B.A. in English

English Home >> English Undergraduate Major

The Department of English at Youngstown State University believes that educated citizens must use language effectively and appreciate the diversity and complexity of their culture. To this end, the department seeks to improve students' abilities to read, write, think analytically and creatively, appreciate the aesthestics of literature, and value diverse cultures.

In addition, the department strives to develop and disseminate insights related to literature, writing, language, culture, and pedagogy through excellent teaching, research and scholarly activity, service to the University, and broad-based community involvement.

Although the traditional careers for English majors are teaching, editing, and writing, it is not unusual to find English majors in a wide variety of occupations.

The skills you acquire as an English major, centered on the ability to use the English language effectively, open doors to many careers:

• Information-handling fields: If you have strong professional training in communication, you might work in “information-handling” fields such as advertising, public relations, media relations, book and magazine publishing, technical and professional writing, and journalism. Also in this category, you will find rapidly expanding information-retrieval and exchange industries that require both technicians and broadly educated managerial personnel. Business and government seek employees who can communicate on a wide range of topics to serve as information officers and editors.
• Teaching: Secondary schools require teachers who are equipped to offer students the joys of language and literature, both written and spoken, informative and dramatic. Teachers trained in journalism and TESOL are also needed.
• Law or Business: Many English majors pursue graduate study in business or law.