Why study English?

A minor in English complements any major, and offers students from other disciplines the opportunity to develop the reading, writing, and critical thinking skills that employers seek in college graduates. Students choose courses from creative writing, literature, literary criticism, cultural studies, professional writing, technical and digital writing, editing and publishing, and film studies, and may focus on one particular area of study or take courses from many areas in order to explore English studies. Whatever your path, you’ll become a more empowered and responsible reader and writer, prepared to make a contribution to your field of knowledge, profession, community, and the world at large.

Career Possibilities

English students enjoy satisfying careers and admission to graduate programs due to their ability to read closely, write clearly, research thoroughly, and think critically. English is also an excellent base for professional studies in law, business, and medicine. Paired with your major, an English minor will help prepare you for careers in:

• Writing and editing
• Publishing
• Arts administration
• Education
• Film and television writing
• Advertising
• Law
• Library sciences
• Social justice work
• Business
• Science and technology
• Technical communication
• Web development
• Environmental writing

Major Maps

• Guide: English Minor Curriculum Guide

Advising

The Director of Undergraduate Studies in the English department can help guide you through the minor.

UC Advantages and Special Opportunities

Students in the UC College of Arts and Sciences (A&S) enjoy many benefits afforded through study at a research-intensive institution ranked among the nation's top 25 public research universities. UC's urban, Tristate location offers exciting opportunities for global education, research and service learning, while its student-centered focus includes an 11:1 student-faculty ratio, a nationally recognized Center for Exploratory Studies and a highly successful First Year Experience program that teaches critical skills for first-year students and provides connections with important campus resources.

Special Programs

Certificates in English

In addition to majors and a minor, the department of English offers three certificate programs: Professional Writing, Creative Writing (Poetry, Fiction, and Literary Nonfiction), and Copyediting and Publishing, plus Literary Journalism jointly with the Department of Journalism. English courses play a role in several other certificates, including Medical Humanities, Film & Media Studies, and Digital Engagement. Certificate programs provide more focus and less time commitment than a minor, and provide an opportunity for undergraduate students to more fully develop skills in reading, writing, and analysis in their chosen area of interest.

Experiential learning

English students can intern with local businesses, nonprofits, university offices, state agencies, and media outlets, and earn college credit while developing reading and writing skills. Students can also gain valuable experience by taking research-intensive or service learning courses, by studying abroad, and by entering their work in the department’s writing contest each year.

Events

English students enjoy opportunities to hear a number of distinguished authors read their work through our Visiting Writers Series. Likewise, the biennial Emerging Fiction Writers Festival brings four writers to campus for two days of readings and panels. Past visiting writers have included Rita Dove and Colson Whitehead.

Renowned faculty

Our Creative Writing faculty have collectively published dozens of books of fiction, poetry, literary nonfiction, and criticism. They have won awards from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Fulbright Program, and the National Book Awards program. Our Rhetoric & Professional Writing faculty are experienced professional writers and editors with many years of experience in fields such as business, medicine and healthcare, science, technology, social sciences, and technical and environmental writing. Our Literary & Cultural Studies faculty are active scholars who publish and present in their field. Many teach both undergraduate and graduate courses, and develop strong relationships with their students.

Admission Requirements

Students already pursuing a degree in any college at UC can add the minor to their program. Be sure to submit a declaration of the minor using our online form.

In addition, you must meet with the program director so that the department is aware that you are pursuing the minor and can advise you appropriately. Do this early enough to avoid delay in obtaining your minor.

Graduation Requirements

If you have declared the minor, then it will appear on your application for graduation. Apply for graduation as you normally would for your bachelor’s degree.

Accreditation