JMU Major: English
Description of the Major | Degrees Offered | Concentrations | Minors
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Declaring the Major | Progressing in the Major
Description of the Major
The major is a part of the Department of English, an academic unit within the College of Arts and Letters. The English major may be an entry point for graduate study, law school, or a career in teaching, and prepares students for many professions in which skillful use of language is important: publishing, journalism, public relations, broadcasting, government, non-profit work, advertising, and business. English offers all students, whatever their vocational interests, an opportunity to experience the challenges and pleasures of the world's literature in a sustained program of study. Reading literature and literary criticism exercises skills in critical thinking, writing, and communication, and builds an awareness of diverse perspectives that will become important in students' professional and personal lives. Students may choose a variety of courses covering American, British, and world literatures, contemporary and early literatures, cultural studies, gender studies, creative writing, film, and linguistics.
Degrees Offered
B.A.
Concentrations
British or American Literatures
World Literature
Creative Writing
Minors
American Studies
Creative Writing
Film Studies
Declaring the Major
New Freshmen and Transfer Students
Students should declare the English major when they register for orientation.
Currently Enrolled Major Changers
Students should submit a "Change or Declaration of Major" form to the English department head in Keezell Hall, room 215.
Progressing in the Major
Remain in good academic standing with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0.