Frequently Asked Questions
1. What can I do with an English Major?
Answer: It almost seems as though it would be easier to answer the question "What can I not do with an English Major?" English is a major that develops important skills such as reading, writing, and interpretation - three skills that are extremely valuable to a variety of employers. Not only does this versatile major prepare students for a multitude of careers in management, marketing, writing, editing, journalism, broadcasting, advertising, public relations, communications, research, and many other fields including teaching, but it is also a fantastic pre-professional major, particularly for fields such as law or the ministry. Obviously, an English major does not limit you to a specific career track. Skilled readers and writers are in high demand in all sorts of job fields - just think of all of the written words you see or hear every day. If you want to know what jobs are possible with an English degree, see our Future Plans page. If you want to find out what our alums are doing with their degrees, please see our Alumni page.
2. What do I do to become an English Major?
Answer: You declare an English Major by talking to a Liberal Arts Advisor in Haley Center 2238 and filling out a form there. If you want some help to convince your parents how good of a decision you've made, perhaps you might want to consult our page on Why Be an English Major at Auburn University?
3. I'm a sophomore and I want to take an upper-division English class. Do I still need to complete World Literature I & II to enroll in this class?
Answer: No. You only need to have completed ENGL 1120 or 1127 to take a 3000- or 4000-level course.
4. I had a great experience in my composition and/or World Literature class, but I'm set in my major. How can I pursue my interest in English?
Answer: If you have completed English 1120 or 1127, you can enroll in any English class. Perhaps you want to consider a minor? An English minor is a fine compliment to any field of study. It requires only 15 credits of English courses, with 9 of those credits taken from courses from the 3000- and 4000-level. Maybe you want to consider a double major in English? You have 36 credit hours to allow you to focus on whatever aspect of English interests you.
5. How can I minor in English? What courses would I need to take?
Answer: You only need to fill out a minor form and submit it to the Coordinator of Undergraduate Studies. These forms are available in 9030 Haley Center, the English Department's main office. There are no required courses for a minor in English. You only need to take 15 credits of English courses; three of these classes at least must be at the 3000- or 4000-level.
7. What is a Plan of Study?
Answer: The Plan of Study form shows you what you have to take (required courses), what we think you should take (recommended courses), and what it is up to you to take (elective courses). The Plan of Study is not a contract - you can change your mind about what you take--but it does help to plan your course schedule for the time you are in the major. Please make an appointment with your advisor to fill out this crucial form together.
8. Who is the Coordinator of Undergraduate Studies and what does he or she do?
Answer: The Coordinator of Undergraduate Studies in English is charged with oversight of the English Major. Your link between the department and you, the Coordinator serves as your advisor until one is assigned to you.
9. Who is my advisor? What does an advisor do?
Answer: As soon as you declare a major, you should see the Coordinator of Undergraduate Studies who will set you up with an advisor based on your interests. Advising is what you make it, and you can make if much more than simply planning next semester's courses. For more information on advising, see our Advisement Survival Guide.
10. What kinds of scholarships, grants, or other funding opportunities are available?
Answer:The first place to go is the Freshman Academic Scholarships awarded by the university. Additionally, the English department has the Ruth and Carolyn Faulk Scholarship awarded to a junior "of good moral character who has received good grades in English." We also have three special awards (the Mary Matherly Durant Award, the James A. Kirkley Award, and the Mortar Board's Mildred Enloe Yates Award) for English majors. Each of these awards is granted at the end of the spring term. We also have three writing awards (in poetry, in creative prose, and in academic writing) given out at the end of spring term for which all students enrolled in English classes over the past year are eligible.