B.A. in Secondary Education: Language, Literature and Writing

The B.A. in Secondary Education: Language, Literature, and Writing at Eastern Michigan University is designed to prepare future educators to teach English language arts at the secondary school level. This program combines a deep understanding of literature, language, and writing with educational strategies tailored for secondary education. Students are equipped with the skills needed to foster a love for reading and writing among high school students while addressing diverse learning needs and instructional strategies.

Curriculum: The curriculum for the B.A. in Secondary Education: Language, Literature, and Writing integrates comprehensive coursework in English language and literature with essential pedagogical training. Students explore a wide range of literary genres, including classic and contemporary works, and develop advanced writing skills. Key courses include literature analysis, creative writing, composition theory, and language development. Additionally, the program includes foundational education courses covering teaching methods, classroom management, and assessment techniques. A significant portion of the curriculum is dedicated to practical experience through student teaching internships, where students apply their knowledge in real classroom settings.

Research Focus: Research in the B.A. in Secondary Education: Language, Literature, and Writing program often centers on effective teaching practices in language arts education. This includes studying methods to improve literacy, strategies for engaging students in literature, and approaches to enhancing writing skills. Faculty and students may also investigate the impact of various instructional techniques on student outcomes and explore innovative ways to integrate technology into language arts teaching.

Industry Engagement: The program emphasizes strong connections with local schools and educational organizations. Students benefit from partnerships that provide opportunities for hands-on experience through internships and student teaching placements. Industry engagement also includes collaboration with educators and participation in professional development workshops. These experiences help students build networks, stay informed about current trends in education, and gain insights into effective teaching practices.

Global Perspective: The B.A. in Secondary Education: Language, Literature, and Writing program incorporates a global perspective by exploring diverse literary traditions and global issues through literature. Students study works from different cultures and historical periods, gaining an appreciation for global perspectives and cultural diversity. This approach prepares future educators to teach literature and writing in a way that reflects a broad understanding of global narratives and cultural contexts.

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their previous academic qualifications.

English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component.
• TOEFL: Overall score of 61 or higher.
• PTE: Overall score of 44 or higher.
• DET (Duolingo English Test): Overall score of 95.

Scholarships for International Students at Eastern Michigan University

Global Leadership Scholarship: EMU offers the Global Leadership Scholarship to exceptional international students. This scholarship is competitive and based on academic merit. It provides partial tuition coverage.

International Student Tuition Scholarships: These scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement and may cover a portion of the tuition fees for international students.

EMU Foundation Scholarships: International students can also apply for scholarships offered through the EMU Foundation. These scholarships are typically based on academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement.

External Scholarships: EMU encourages international students to explore external scholarship opportunities, such as those offered by government agencies, foundations, and international organizations. The ISSO (International Students and Scholars Office) can assist students in finding these opportunities.

Departmental Scholarships: Some academic departments at EMU offer scholarships specifically to students within their field of study. International students should inquire with their respective departments for such opportunities.

Cultural Scholarships: EMU recognizes and values diversity. As a result, there may be cultural scholarships available to international students from specific regions or countries. These scholarships aim to promote cross-cultural understanding.

It's important for international students to meet the eligibility criteria and application deadlines for these scholarships.

Graduates of the B.A. in Secondary Education: Language, Literature, and Writing from Eastern Michigan University have a variety of career paths available to them in education and beyond. 

Secondary English Teacher: The most direct career path is becoming a secondary school English teacher. Graduates are well-prepared to teach language arts, including literature, writing, and language skills, in middle and high school classrooms. They play a critical role in developing students' reading, writing, and critical thinking abilities.

Literacy Specialist: Graduates can work as literacy specialists, focusing on improving students' reading and writing skills. This role involves assessing student progress, developing targeted interventions, and providing support to both students and teachers to enhance literacy outcomes.

Curriculum Developer: With their expertise in language arts, graduates can work as curriculum developers, designing and evaluating English language arts curricula. They create instructional materials, lesson plans, and assessments that align with educational standards and support effective teaching.

Educational Consultant: Graduates can pursue careers as educational consultants, advising schools and educational organizations on best practices for language arts instruction. They help develop strategies to improve teaching effectiveness and student engagement in language arts.

Academic Advisor: In this role, graduates provide guidance to students on academic planning, course selection, and career development. They help students navigate their educational paths and make informed decisions about their studies and future careers.

Editor or Proofreader: With strong writing and language skills, graduates can work as editors or proofreaders, reviewing and refining written content for clarity, accuracy, and coherence. They may work in publishing, journalism, or as freelancers.

Content Writer: Graduates can work as content writers, creating engaging and informative content for various media platforms, including websites, blogs, and social media. Their writing skills are valuable in producing high-quality content for diverse audiences.

Museum Educator: For those interested in informal education settings, becoming a museum educator is an option. Museum educators develop and lead educational programs and activities related to literature and language arts, engaging visitors through interactive and educational experiences.

Library Media Specialist: Graduates can work in school or public libraries as media specialists, managing library collections, assisting with research, and providing information literacy instruction. They play a key role in promoting reading and research skills.

Writer or Author: Those with a passion for creative writing may choose to pursue careers as writers or authors. They can write novels, short stories, essays, or other literary works, drawing on their deep understanding of literature and writing techniques.

Professional Development Trainer: Graduates can work as trainers, providing professional development for educators in language arts and literacy. They conduct workshops and seminars to help teachers enhance their instructional practices and stay updated on educational trends.

ESL (English as a Second Language) Teacher: With additional training or certification, graduates can teach English as a second language to non-native speakers. This role involves helping students develop English language skills to succeed in academic and everyday settings.