Bachelor of Arts in English

Why Study English at CIU?

If you look into the educational backgrounds of many corporate CEOs, you will discover that many of these men and women began their careers with a degree in English. That’s because English majors can do exactly what employers need and value: read and analyze texts, communicate effectively in writing, think critically and independently, and use research properly. Studying the English language equips graduates for effective use of the written word in mission and marketplace ministries.

At CIU we add one more important skill: we help English majors filter what they learn and experience in the classroom through a biblical world lens.

Outcomes

The English major equips students to:

Develop habits of critical thinking and judgment through reading and discussing numerous genres of literature.
Read and analyze literary characteristics of classic and contemporary written works from different historical eras.
Write with clarity on a number of topics and apply rhetorical principles to a myriad of writing situations.
Study and then apply the art and craft of writing to produce short fiction or creative nonfiction texts.
Develop solid research skills utilizing academic library resources and investigative reporting methods.

Your career prospects as an English major are exciting, broad, and diverse. A degree in English can lead you to employment in many fields, such as:

advertising
editing
grant writing
public relations
publishing
administration and
teaching

After graduation, you will be prepared for a career in three main areas:

Teaching. Upon graduation, an English degree from CIU opens the door wide to teaching positions with private middle or high schools. While you are here, take classes toward certification with the Association of Christian Schools International (ASCI). Or if you prefer to teach in a public high school, customize your course work towards admission into a MAT program to earn certification.
Writing. Classes in professional writing, writing for our marketing department, and serving on our school newspaper or literary magazine staff provide the experience needed to apply for writing positions with nonprofits and other organizations.
Graduate School. The English major prepares students to pursue additional studies in English on the graduate level, pursue a degree in library science, or use their degree as preparation for law school.