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Applied English Major

What makes CIU’s Applied English Major a great option?

  • English for mission purposes,
  • English for language and culture – literature and linguistics, with a cross-cultural focus,
  • Preparation for graduate school or the market place,
  • An undergraduate English degree that opens employment and/or ministry opportunities in the field before graduate school.

Can I go straight into teaching English at a public or private high school or middle school with the Applied English major?

Probably not.  Teaching at the high school or middle school level in public schools in the United States or in internationally accredited schools requires various forms of certification, which generally can be met with study beyond the undergraduate level.

How is the Applied English Major different from the English minor?

The minor in English is a highly flexible collection of 18 hours of primarily literature courses, without specific direction towards future study in English literature or teaching.  The Applied English major is a much more focused and intentional program, preparing graduates for vocational and professional requirements, including further study.

What if I’m not expecting to teach English? Is Applied English still a good idea?

Perhaps not.  Applied English majors graduate with a TEFL certificate and teaching experience; students with zero interest in teaching should not pursue it.

However, students who enjoy literature and are open to teaching, at least while pursuing a degree, could well find the Applied English major a rewarding choice.   

How is the Applied English major different from the minor in TEFL?

The TEFL minor provides a student with a TEFL certificate.  However, language is more than a matter of pronunciation, grammar, or teaching techniques for reading and writing: language is culture, and literature is where culture is expressed deeply and clearly.  If someone wants to teach English with excellence, having an understanding of the literature which has contributed to and grown from the English language is invaluable, and will be appreciated by both employers and students of such a teacher.  The TEFL certificate is a fine addition to another degree program for those interest

Some of the courses offered are quite different from those at other schools with a more traditional English major. Why?

Columbia International University is not like many other schools.  We are a Great Commission university, with all of our degree programs built upon a full Bible major which grounds students in the Word of God – how to interpret and apply it with integrity.  The Applied English major seeks to extend that ability to the content area of English – both the language and the literature.  Each course is included to give students desired abilities for the profession (ability to teach language, ability with different genres and periods of literature, with literature of different cultures, and with v

Why is the degree called “Applied English”? Why not just call it English?

The term “Applied English” is truth in advertising, making clear the major’s focus upon teaching.  A traditional English program is primarily a major in literature, with some emphasis upon writing or other aspects of language.  Applied English is a term commonly used internationally and in some schools in the United States for programs which prepare teachers to teach English – including literature – to non-native speakers.

What can a person do with a degree in Applied English?

A. Teach English in other countries – The degree’s combination of literature, education and TEFL courses uniquely prepares students to teach English with excellence and understanding, a practical and exciting ability in a world where English is in much demand.  Many positions are available at schools seeking well trained English teachers with a bachelor’s degree and training in TEFL.

Does CIU have an English major?

Yes, CIU’s newest degree program is the B.A.in Applied English – a practical English program including the Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certificate and literature and education courses.

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