Undergraduate Programs

Creative Writing (B.A.)

The creative writing major offers study in the practice and craft of writing as a creative art.

Journalism (B.A.)

This major within the English program prepares students for a range of careers in journalism, public relations, media, and more.

Technical Writing (B.A.)

Designed to prepare a student for a wide range of workplace opportunities.

Literature (B.A.)

English Literature major adds expertise in interpreting literary and other creative cultural texts to the grounding in all aspects of English Studies.

Applied Linguistics (B.A.)

The Applied Linguistics focuses on the scientific study of language, with an emphasis on using linguistics to address real-world problems.

English with Teaching Licensure (B.A.)

This program leads to eligibility for teacher licensure in Virginia. Licensure in English prepares students for a full range of secondary school teaching assignments.

English (Minor)

The General Minor allows students to enroll in courses which suit their personal interests and/or professional goals.

Linked Degree in Applied Linguistics (B.A. and M.A.)

The linked B.A. in English and M.A. in Applied Linguistics makes it possible for exceptional students to count up to 12 hours of graduate courses toward both an undergraduate and graduate degree.

FAQ

We recently revised our curriculum to go from a 43-hour major to a 39-hour major. That means that to major in English you need 39 credit hours in the major, or 13 classes (one class is three credits). This allows for ample opportunity and more room to double major. The breakdown is as follows:

  • Core (12 hours)

    • 307T Digital Writing (3 hours)

    • Theory and Analytics (6 hours)

    • Writing (Praxis) (3 hours)

  • Electives (9 hours)

    • Literature Electives (6 hours)

    • English Capstone

  • Majors (18 hours)

    • 6 classes (18 hours) as decided by each concentration, which include creative writing, applied language studies, journalism, technical writing, and literature

Students returning to the University after an absence must reactivate their status and receive confirmation of reactivation before meeting with an advisor.

Students who choose teaching will also be advised in the Darden College of Education & Professional Studies.

Students must successfully complete ENGL 110C and either ENGL 112L or ENGL 114L. A faculty advisor will be assigned after an initial meeting with chief departmental advisor Heather Weddington.

Students wishing to declare their minor as English, we encourage you to declare your minor after successfully completing English 110C and your 200-level English. You may minor in any of the concentrations listed above and will take 5 classes at 300/400 level with at least one 400 level. After submitting the Minor Declaration Form, please email a copy to Heather Weddington.

Transfer students who have been admitted to ODU and who wish to declare English as a major or minor will initially be advised by our transfer advisor. If you wish to see an initial assessment of what will and will not transfer to ODU, please use Monarch TRANSFERmation.