Advising
English Major Info Sessions This Week!
Interested in declaring an English Major? Join us for a casual info session this Thursday (2/13) and this Friday (2/14) in HU 109 from 2:30pm to 3:30pm. See you there!
On this page
Questions?
If you have registration or major declaration questions, please contact our English Undergraduate Program Coordinator & Advisor: Elle Starr
Phone: 360-650-6846
Email: Elle.Starr@wwu.edu
Advising and Declaration Resources
Whether you're considering an English major or finishing your degree, you'll find valuable resources and academic advising here! With general and major-specific advisors, the English Department offers tailored support for students at every stage of their journey.
How to Declare an English Major
Western's English Major is designed with a diverse community in mind, offering six distinct areas of emphasis. By selecting a specific area of emphasis, students tailor their educational experience to focus on particular topics of specialization, including literature, creative writing, film and media studies, secondary education in English Language Arts, or multilingual education.
Learn more about the English major emphases and plans of study below to make an informed decision.
English, BA with an Emphasis in:
- Literature (60 credits)
- Literature with Teaching Endorsement Option (65 credits + Certification)
- Creative Writing (58-60 credits)
- Creative Writing with Teaching Endorsement Option (75 credits + Certification)
- Film and Media Studies (55-60 credits)
- Multilingual Education with Teaching Endorsement Option(s) (59 credits + Certification)
The prerequisites for declaring an English major include:
- 60 college credits completed (completed credits do not include credits in progress)
- Satisfactory completion of ENG 202: Writing About Literature with a C- or above*
*(If students are currently enrolled in ENG 202, they may declare the English Major if they meet prerequisite 1 and understand that their major status will be contingent upon passing ENG 202 with a C- or above by the end of the quarter. Students who do not pass ENG 202 with a C- or above may be dropped from the major and asked to retake ENG 202)
Students declaring an English major with an emphasis in Film and Media Studies are only required to complete prerequisite 1. Students declaring an English major with an emphasis in Multilingual Education must complete prerequisites 1&2 as well as one additional course from the following list: ENG234, ENG235, ENG236, or ENG239.
When you are close to declaring an English major, please meet with the General English Advisor, Elle Starr, to discuss your desired emphasis, plan of study, and path towards graduation. This is a great opportunity to discuss any questions you have about your English emphasis. Students who have completed their major prerequisites will also have an opportunity to complete their declaration form (step 4) during this meeting.
The General English Advisor's office hours are updated regularly and available on this page and on their staff profile (linked).
Prospective majors are strongly encouraged to meet with the General English Advisor early in the quarter, allowing ample time to declare prior to registration. Meetings and declarations may be limited 1 week prior to registration.
Upcoming Info Session: Friday (10/18) from 2:30pm - 3:00pm in HU 304. *Info Session dates and times will be emailed to undergraduate students who list an interest in English in Web4U.
Once you have completed steps 1-3, apply for the English Major using the Student Academic Declaration Form. The form and instructions for completion are linked here.
Forms may take up to a week to be reviewed and processed by the department. To ensure that your declaration is processed successfully prior to your next registration day, please submit your forms 1-2 weeks prior to your registration day/time. If you do not meet the prerequisites for your major, your form will be voided and you will be notified via your Western email.
Undergraduate English Advising

General English Advising: Office Hours
Prospective English majors and newly-declared majors can meet with Elle Starr to discuss English declaration and review plans of study.
In person Drop-In Hours (no appointment needed): Tuesday & Thursday* from 12pm-3:30pm in HU 327.
*Office hours ending early on 2/13. Please feel free to attend the English major info session in HU 109 on 2/13 from 2:30-3:30pm instead of office hours.
Zoom: Monday & Wednesday from 10:00am-11:30am or 2:00pm-3:30pm. Reserve a spot now on Calendly!
For other days/times, please email elle.starr@wwu.edu with your W#. Thank you!
Major Advising: Office Hours
Declared English majors are paired with faculty for advising that is tailored to their major emphasis.
English with an Emphasis in
- Literature: Kathryn Vulić (see bio & office hours)
- Creative Writing:
- Last Names A-K: Noam Dorr (see bio & office hours)
- Last Names L-Z: Kelly Magee (see bio & office hours)
- Film and Media Studies: Eren Odabasi (see bio & office hours)
- Any Emphasis with a Teaching Endorsement:
- Last Names A-K: Steven VanderStaay (see bio & office hours)
- Last Names L-Z: Anthony Celaya (see bio & office hours)
How to Declare an English Minor
The English Department offers five minor programs across various topics. Please review the requirements for your preferred minor program prior to declaration.
Courses taken for credit in minor programs may not be counted toward English majors simultaneously. This means that for English majors, there may be no overlapping courses between your major and any of the above minors, regardless of major emphasis.
Declaring any of the above English minor programs does not grant permission to register for major-restricted English courses while restrictions are in place (except for the Professional Writing, Rhetoric, and Literacies minor). Minors must wait until major restrictions are lifted to register for certain courses.
All English minor programs require completion of English 101 (or equivalent course) prior to declaration. You must pass ENG 101 to declare any English minor.
If you would like to discuss the minor requirements, please meet with the General English Advisor, Elle Starr. Office hours are listed on this page under "Undergraduate English Advisors."
Apply for the Minor using the Student Academic Declaration Form. The form and instructions for completion are linked here. Forms may take up to a week to be reviewed and processed by the department.
Minor Advising
To discuss an English minor program prior to declaration, please meet with the General English Advisor, Elle Starr. Office hours and appointments linked here.
Once you declare an English minor, you are assigned to a minor advisor for minor-specific questions, evaluations, and advising.
- English: Kathryn Vulić (see bio & office hours)
- Creative Writing:
- Last Names A-K: Noam Dorr (see bio & office hours)
- Last Names L-Z: Kelly Magee (see bio & office hours)
- Film Studies: Eren Odabasi (see bio & office hours)
- Women's Literature: Kathryn Vulić (see bio & office hours)
- Professional Writing, Literacies, and Rhetoric: Nicole Brown (see bio & office hours)
Major and Minor Evaluations
Major and minor evaluations are required as part of the Degree Application Process. Seniors are encouraged to review degree application deadlines as early as possible, to ensure they are requesting a major or minor evaluation in a timely manner.
How do I get my Major or Minor Evaluation?
One month before your Degree Application deadline, please email your major or minor advisor or visit your advisor's office hours.
Please be sure to use your Western email account and include your W# when emailing your advisor. Be specific with your questions and requests.
Resources
Please be sure to review your progress throughout the major or the minor in DegreeWorks. You can find DegreeWorks in Web4U. If the DegreeWorks evaluation does not seem correct or you have questions, please contact an advisor.
Plans of Study for Majors:
- English with an Emphasis in Literature
- English with an Emphasis in Literature with Teaching Endorsement
- English with an Emphasis in Creative Writing
- English with an Emphasis in Creative Writing with Teaching Endorsement
- English with an Emphasis in Film and Media Studies
- English with an Emphasis in Multilingual Education with Teaching Endorsement