BACHELOR OF ARTS IN ENGLISH

English forms the cornerstone of the humanities. In a variety of courses in literature, writing, and the English language, students find a source of personal enrichment, and they develop verbal, analytical, and cultural skills readily adaptable to a variety of careers. Students in English may elect any of several degree options. Students may choose the Bachelor of Arts leading to a major in English and an emphasis in writing. They may also elect a major in English and take coursework leading to teaching certification in English, Language Arts, and Reading.

Our department offers students a number of extracurricular activities. Sigma Tau Delta, the English honor society, invites junior and senior English majors to become members of this prestigious national organization, with membership in the society recorded on each student's transcript. The Writer's Forum provides opportunities for all SHSU students to publish their writing. A second publishing opportunity is the Sam Houston State Review, a literary magazine staffed by SHSU students who work closely with a faculty advisor. The Texas Review is a nationally-recognized literary magazine published twice a year, and the Texas Review Press publishes five to seven books annually. Students have the opportunity to serve as interns while working as members of the Review and the Press staff. Internships in business and industry may also be available for qualified students.

Required Courses for an English Major

The English major requires a total of 36 hours of English coursework. All general degree requirements including a minor in a non-English area must also be met. The 36 hours of coursework in English should be distributed as follows (Note: ENG 164 and 165 may not be used to meet this requirement):

Bachelor of Arts
with Teaching Certification in
English, Language Arts, and Reading

A student pursuing the Bachelor of Arts degree may obtain teaching certification by completing our English certification and the required coursework in professional education (SED). The coursework listed below is that recommended during the student’s first two years, with the exception that students on the SHSU home campus take two upper-division education courses in their second year of study.