English Program
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The English Program is designed to develop students as skilled readers, writers, and thinkers who demonstrate cultural competency, interpersonal skills, and community engagement, preparing them for meaningful work and service.
As an English major, you’ll take courses in American literature, British literature, world literature, literary criticism, and creative and professional writing. You will also complete an internship and write a thesis as a capstone project.
In addition to the Gardner-Webb University general education requirements, the student must complete at least 41 hours of English credit. All majors are required to complete an internship, a senior capstone project, and participate in an exit interview during their last semester of English classes. The optional minor may be selected from any offered by the University. For a more in-depth look at program requirements, visit our Academic Catalog.
A student seeking a second major in the Department of English Language and Literature should complete any 30 hours of coursework in English beyond any general studies requirements in English. No more than nine hours of ENGL 200-level literature survey courses may be used. For a more in-depth look at minor requirements, visit our Academic Catalog.
The English Minor is open to English and Non-English Majors. A minor in English can be earned upon completion of 15 hours of ENGL electives beyond the core requirements. No more than three hours of ENGL 200-level literature survey courses may be counted toward the major. For a more in-depth look at minor requirements, visit our Academic Catalog.
The Writing Minor can be earned upon completion of Creative Nonfiction (ENGL 301), along with 12–13 hours of ENGL electives beyond the core requirements. No more than three hours of ENGL 200-level literature survey courses may be counted toward the major. For a more in-depth look at minor requirements, visit our Academic Catalog.
The Accelerated Master of Arts in English program allows Gardner-Webb undergraduate students to begin work in the MA in English or Graduate Certificate in English program while completing their Bachelor of Arts in English degree.
Qualified students may apply for admission to the Accelerated Master’s Program (AMP) in English during their junior year (or after 60 credit hours). If accepted, students can take nine credit hours’ worth of graduate coursework to apply toward their master’s degree or graduate certificate. Six of those hours can earn combination credit and satisfy elective requirements at the undergraduate level.
Graduate courses in this program are fully online. For a more in-depth look at program requirements, visit our Academic Catalog.
With a degree in English, you will be prepared to do just about anything. We like to say a degree in English is an all-purpose degree, where your career options are only bound by your ability and imagination. Our English alumni are following their passions, succeeding in their careers, and making an impact on their communities. They have pursued careers and found work in diverse fields, including publishing and editing, teaching, business and marketing, social media management, professional writing, non-profit work, ministry, counseling, law, human rights work, and social work.
If you desire, you will be prepared for further study. Many alumni have earned graduate degrees in English, law, business, divinity, counseling, and other fields. Recent graduates have attended Duke University, Boston University, University of Florida, University of Tennessee, Purdue University, Carnegie Mellon University, and Princeton Theological Seminary.
Here are just a few of our alums’ many accomplishments:
Student organizations in the department of english language & literature include Sigma Tau Delta, the English honor society for majors and minors. Learn more about how to qualify for the honor society.
Awarded to an outstanding first-year student whose writing demonstrates clarity, originality, careful craftsmanship and audience appeal.
Given to an outstanding student majoring in English with a minor in professional education.
Chosen from the Broad River Review fiction submissions of Gardner-Webb students.
Awarded to a graduating senior based on excellence in grades, character, leadership ability, and creativity.
Given to a senior English major who demonstrates great potential for writing poetry. Their poetry portfolio is published in the Broad River Review.
Recognizes an English major or minor who produces exceptional writing designed for the marketplace.
Chosen from the Broad River Review poetry submissions from Gardner-Webb students.
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