Provides students with sophisticated writing and speaking skills and higher order thinking skills. Students gain knowledge of literary history, form, and theory that includes a broad exposure to the American and British literary traditions with an equal emphasis on women and people of color. Reading literature is just one aspect of a rich comprehensive curriculum that creates the foundation for a great career.

When you major in English, you may concentrate on literature or writing, and graduates have become professional writers, teachers, lawyers, and editors. They work in advertising agencies, publishing houses, and private businesses. Many English majors attend graduate school in areas such as literature, cultural studies, creative writing, linguistics, and library science. English faculty work closely with each English major, and in the capstone course, Senior Seminar, students undertake an extended research project on a topic of their choice.

English majors may select an emphasis in literature or writing. The English Major with a Writing Emphasis focuses on creative pursuits in the fields of poetry, playwriting, fiction, non-fiction, broadcast, and corporate writing. Students develop a solid portfolio of their work, which will aid them in their professional goals.

The English Minor
Combines with a major in another field to help develop interpretive, analytical and research skills. The minor consists of 18 hours of a variety literature and writing courses.

The Writing Minor
Allows majors in fields other than English to enhance and broaden their composition and critical thinking skills. The minor consists of 18 hours of writing courses.

• Avila’s literary magazine, the Scop, publishes poetry, short stories, short plays, and essays. The magazine is edited by students under the supervision of Avila’s Artist in Residence, Stanley Banks.
• The English Club is open to all Avila students. The club promotes the study of English and sponsors poetry readings, open-mike nights, and other social events. Each year English Club members select a graduating senior for the Dean’s Award for Outstanding English Major.
• Sigma Tau Delta, the Alpha Beta Psi chapter of the international English honor society, inducts new members each year, promotes the study of English on campus, and works with the English Club to sponsor activities.

Avila University has a long tradition of successful placement of beginning teachers. The program is highly regarded by area principals and personnel directors, and the Avila curriculum meets the certification requirements for both Kansas and Missouri. Students may combine a major in English with a minor in secondary education to obtain a teaching certificate. Graduates may be certified to teach English in middle school and high school.