From classic novels and timeless poetry to compelling drama and contemporary non-fiction, you'll gain a deep understanding of storytelling in its many forms. Xavier University's English major hones your abilities in critical analysis, persuasive writing and adaptable communication, giving you a strong base for success in any career.
Fall
- English 115: Rhetoric............ 3cr.
- Core 100: First-Year Seminar............ 3cr.
- Core 101 GOA: First-Year Co-Curriculum Program I............ 0cr.
- second language I............ 3cr.
- Philosophy 100: Intro to Ethics............ 3cr.
- Mathematics Perspectives............ 3cr.
Spring
- Literature & Moral Imagination............ 3cr.
- Theology 111: Theological Foundations............ 3cr.
- second language II............ 3cr.
- Historical Perspectives............ 3cr.
- Philosophy 200: Philosophical Perspectives............ 3cr.
- Core 102 GOA: First-Year Co-Curriculum Program II............ 0cr.
Fall
- English 210: Methods Workshop............ 3cr.
- Scientific Perspective............ 3cr.
- Creative Perspective............ 3cr.
- Theological Perspective ............ 3cr.
- Quantitative Reasoning Flag............ 3cr.
Spring
- English 221: Poetry............ 3cr.
- Theory/Criticism Major Elective............ 3cr.
- Natural Science Elective............ 3cr.
- Humanities Elective............ 3cr.
- Social Science Elective............ 3cr.
Fall
- British Literature Major Elective............ 3cr.
- American Literature Major Elective............ 3cr.
- Oral Communications Flag............ 3cr.
- E/RS Elective............ 3cr.
- General Elective/Double Major or Minor requirement............ 3cr.
Spring
- British or American Literature Major Elective............ 3cr.
- Language/Linguistics Major Elective............ 3cr.
- Solidarity and Kinship Flag............ 3cr.
- General Elective/Double Major or Minor requirement............ 3cr.
- General Elective/Double Major or Minor requirement............ 3cr.
Fall
- English Major Elective............ 3cr.
- English Major Elective............ 3cr.
- Writing Intensive Flag............ 3cr.
- General Elective/Double Major or Minor requirement............ 3cr.
- General Elective/Double Major or Minor requirement............ 3cr.
Spring
- English 499: Senior Seminar............ 3cr.
- English Major Elective............ 3cr.
- General Elective/Double Major or Minor requirement............ 3cr.
- General Elective/Double Major or Minor requirement............ 3cr.
- General Elective/Double Major or Minor requirement............ 3cr.
Exciting Career Opportunities
Copywriter, digital content strategist, editor, English teacher, freelance writer, grant writer, journalist, marketing coordinator, medical/technical writer, nonprofit administration, marketing manager, public relations coordinator, SEO strategist, teacher, writer, AI prompt engineer, web content manager
History of the English Language (ENGL 321)
Explore the fascinating history of how English gained legitimacy, has been maintained and continues to proliferate as a dominant force on the world stage. English majors in this course examine the socio-historical story of the English language, including origins, variation, change, legitimization, maintenance and spread.
Literature of the American West (ENGL 479)
Examine novels and short stories set in the American West, past and present, by American writers like Stephen Crane, Dorothy Johnson, Cormac McCarthy, Sherman Alexie, E.L. Doctorow and Annie Proulx.
American Minority Literature (ENGL 489)
Read, study and discuss a wide range of American minority literature from the mid-nineteenth century to the present.
Writing for the Media (COMM 206)
Introductory level course on writing for the media, including public media and controlled media, in print, broadcast or online form. Develops skills in journalistic, news-style writing and feature writing, as well as other styles used in advertising, news and public relations. Workshop/laboratory setting with deadline writing experience.
Elements of Copy & Design (COMM 237)
Provides fundamental knowledge and skill in advertising copywriting, layout and design, Course topics will include interpreting target audiences, creative concept formulation, advertising copywriting, design and layout. The vocabulary and language associated with graphic design/advertising and production processes will be covered. Students will develop a variety of sample advertisements during the course.
Book Club
The Book Club offers a welcoming and inclusive environment for students to come together and explore literature in a relaxed setting. It provides a space for open-minded discussions and encourages creative expression beyond the confines of traditional coursework.
Xavier Newswire
The Xavier Newswire is Xavier's weekly campus newspaper that is written and edited by the students of Xavier University.
Clocktower Review
The Clocktower Review is Xavier's literary and art magazine. Students publish poetry, prose, and art in this review once per semester.
Film & Television Club
Members in this club produce a weekly news broadcast including a sports segment, with the entire show being produced by students.
Program Features
The English major offers concentrations in creative writing, professional writing and literature, and offers courses from publishing to feminist literature.
Join the Xavier Newswire, Xavier’s weekly student run newspaper, and gain valuable experience in media and communications.
Our department collaborates closely with the School of Education to provide a program tailored to prepare you for a teaching career.
Find numerous internship opportunities to develop your skills in editing, journalism, marketing, teaching and strategic communication.
Alumni Making an Impact
Caroline Dziubek (‘24) helps manage resident-centered affordable housing to build inclusive communities and benefit low-income residents.
Ryan Nemeth (‘07) used his English degree as a stepping stone to pursue multiple creative career paths.
Katherine Colborn creates and shares stories about the Xavier community. She’s also a professor in the Department of Art.
Dr. Frey is the Writing Program director and an associate professor of English. Read about her path to Xavier, courses and research interests.
Addison, a transfer student and English major, found more than academics at Xavier.
English Program at Xavier University
The 36-hour English major begins with courses designed to develop students' writing and introduce them to the history and interpretation of literary genres and the theories behind interpretation. Upper-division literature courses deal with specific periods or themes. Three of these are electives. Students seeking secondary teaching certification can fulfill the English requirements for certification without taking English courses beyond the major requirements. Undergraduates who wish to be certified as teachers of English on the secondary level are advised to consult with the Chair of the English Department and with the Office of Teacher Education and Placement regarding specific requirements for teacher certification.
Xavier University’s College of Arts and Sciences challenges students to develop an integrated understanding of humanity, the world, and God by pursuing the questions raised in Xavier's core and departmental curricula. The College of Arts and Sciences is the oldest and largest college at Xavier University. The college provides an excellent liberal arts education in the Jesuit tradition that prepares students for careers, professional or graduate school, and life in a global society.
Xavier University is a private university located in Cincinnati, Ohio, providing a liberal arts education in the Jesuit Catholic tradition. Founded in 1831, the University is the sixth-oldest Catholic university in the nation. It has been ranked among the top 10 master's-level universities in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report for the past two decades. The Princeton Review names it one of the "Best 385 Colleges in America."