Employers are seeking people who can deal with concepts and abstractions, who are imaginative and creative, and who have good communication and people skills. A degree in English will help develop all of these skills and it puts you in a position for a great range of careers including:

• editing, technical writing
• advertising, public relations
• teaching
• market research
• retail management
• nonprofit fund-raising, advocacy
• Web design
• speech writing
• sales

Some of these career paths require an advanced degree or specialized post-graduate training, but an undergraduate degree in English is an excellent base from which to explore career options. It is also a good preparation for a variety of advanced professional degrees in areas such as business and law.

The literature, language & writing program is offered through KU's Department of English and is geared for students who already have earned an associate's degree or equivalent hours and are looking to complete the last two years necessary for a bachelor's degree. Professional writing courses are included.

Internship opportunities may be pursued as credit toward the major, providing students the opportunity to develop communication skills within specific professional contexts.

The Curriculum
The program consists of 30 credit hours (10 courses) in junior/senior-level courses (those numbered 300 and above) as follows:
Courses in literature:

• Four courses (12 credit hours) with at least two of these courses in literature written before 1900
  • A minimum of one course in British literature
  • A minimum of one course in American literature
• Courses in writing and/or English language: 3 courses (9 credit hours)
• Electives: 3 courses (9 credit hours)
• At least one 500 level course is required

In addition to these courses, students need to complete the university's requirements for a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of General Studies. These bachelor degree requirements include a minimum of 124 total hours, including 45 hours at the junior/senior level and completion of the general education requirements in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

The Bachelor of Arts requires proficiency in one foreign language through the fourth level. The Bachelor of General Studies requires completion of a 18-credit hour approved minor.