English, B.A.

This program is designed to strengthen your analytical, critical, rhetorical, creative, and communication skills. In this major, you’ll develop a sophisticated familiarity with a wide-range of literature, learn digital professional compositions (technical and digital content writing), and expand your creative and imaginative writing skills; last, you’ll learn how to educate and instill a passion for reading and writing in young minds everywhere.

English majors at Lewis University develop life-long skills that go beyond their classroom studies and into their future careers. Whether the goal is to go into print or digital content writing, editing, publishing, professional writing (technical writing, grant writing, nonprofit writing, digital media, speech writing, and much more!) become an English teacher, or complement another major, the English Studies program helps students develop the skills they need to succeed in all work environments. Such majors are versatile and needed in the workforce; the ability to communicate critically, creatively, and professionally is an invaluable skill for your prospects after graduation.  

English majors choose to specialize in one of three concentrations to develop the skills necessary for their career goals.

Concentrations

  1. English Language Arts for the High School Teaching Certificate (Grades 9-12) – Prepares students to teach high school in Illinois public and private schools as they work toward the Type 09 Teaching License.

  2. Literature and Language – Prepares students for graduate school or professional work in law, library science, management, public relations, administration and research in humanities.

  3. Writing – Prepares students for graduate school OR immediate work in the professional writing sphere after graduation, including work such as: publishing, editing, technical writing, content writing, etc. This track also pairs well with disciplines including computer science, nursing, design, aviation, criminal justice and business. Students can specialize in creative writing, professional writing, or general writing.

Minors are also available in the following: Literature and Language, Creative Writing, Professional Writing, General Writing, and Film Studies.

Certificate in Technical and Professional Writing

The Certificate in Technical and Professional Writing enables students in any major to develop the writing knowledge and skills expected in the workplace. After completing the Certificate, students will be well equipped to write processes and technical documentation for audiences within and outside their own professions and to communicate in both print and multimedia. The Certificate will help prepare students for any careers requiring effective writing, including those in technical writing, content writing, nonprofit writing, policy writing, grant writing, business writing, law enforcement, education, healthcare, aviation, media, government, and so much more.

Sample Courses

  • U.S. Literature: Beginnings to 1865
  • British Literature: Beginnings to 1800
  • Latin American Literature
  • Introduction to Creative Writing
  • Introduction to Professional Writing
  • Introduction to Film Studies
  • Publishing Practicum: Jet Fuel Review
  • Teaching Young Adult Literature
  • Technical Writing

A Few Career Options

  • Advertising and Marketing
  • Broadcasting
  • Communications
  • Content Writing (Digital)
  • Copywriting/Copyediting
  • Education
  • Editing and Publishing
  • Government Services
  • Grant Writing
  • Journalism/Reporting
  • Law
  • Librarian
  • Literary Editor
  • Management
  • Medical Writing
  • Non Profit Writing
  • Policy Writing
  • Public Relations
  • Research & Analysis Specialist
  • Search Engine Optimization Specialist
  • Science Writing
  • Social Media Manager
  • Speech Writing
  • Teaching
  • Technical Writing
  • Usability Testing & UX Research

A broad list of Career Options can be viewed here.

On Campus Opportunities

First-Year Writing Program

The First-Year Writing Program invites faculty to nominate student writers whose work shines for features like idea development, organization, voice, creativity, language use, and their writing and research processes. A faculty panel reviews nominations and recommends the top finalists whose work is displayed here.

VIEW THE PROGRAM CURRICULUM

For more information contact the Office of Admission at admission@lewisu.edu or call (815)836-5250.

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