B.A. in English

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in English at Mississippi College offers a comprehensive exploration of language, literature, and critical thought. The program emphasizes analysis, discussion, and writing to delve into literary classics and understand their impact on the modern world. It is designed to cultivate essential skills in critical reading, analytical thinking, persuasive writing, and nuanced communication, preparing students for diverse careers where these abilities are paramount. The English major at MC empowers students to write their own stories, offering concentrations in Literature, Writing, and even a 3+3 Law program pathway, allowing students to tailor their studies to specific career goals.

Curriculum: The B.A. in English curriculum at Mississippi College is designed to provide a rich and flexible course of study. It includes a university core, followed by a substantial number of credit hours within the English major. Core English courses typically cover two 200-level literature surveys, an introduction to literary studies, an early literature class (pre-1700), a course in 18th and 19th-century literature, and a "Diverse Perspectives" course focusing on historically marginalized authors. Students also take an advanced writing class and a language or theory class. The program culminates in a 400-level capstone seminar that involves significant research and often the creation of a writing portfolio. Electives allow students to explore interests in creative writing, film, gender and sexuality studies, environmental studies, linguistics, world literatures, and popular culture, offering concentrations in Literature, Writing, or even an English Secondary Education pathway for those interested in teaching.

Research Focus: The B.A. in English program at Mississippi College strongly emphasizes research, integrated throughout its curriculum. Students are taught how to conduct thorough research, analyze complex texts, and construct well-reasoned arguments. The introductory courses stress reading, writing, and research skills, laying a foundation for advanced work. The program culminates in a capstone course where students engage in original research projects of their own design, often building a portfolio of their writing. Whether through literary analysis, critical essays, or creative writing projects informed by research, students develop the ability to investigate, synthesize, and present information effectively. Faculty members, with their diverse research interests in various literary periods, genres, and critical theories, guide students in developing their research capabilities.

Industry Engagement: Mississippi College's B.A. in English program prepares graduates for professions that highly value critical thinking, strong communication, and analytical skills. While the English department may not have formal "industry partnerships" in the same way as STEM fields, it actively promotes and facilitates internship opportunities for its students. These internships can be in various writing-related fields such as publishing, journalism, marketing, and communications, providing valuable real-world experience. The program's focus on developing clear, persuasive, and intentional communication directly addresses the needs of a wide range of industries, from law and content management to business strategy. The faculty actively nurtures an environment that educates students on navigating the complexities of communication, which is a universally sought-after professional skill.

Global Perspective: Mississippi College is committed to fostering a global perspective throughout its academic programs, and the B.A. in English inherently contributes to this through its study of diverse literatures and cultures. While the core curriculum might focus on Western literary traditions, the inclusion of a "Diverse Perspectives" course ensures exposure to authors from historically marginalized groups (e.g., by race, gender, sexuality), offering a broader understanding of human experience. The option to explore world literatures through electives further broadens this scope. The university's diverse international student population enriches classroom discussions with varied cultural viewpoints. Furthermore, Mississippi College's emphasis on developing strong analytical and communication skills equips graduates to understand and articulate complex issues within a globalized context, preparing them for careers that increasingly involve cross-cultural interaction and understanding.