, or a double major in English, enhances applications to medical schools by providing critical insights into human experiences.
Social Media and Content Management: Creativity and critical reading skills make English majors excellent candidates for roles such as social media manager and content manager. These positions require devising strategies, managing relationships with writers, and maintaining quality content.
Human Resources: English majors’ precision in language and critical reading skills are ideal for drafting employment policies, writing training materials, and reviewing resumes. Roles in human resources require the organizational skills developed through managing extensive reading and writing workloads.
Fundraising and Grant Writing: Graduates can engage prospective donors and devise compelling communications to generate contributions. Fundraisers and grant writers need storytelling skills to explain the impact of funding, making them valuable assets to non-profit organizations and cultural institutions.
The online Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Memphis equips students with versatile skills applicable to various professional fields, fostering a life of engagement, growth, and success.