As an English major or minor, you will encounter some of life’s fundamental questions about the human condition. You will think about the truth-telling possibilities of story, cultivating an understanding of the word as God’s uniquely human gift.
You will think, read, and write extensively in an English academic program marked by a strong degree of community both inside and outside the classroom. You will read texts including Beowulf, Shakespeare, and traditional great works of the Western canon, as well as emerging voices worldwide.
And because the study of English also rests on the rigorous tools of critical thinking and textual interpretation, you will find an English major or minor is excellent preparation for life beyond the university as well.
Find out more about this program’s mission, vision, and learning outcomes.
Entering and completing an English major or minor
In order to earn a degree, you must complete at least one academic major. SPU encourages students to explore various academic paths, so if you change your mind about a major or minor, or want to include an additional program, you are able to do so, as outlined below.
Note that the University encourages you to enter your chosen major(s) and minor(s) by the start of your junior year. Students who transfer as juniors and seniors should enter a major within their first two quarters at SPU.
- If this is your first quarter at SPU and you identified the English major as your first choice on your application for admission to the University, you have gained entry to the major. To change or add a major or minor, follow these instructions.
- If you are an SPU student with an SPU cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better, follow these instructions to enter a major or minor in this department.
- Students on academic probation (with an SPU cumulative GPA below 2.0) will not be permitted to enter a new major or minor until they regain good academic standing.
- The University requires a grade of C- or better in all classes that apply to a major or minor; however, programs may require higher minimum grades in specific courses. You may repeat an SPU course only once for a higher grade.
- To advance in this program, meet with your faculty advisor regularly to discuss your grades, course progression, and other indicators of satisfactory academic progress. If your grades or other factors indicate that you may not be able to successfully complete the major or minor, your faculty advisor can work with you to explore options, which may include choosing a different major or minor.
- You must complete the major or minor requirements that are in effect in the SPU Undergraduate Catalog for the year you enter the major or minor.
Certification with elementary education endorsement
If you plan to teach in an elementary school and are interested in English or Language Arts, you must major in Integrated Studies with a concentration in Language Arts and complete the Teacher Certification program through the School of Education. The faculty advisor for the Language Arts concentration is Dr. April Middeljans. Alternatively, you may pursue your certification as a post-baccalaureate or graduate student.
Certification with secondary education endorsement
If you plan to teach English in a middle or high school, you should major in English and complete the Teacher Certification program through the School of Education. Alternatively, you may pursue your certification as a post-baccalaureate or graduate student.
Study Abroad opportunities
Scotland and Ireland Seminar
This SPU Global Seminar, taught by Dr. Chaney, offers an opportunity to study Celtic literature and culture in Edinburgh and Dublin in late August and early September (prior to the start of Autumn Quarter).
England Seminar
This SPU Global Seminar, taught by Dr. Willett, offers an opportunity to study the works of C. S. Lewis in Oxford and Cambridge in late August and early September (prior to the start of Autumn Quarter).
South Africa Seminar
This SPU Global Seminar, taught by Dr. Segall, offers an opportunity to study literature and culture in South Africa during the month of December.
Literature and Creative Writing in Rome
This summer program, taught by Dr. Maier, offers the opportunity to study literature and creative writing while staying in the Eternal City of Rome for a month.
Spain and Morocco Seminar
This SPU Global Seminar, taught by Dr. Segall, offers an opportunity to study North African literature and culture in Morocco during the month of December.
For details about these and other study abroad opportunities, visit SPU’s Study Abroad pages.