Advising

Western's English Major is designed with a diverse community in mind, offering six distinct areas of emphasis. All English majors must complete foundational courses in the humanities, encompassing composition, rhetoric, analytical skills, and essential literary studies. By selecting a specific area of emphasis, students can 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 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 vary depending on the emphasis you wish to pursue. For English with an emphasis in Literature, Creative Writing, Literature with a Teaching Endorsement, and Creative Writing with a Teaching Endorsement, please complete prerequisites 1 & 2 below. For English with an emphasis in Film and Media Studies, please complete prerequisite 1 only. For English with an emphasis in Multilingual Education, please complete prerequisites 1 & 2 as well as one additional prerequisite course from the following list: ENG234, ENG235, ENG236, or ENG239.

1. 60 college credits completed (completed credits do not include credits in progress)

2. Satisfactory completion of ENG 202: Writing About Literature or equivalent course*

   *(If students are enrolled in ENG 202, they may declare the English Major if they meet prerequisites 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 with a C- or above may be dropped from the major and asked to retake ENG 202)

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.

*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.