The Department of English and Writing prepares students to be polished writers, analytical readers and adept critical thinkers. Students pursuing an English major or writing major can personalize their curriculum by selecting from courses on a variety of literary subjects and writing genres, in the process developing a comprehensive knowledge of the history of literature and skills in demand in the fields of creative and professional writing. English and writing faculty aim to teach students how to read not only texts but the world around them, to think critically about issues facing them and their communities, and to clearly and effectively communicate in creative and professional contexts.
Experiential Learning
English and writing students have access to a variety of unique resources that help them apply what they have learned in the classroom. Students may write for the University’s award-winning newspaper, The Minaret; the student literary and arts journal, NEON; or the University’s yearbook, The Moroccan. Students can gain work experience in the Saunders Writing Center, the University of Tampa Press or complete an applied practicum in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). Students may study historical printing and bookmaking technologies in the University’s Book Arts Studio or modern writing and design software in one of our technical and professional writing courses. Students can then apply these writing and design skills in an internship with a local business.
Career Outlook
Published studies from the Wall Street Journal and Business Insider frequently cite the importance of strong written communication skills in the workplace, and English and writing students are well positioned to enter a variety of professional and academic fields upon graduation. In recent years, our alumni have entered graduate programs in literature and creative writing, taught English in the United States and abroad, begun careers as technical writers and social media managers, published books and other creative works, and entered a variety of professional fields that value strong communication skills. English and writing degrees provide students with an important first step toward the career of their choosing.
Programs
Majors
Bachelor of Arts in English - Acquaints students with historical and contemporary literary traditions in courses that enhance reading, writing and interpretive skills. The department fosters the ability to enjoy and understand literature and cultivates the knowledge and sensitivity needed to explore great texts — from ancient literature through film and multi-media forms.
Bachelor of Arts in Writing - Educates students in the art and craft of written communication, combining liberal arts ideals with practical, real-world applications. Students in the program can concentrate on creative writing (fiction, poetry, and other imaginative forms), professional writing (journalism, public relations, advertising, and information design for technical communication), and writing for the media.
Minors
Minor in English - Recommended for those students majoring in another program but interested in historical and contemporary literary traditions in courses that enhance reading, writing, and interpretive skills.
Minor in Professional and Technical Writing - Provides guided practice in designing and producing the kinds of visual and verbal communication expected in the workplace.
Minor in Writing - Recommended for those students majoring in another program but interested in creative writing (fiction, poetry, and other imaginative forms), professional writing (journalism, public relations, advertising, and information design for technical communication), and writing for the media.
Certificate Program
Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages - A TESOL Certificate is a widely accepted and recognized program that reflects a student’s initial academic and practical preparation in the teaching of English as a second language (ESL) or English as a foreign language (EFL).
Student Organizations
- Sigma Tau Delta
- NEON
- Moroccan (yearbook)
- The Minaret