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Undergraduate Program
Major | Minor | Extracurricular|Study Abroad|Awards & Scholarships| Internships | Career Opportunities | Graduate School |Contact
The English Major
Students who choose to major in English Literature and Language
develop their abilities to read and analyze texts written in
the English language. They study British and American literature
of the past and present and learn to view texts through a variety
of interpretive lenses. English majors also develop their
abilities
as flexible, effective writers, capable of moving among a variety
of genres, including creative and expository writing.
Within the 33-credit hour program, all English majors take
a common core of 18 hours, including survey courses on the history of British
and American literature; a course devoted to Shakespeare; and a linguistics
or rhetoric course. Beyond this core, students may choose to emphasize either
the study of literature or creative writing. In their final year, all students
select from a menu of capstone options, including a senior thesis (recommended
for students interested in graduate school); a seminar on teaching writing
(recommended for students seeking certification to teach in secondary schools);
or one of many upper-level seminars. Full details about the requirements
for completing the English major can be found in
the undergradate catalogue.
The English Minor
Students in a variety of disciplines may choose to enhance
their degree programs by completing one of four minors in English:
- Literature (21 hours)
- Creative Writing (21 hours)
- Writing (18 hours)
- Manuscript, Print Culture, and Editing (21 hours)
Full details about the requirements for completing a English
minor can be found in the
catalogue.
Extracurricular Opportunities for English Majors
Students are encouraged to take advantage of the wide range
of extracurricular opportunities available through UMKC's English Department.
Indeed, such activities are an important part of the educational experience
for undergraduate students.
- Undergraduate English Council
- Number One
- U-News
- Readings by Prominent Writers and Scholars
Located in a major metropolitan area, UMKC is able to sponsor numerous
writers and scholars, who share their work with students and other members
of the academic community. Recent visitors to the university community have
included Angela Davis, Whitney Terrell, Eleanor Wilner, Edward P. Jones, C.D. Wright, and U.S. poet laureate Billy Collins.
Students are strongly encouraged to attend readings and lectures to bring
their experiences into the classroom.
Opportunities to Study Abroad
Students majoring in English have often taken advantage of UMKC's many opportunities to study abroad. These include exchanges with Kingston University in London, the University of Stirling in Scotland, and many other opportunities in Europe and other regions of the globe. If you are interested in studying abroad, contact the Center for International Academic Programs, 816-235-5759, http://www.umkc.edu/international/.
Awards and Scholarships
Undergraduate students in the English Department may compete
for a number of Awards and Scholarships.
Complete descriptions, application instructions, and deadlines can be found on the scholarships page.
Internships
Students majoring in English can enhance their career prospects
by taking advantage of various internship and part-time employment opportunities.
Editorial internships are available with New Letters, a literary magazine
featuring the works of new and distinguished writers; New Letters on the Air,
a weekly radio program broadcast on a number of NPR stations; and BkMk (Book
Mark Press).
Career Opportunities for English Majors
With the ability to think critically and imaginatively, conduct
research, and write with accuracy, concision, and clarity, students
who have earned a bachelor's degree in English are prepared
for many different career paths, rather than a single profession.
Students who have graduated from UMKC's Department of English
have established themselves in journalism, publishing, technical
writing, secondary school teaching, non-profit administration,
public relations, sales and marketing, and other positions in
business and industry. Majoring in English can also be excellent
preparation for graduate school in law and business.
Further assistance can be obtained through UMKC Career Services.
Counselors can help you plan your educational experience so
that you will be well prepared to achieve your career goals,
and as graduation approaches, Career
Services staff can help with résumé preparation,
on-campus interviews, and job fairs.
Thinking of Graduate School in English?
Undergraduate students who might wish to pursue graduate studies
in English should fully educate themselves about the process
of choosing and applying to graduate schools, the nature of
advanced study in the field, and the job prospects for individuals
with higher degrees in English. Professors in the department
are happy to talk with undergraduate students who are considering
advanced studies in English.
In general, students with an interest in graduate school should
plan their undergraduate studies so that they develop the broadest
possible base of knowledge about the traditions of British and
American literature. They should also take a course on critical
theory and take two full years of a foreign language. English
499 (Senior Thesis) is also recommended for undergraduate students
who are interested in graduate school.
Contact Information
Jennifer Phegley, Associate Professor and Director of Undergraduate Studies
phegleyj@umkc.edu
816.235.5973
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