The study of English as a subject involves great attention to detail, imagination, a creative approach, a passion for reading and literature, and a love of language and how it works. English majors learn to think, speak and write more effectively, to express their ideas coherently, to understand and create several different meanings in a piece of literature, and to write them down with clarity and precision. The University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire offers an English major with an emphasis in linguistics, literature, creative writing, scientific and technical writing, and teaching (choose either liberal arts or comprehensive). Minors in literature, teaching early adolescence/adolescence, scientific and technical writing and creative writing are also offered.
What will I learn from studying English?
Knowledge:
An English major will have a broadened base of knowledge gained through literature, which can include experiences in other cultures and time periods. An English degree will provide a strong understanding of how media -- books, magazines, newspapers, films, advertising -- interplay in the world. English majors will also graduate with a sophisticated level of literacy concerning concepts such as theme, symbolism and metaphor.
Skills:
- Strong understanding of grammar and mechanics editing for copy and content
- Speaking and writing with clarity, precision, and flair for a wide variety of audiences
- Initiating, planning, and carrying out complex projects
- Problem-solving - ability to see many possible solutions and select the best one
- Reflect on and discuss ideas
- Ability to confront a mass of information and organize it meaningfully
What are some of the interests and values related to English?
- Reading
- Writing
- Language
- Grammar
- Communication
- Interpreting text
- Imagination
- Problem-solving
What are related student and professional organizations?
Student:
- Sigma Tau Delta, English Honor Society
- None of the Above (NOTA)
- The Flip Side
- The Spectator
- Student Society of Technical Editors and Writers
Professional:
- Society for Technical Communication (STC)
- National Writers Association
- National Association of Desktop Publishers
- American Association for Applied Linguistics
What career fields are related to the English Degree?
Potential Employers:
Anyone who can write clearly and effectively is desirable to any number of employers. There are opportunities to write newsletters and public relations pieces for businesses and speeches for politicians, to edit for magazines. There are also opportunities for freelance writers and editors, which could mean working at home and going from project to project. One of the fastest growing opportunities for those interested in writing is web publication. Many companies are in the first stages of setting up web sites and are looking for accomplished writers to help them get started.
Potential Job Titles:
- Editor
- Reporter
- Freelance writer
- Public relations
- Representative
- Literary critic
- Author
- Educator
- Speechwriter
- Publisher
What are some jobs held by UW – Eau Claire English graduates?
- Writer , Electronic Data Systems, Madison, WI
- Associate Editor , MBI Publishing Company, River Falls, WI
- Library Specialist , Mt. Carmel Health Systems, Columbus, OH
- Reporter , Eau Claire Leader Telegram, Eau Claire, WI
- English Teacher , Chippewa Falls School District, Chippewa Falls, WI
How can I learn more about English?
Department
- Contact someone in UW – Eau Claire’s English Department
- Hibbard Humanities Hall 405, 836-2639
C areer Services:
- Meet with a career counselor
- Take interest inventories and self-assessment tests
- Ask An Alum & Friends, a database of UW – Eau Claire Alumni & Friends available for informational interviewing
Career Discovery Center:
- 100 Jobs In Words , Scott. A Meyer
- Great Jobs for English Majors , Julie DeGalan & Stephen Lambert
- Careers for Bookworms and Other Literary Types , Majorie Eberts & Margaret Gisler
- Careers in Publishing , Blythe Camenson
- 100 Best Careers for Writers & Artists , Shelly Field
- Career Opportunities for Writers , Rosemary Ellen Guiley
Internet:
What are some opportunities for experiential learning in English?
Internship
Internships are a way to gain hands-on experience in a position that interests you as a potential career. To find an internship in English that suites your interests, visit Career Services (Schofield 230) and speak with a Career Associate about the many available internships. Contact your advisor or the English department chair about enrolling in ENGL 498 to obtain academic credit for your internship.
Directed Studies or Independent Study Class
By participating in an Independent or Directed Studies course, students will be able to research an area that they find particularly interesting. Contact your advisor about enrolling in ENGL 395, 399 or 499
Other
Working on the NOTA selection committee can give English majors experience in copy-editing, page design and layout of text. Submitting pieces to NOTA or participating in English Fest can give students the opportunity to get their work out there.