English

Overview

The study of English language and literature engages with evocative authors, ideas, and language across historical periods, cultures, and national literatures. Because people read to be entertained, to be surprised, and to be inspired, we believe that all students benefit from integrating literature with writing on analytical, creative, and professional levels.

The University of Montevallo is regularly ranked as a TOP UNIVERSITY in Alabama for the study of English Language and Literature according to Niche’s Best Colleges for English in Alabama.

Did you know that?

96% of English degree holders would major or minor in English again.
87% of English and other humanities degree holders report high levels of job satisfaction with rates that match or exceed nearly every other field.
Nearly 60% of humanities majors have jobs that involve managing or supervising.
The median salary and employment rates of English degree holders are comparable to or exceed other sought-after degrees including psychology, legal studies, and communications.

"Don’t be afraid to think outside of the box when it comes to career choices — the skills you’re going to learn as a UM English major will help you wherever you end up. Whether you decide to teach, work in marketing, or something completely different, having the ability to see things from different perspectives and communicate your thoughts clearly will take you far."
— Madison Griggs ‘17, Writer and Editor

Degree/Course Requirements

English Major Requirements (36 credit hours)

Major Course Requirements (36 hours)
ENG 300 (Introduction to Literary Studies) (3)
ENG 305 (Literature in English Survey I) (3)
ENG 306 (Literature in English Survey II) (3)
ENG 307 (Literature in English Survey III) (3)
ENG 405 (Studies in One or Two Authors) (3)
ENG (Genre) (411, 412, 413, 414, 415 or 419) (3)
ENG (Period) (423, 424, 425, 426, 427,
428, 431, 432, or 439) (3)
ENG (452, 454, or 455) (3)
ENG (Diverse Voices) (471, 472, 473, 474, 475) (3)
ENG 485 (Senior Seminar) (3)
ENG 300/400 elec. (3)
ENG 300/400 elec. (3)

Additional Major Requirement
Course selections must also fulfill these requirements. No additional hours required.
6 hrs. Literature before 1800
6 hrs. Literature after 1800
3 hrs. American literature
3 hrs. British literature

Candidates who wish to pursue the English/Language Arts Alternative Master’s program must successfully complete 32/19 (32 hours with 19 hours at the 300/400 level) and have at least one course in each of the following areas: English, theater, speech, journalism (MC 200), and grammar.

English majors must complete either a minor in a selected field or a department approved area of concentration

General Education Core (53 Credit Hours)

First-Year Seminar….……………………………………………………………………………………………. 3 hours
- Choose: UM 101, ED 101, GB 101, or HNRS 101
Written Composition……………………………………………………………………………………………. 6 hours
- Choose: ENG 101 or 103 (Composition I)
- Choose: ENG 102 or 104 (Composition II)
Humanities & Fine Arts…………………………………………………………………….………….……… 18 hours
- Choose one Literature: ENG 231 or 233 (Global Literature I) * or ENG 232 or 234 (Global Literature II) Students must take at least one six-hour sequence in Literature or History. Students may take both sequences.
- Choose Communications: COMS 101 or 102 (Foundations in Oral Communication)
- Choose one Fine Art: ART 100, 120, 218, 219, 220; MC 100, 325; MUS 121 or 122, 125, 211, 240, 255, 342; THEA 120 or 122, 123
- Choose one Humanity: AAS 200, FRN 101, 102 or 150, 201, 202 or 250; GER 101, 102, 201, 202; PHIL 110 or 111, 180,
- 220 or 221, 230, 280, 290; REL 110; SPN 101 or 103, 102 or 104 or 150, 201, 202 or 250
- Choose two additional Literature, Humanity or Fine Arts courses not used above: AAS 200, ART 100, 120, 218, 219, 220;
- ENG 231 or 233, 232 or 234; FRN 101, 102 or 150, 201, 202 or 250; GER 101, 102, 201, 202; MC 100, 325; MUS 121/122,
- 125, 211, 240, 255, 342; PHIL 110 or 111, 180, 220, 221, 230, 280, 290; REL 110; SPN 101 or 103, 102 or 104 or 150, 201,
- 202 or 250; THEA 120 or 122, 123
Natural Sciences & Mathematics…………………………………………………………………………. 11 hours
- Choose two lab sciences. Must be from two different disciplines: BIO 100, 105 or 107, 106; CHEM 100, 101, 102, 121, 122; ESCI 100; GEOL 110, 115 PHYS 100, 201, 241
- Choose one Mathematics: MATH 144, 147, 149, 150, 154 or 155, 157, 170
History, Social & Behavioral Sciences………………………………………….…..……………….…. 12 hours
- Choose one History: HIST 101 or 103 (World Civilization I) * or HIST 102 or 104 (World Civilization II) Students must take at least one six-hour sequence in Literature or History. Students may take both sequences.
- Choose three additional History, Social and Behavioral Science courses not used above:
- EC 231, 232; FCS 291, 302; GEOG 231; HIST 101 or 103, 102 or 104; POS 200, 250; PSYC 201 or 202; SOC 101 or 102; SWK 203, 260, 322
Personal Development ……………………………………………………..……….………………..…..….. 3 hours
- Choose one of the following: ART 250, 255; CS 161; ED 427, 447; ES 200; EXNS 120; FCS 281; MATH 261; MIS 161; MUS 228
Additional Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts degree…..……….………………..…..….12 hours

Complete the second-year sequence of a world language (201 and 202 or 250): ASL, FRN, GER, SPN. OR complete the first-year sequence of two different world languages.

General Electives (19 Credit Hours)

English majors must take 19 credit hours in general electives comprised of courses of their choosing. These hours can be counted toward the selected minor or area of concentration.

English Minor Requirements

Adding a minor in English can serve as a powerful complement to majors in other fields, ranging from science and math to business and law to social work and education. Students in this minor engage with authors, ideas, and language across historical periods and cultures, sharpen their critical thinking skills, and hone the ability to communicate clearly and elegantly.

The coursework for an English minor is highly flexible and can be tailored to a student’s individual interests, tastes, and goals. Students are required to complete 18 hours in English courses numbers 300 or above.

To declare an English minor or learn more about the minor should contact the department chair, Dr. Paul Mahaffey at mahaffey@montevallo.edu.

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Student Advising

Career Opportunities

Career-Ready Graduates

The preparation offered by an English major enriches the lives of our students while providing skills that help them succeed in their careers. English majors find employment in a wide range of fields, from education and non-profit organizations to business and financial relations to healthcare and law.

Education
Writing and Authorship
Law
Business
Marketing and Advertising
Publishing
Media and Entertainment
Government and Non-Profit
Counseling
Science and Medicine

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Scholarships & Aid

Student Aid

The University of Montevallo Student Aid Office is here to assist UM students and families with the financial aid process. We invite you to review the information provided on our webpages and contact us with questions and for assistance.

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Scholarships

All entering freshmen and transfer students admitted to UM by the scholarship priority deadline will be included in the scholarship evaluation for merit-based scholarships. In addition to merit-based awards, scholarships are also available based on financial need, leadership, community service, choice of major, and other miscellaneous criteria.

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