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CONCENTRATIONS
Comparative Literature
English Literature
Writing
COMPLEMENTARY DEGREE
English/Language Arts with Professional Education License— Secondary Education (B.A.)
English (B.A.)
The ability to communicate ideas and information is one of the most valuable assets a person can possess in a career. The English language is a powerful tool, and those who master it are well-prepared for the multiple career changes most college graduates experience in their lives. English majors develop sophisticated abilities in communicating, listening, speaking, reading, writing, critical thinking, information gathering and understanding a broad spectrum of human cultures.
USF’s goal is to heighten and intensify student reading experiences, and help students reflect upon the ways in which written and spoken words deliver meaning. As critical readers, students develop the ability to recognize authoritative analysis, evaluate information, and contextualize ideas. These skills are essential for living in the digital era, and they are valued by employers. Students become effective writers in a wide range of styles, from memoir and poetry to podcasts and infographics.
Skilled writing begins with skilled speaking. Through spontaneous and focused exchanges that entertain wideranging ideas in a respectful way, USF English majors become confident speakers and can present their ideas in formal and informal settings. Critical thinking skills are honed in every class and assignment, enriched by discovery, originality, humor, creativity, and the pleasure of reading.
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After graduating and working for some time now, I’m able to look back on my time with the USF English Department and truly appreciate the education I received. The English Department helped me choose the right classes to gain useful experience and skills that I would need after graduation. Along with relevant experience to help me get hired quickly, the English classes provided by the department’s professors helped introduce me to different authors, mediums and genres of writing that I never would have been interested in before and for that I will be forever grateful.
— Tyler Drag ‘21
WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH THIS DEGREE?
English majorso on to many careers—in advertising, journalism, law, politics, business, and publishing. They consistently score well on the MCAT, GMAT, and LSAT. They are thrilled by the challenge of writing with playfulness, imagination and critical rigor and become writers and teach in high schools and universities. English majors pursue advanced degrees in a broad range of fields, from literature and languages to library science and other humanistic fields. Like all humanistic disciplines, English is a broad platform from which to launch many different careers that depend on astute thinking, critical reading, excellent oral and written communication, confidence and authority.
GROW THROUGH REAL-WORLD EXPERIENCE
It’s all about internships at the University of St. Francis! Employers often say they look for students who have an internship on their resume, so obtaining one is always recommended for ultimate student success. USF English majors have earned internships at Premier Travel Media, Steppenwolf Theatre in Chicago, the Options Trading Corp., and numerous regional law firms to name a few. The writing internship allows students to earn academic credit for applying their skills in real-world settings. Students can also elect to study abroad to expand their cultural awareness and writing experience.
ACCREDITATIONS
The University of St. Francis is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, and is authorized to operate as a post-secondary institution by the Illinois Board of Higher Education (ibhe.org).
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