Associate in Arts Degree Program (Transfer)
Students majoring in English will develop valuable critical thinking and communication skills through reading, discussing, researching, and writing about literature. While English majors study nonfiction works such as letters, journals, autobiographies, and essays, they mainly focus on creative works such as poetry, short stories, plays, and novels. These works differ from typical readings in other academic disciplines since they are designed to engage the imagination while conveying important insights into human experience. The great Roman poet Horace described literature as “dulce et utile,” or “sweet and useful.” In other words, the study of literature is practical in that it conveys important, often highly complex ideas about history, culture, society, philosophy, psychology, language—the list goes on. It is also supremely enjoyable, and that is certainly one of the pleasures of majoring in English!
While the most obvious careers for English majors include the fields of teaching, writing, and editing, the degree is remarkably versatile, opening doors into a variety of graduate programs, including law and library science. An English degree also opens doors into the professional world, including jobs in business management, public relations, publishing, journalism, advertising, sales, and many, many others. In fact, English majors develop skills that are prized in the professional world: the ability to communicate effectively; research, analyze, and interpret complex information; write clear, strong, reasonable arguments; understand human behavior and the complex issues that surround diversity; view situations from a variety of perspectives; and creatively solve problems.
English majors are offered at UO, OSU, EOU, PSU, WOU, and SOU, and most other colleges across the United States offer degrees in English. Students need to know the requirements of the department at the university to which they plan to transfer. They should talk with both a UCC counselor and English advisor Dr. Jillanne Michell (see contact information at the bottom of this page). Many students who major in other subjects choose to minor in English, as it is such a valuable degree.
Subjects offered at UCC for the English major include the following:
- Introduction to Literature
- Survey of American Literature
- Survey of English Literature
- Shakespeare
- World Literature
For more information, contact
Dr. Jillanne Michell
Phone: (541)440-4649
Email: Jillanne.Michell@ucclife.umpqua.edu
Umpqua Community College is an equal opportunity educator and employer.
Umpqua Community College, PO Box 967, Roseburg Oregon 97470 Phone: (541)440-4600.
This page last updated 9-27-07.