English B.A.

The English major develops student knowledge of literature and culture within English, American, and global contexts. Our students learn to read perceptively, think critically and creatively, write clearly and effectively, and engage meaningfully with the complex societies in which they live.

As a liberal arts program, the English major provides students with both knowledge and a set of transferable skills valued in a wide range of professions. While some UMD English graduates each year go on to teach English or attend graduate school in English, the majority find employment in other fields. Recent graduates of UMD's English program have been accepted in various courses of graduate study including law, medicine, business, neuroscience, theology, and library science. Other graduates have found success in the following fields and roles: small business owner, editor, producer of plays, health claims representative, sales consultant, office manager, journalist, writer, property manager, bookkeeper, and assistant account executive.

Department Honors Requirements: Candidates must have a 3.20 overall GPA and 3.40 in the major. An honors paper or creative writing project must be completed in a 4xxx course or through independent study. Completed projects and papers must be approved by a sponsoring faculty member and the department honors committee. Students who wish to qualify for honors must contact the department at least one semester before graduation.