English
The Power of Language
A command of the English language is one of the most important assets in any work environment, both domestically and globally.
ETSU's English degree offers a journey into the rich world of literature, language, and critical thinking. Students develop strong communication skills, critical reasoning abilities, and a deeper understanding of human experiences across cultures and time periods.
Choose a Track
English majors can choose one of two tracks: nonteaching or teaching. The nonteaching track can be completed fully online. The teaching track contains some in-person requirements (one English course as well as residency courses within the education minor).
Literature (nonteaching) - Program information including curriculum and graduation requirements can be found in the English - Nonteaching entry of the ETSU Undergraduate Catalog.
Teaching - Program information including curriculum and graduation requirements can be found in the English - Teaching entry of the ETSU Undergraduate Catalog.
A World of Possibilities
Because strong communication and interpretative skills are essential in the workforce, English majors are prepared for a variety of careers, including law, publishing, marketing, creative and technical writing, education, public relations, government service, social work, non-profit organizations, and financial services.
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Career Outlook and Income Trends
English is a top college major (Princeton Review) based on job prospects, alumni salaries, and popularity. English majors compare favorably to STEM and Business majors in terms of lifetime salaries.
Visit the career preparation section on the program webpage for more information about job prospects.
For students wanting an in-person program, please visit the Department of Literature and Language program webpage.
What can I do with an English degree?
English majors are prepared to pursue graduate school or enter into countless careers, including careers in law, journalism, marketing, and more! English majors direct multi-national corporations (Michael Eisner, Disney CEO), lead philanthropic organizations (Kathryn Fuller, Chair of the Ford Foundations and CEO of the World Wildlife Fund), take the bench of the Supreme Court (John Paul Stephens and Clarence Thomas), go into space (Sally Ride, astronaut), and assume important government administrative responsibilities (Carol M. Browner, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator, and Mario Cuomo, Governor of New York).
Steps to Apply
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Step 1 - Create your ETSU Application Account
Step 1 Create your ETSU Application Account by choosing the "Sign Up" option
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Step 2 - Sign into the ETSU Application Portal
Step 2 Sign in to the ETSU Application Portal and select "Start a New Application"
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Step 3 - Complete the Remaining Fields
Step 3 Choose "Undergraduate," select your student type, select your start term, then choose English and complete the remainder of the form.
Cost
| TN Residents | *GA, KY, NC, SC, VA | *Other USA States | eRate (Out of State, 100% online) | All International | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $464 per credit hour | $493 per credit hour | $599 per credit hour | $532.50 per credit hour | $1,225 per credit hour | |||||
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Frequently Asked Questions
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What accreditations apply to this program?
East Tennessee State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, master’s, education specialist, and doctoral degrees. East Tennessee State University also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of East Tennessee State University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC's website (www.sacscoc.org).
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Do I need to have a background in this field?
No background in this field is necessary, and there are no prerequisites other than the freshman English sequence.
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Are the courses for this program asynchronous or synchronous?
The courses for the nonteaching track are offered asynchronously.
The teaching track requires residency courses, as well as one English course that is only offered on-ground.
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Does this program require an internship or field work?
There are no internship requirements, but internships relevant to the desired career path can be arranged in the student’s geographical area.
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Is this program designed to meet the needs of adults who work full-time and/or have family obligations?
The courses for the literature (nonteaching) track are offered asynchronously to accommodate student schedules and availability, meaning this track can be completed almost anywhere! The English teaching track can be completed mostly asynchronously, but the residency courses and one English course have to be completed on-ground.
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Are scholarships available?
There are nine scholarships specific to the English major. Please visit the Department of Literature and Language English and Foreign Languages scholarships page for more information. Additionally, ETSU's Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships offers scholarship information for all student levels. By submitting the Universal Scholarship Application, students can be considered for a variety of university scholarships.