The English major requires a minimum of 30 credit hours, and is designed to be foundational and flexible. All students take three courses in common and then choose courses that suit their interests and future plans.?

The three foundational courses serve several purposes. They lead students through stages of development in English studies: as freshmen or sophomores, students take ENGL 200, where they develop close reading abilities; as sophomores or juniors, students take ENGL 301, where they encounter theory; and as seniors, they take ENGL 493, where they do independent research. Moreover, the courses provide the department with a strong sense of community, giving students at all levels a shared classroom experience.