English/Literature

Students of English literature explore the entire range of literary accomplishment by British and American writers and learn to relate these works to the history, life, and thought of English-speaking people.

Your Program of Study

During your first year at Miami as an English literature major, you will take a series of survey courses introducing you to British and American literature. You will also concentrate on the Miami Plan, a well-rounded course of study that provides you with an excellent liberal arts education. Through the Miami Plan, you will get a solid base in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, fine arts, and formal reasoning.

In your sophomore and junior years, you will choose courses concentrating on the works of particular authors, courses exploring particular genres of writing, and courses devoted to the literature and culture of particular eras. During this time, you will also continue the Miami Plan and select advanced courses outside of the English department.

During your senior year, you will take a Capstone course, which summarizes your undergraduate studies in literature. You will also have time to explore electives and complete more advanced literature courses.

Careers

Because the English literature major provides a solid background in critical reading and thinking, a sensitivity for language, and a knowledge of history, it is an excellent preparation for many careers. English is always one of the top 10 majors chosen by Miami students entering law school. In fact, about 25 percent of our English majors attend graduate or professional school in such fields as law, business, medicine, education, journalism, or religion.

Those who seek employment immediately after graduation report a variety of job titles. Many enter communication fields, holding positions such as public relations assistant, assistant editor, copywriter, promotion manager, technical writer, and editorial coordinator. Other job titles reported by our recent graduates include account manager, word processing coordinator, sales assistant, assistant buyer, travel agent, and legislative intern. 

For More Information

For general information about Miami University, please contact:

Office of Admission
301 S. Campus Ave.
Miami University
Oxford, Ohio 45056-3434
513-529-2531 (v/t)
www.muohio.edu/requestinfo

For specific information on the English/Literature major, please contact:

Department of English
356 Bachelor Hall
Miami University
Oxford, Ohio 45056
513-529-5221
www.muohio.edu/english