Literature
The B.A. in English
Why is English such a useful major? For one thing, the close study of literature trains students to think critically and communicate effectively. English majors analyze texts— poems, stories, novels, essays, and other literary works— and find new ways to understand them. This analytic skill can be applied practically on the job, as well as the superior writing skills that English majors are famous for. Many English majors also possess creative, flexible minds that can offer fresh approaches to situations in several workplaces.For another thing, English majors tend to be more passionate about their education than students in more vocationally oriented degree programs. An English degree signals to employers that a job candidate cares about more than just money. It signals one’s appreciation for the aesthetic value of literature as an expression of our humanity—in a way that a Business degree, for example, cannot. Companies value English graduates for all of these traits, so a B.A. in English can easily lead to a professional career in several fields. (from the English Department at the University of Illinois at Springdfield)
Go to Undergraduate Literature
The M.A. in English
The graduate program in English at Georgia Southern University prepares its students for a variety of careers and also for advanced doctoral work. Students who enroll in the Master of Arts program in English enjoy the engaging atmosphere of graduate study and work closely with faculty members. Admitting 10-12 students a year, the program fosters a genuine sense of community while providing students opportunities for professional development unusual for our size.Graduate English faculty at Georgia Southern are published scholars whose specialties are as diverse as the courses within the program itself. Faculty members create a stimulating and innovative learning environment for graduate students. The Center for Irish Studies, the Georgia Author Series, and the Cinema Arts Program all provide added dimension to the graduate English program. The department also houses two international journals, the Children's Literature Association Quarterly and the Journal of Commonwealth and Postcolonial Studies, and sponsors the annual British Commonwealth and Postcolonial Conference in nearby Savannah. These programs enable students to become actively involved in editorial work and organizing and participating in conferences and advanced literary research.
The Master of Arts in English at Georgia Southern requires 36 semester hours of coursework and serves both the full-time and part-time student. Students have the opportunity to pursue the degree with or without a thesis (see below for more information on these options). The goal is to provide the graduate student with flexibility and choice of career path.
