Advising

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:

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

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.

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.

The English Department offers five minor programs across various topics. Please review the requirements for your preferred minor program prior to declaration. 

• English
• Creative Writing
• Film Studies
• Professional Writing, Rhetoric, and Literacies
• Women's Literature 

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.