University of Southern Indiana

What you'll study

The programme combines core literary study with courses in writing, language and theory to give you both breadth and depth. Core topics include surveys of British and American literature, world literature, and the historical development of the English language. You will study literary genres (poetry, drama, fiction), individual authors and periods (for example, Shakespeare, Romanticism, Victorian literature, modernism) as well as contemporary and postcolonial texts.

Students also take courses in literary theory and criticism, rhetorical theory and professional writing, and may choose electives in creative writing, linguistics, digital humanities and cultural studies. The curriculum culminates in a capstone seminar or senior project that emphasises research, close reading and sustained critical argument. Many students build applied skills through internships, practicum placements or collaborative projects that connect coursework to publishing, media and community partners.

• Introduction to Literary Studies
• American Literature and British Literature surveys
• History of the English Language and Introduction to Linguistics
• Shakespeare and Drama
• Literary Theory and Criticism
• Creative Writing (fiction, poetry, or nonfiction)
• Rhetoric, Composition and Professional Writing
• Digital Literacy and Textual Analysis
• Senior Seminar/Capstone and optional Internship

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised secondary school diploma or equivalent. Successful candidates typically present a solid record in college-preparatory courses with particular strength in English and writing. The University of Southern Indiana considers high-school transcripts as the primary factor; standardised test requirements (ACT/SAT) may be optional or considered as part of a broader application depending on admission policies.

Some programme options or scholarship competitions may ask for a writing sample or brief personal statement showing interest in literature and communication. Transfer students are evaluated on collegiate coursework already completed. International applicants must meet English-language proficiency requirements.

Career prospects

A degree in English Language and Literature prepares graduates for a wide range of fields that value critical thinking, strong written and oral communication, and analytical reading. Common career paths include:

• Publishing and editing (books, journals, digital media)
• Communications, marketing and public relations
• Teaching at K–12 level (requires state certification) and preparation for graduate study in education
• Law and paralegal work (many students use the degree as preparation for law school)
• Nonprofit and cultural organisation roles (development, outreach, programming)
• Content strategy, technical writing and digital media roles
• Further academic study: MA/PhD in literature, creative writing or related fields

Students often enhance employability through internships, campus writing centres, practicum placements and undergraduate research that provide portfolio material and professional contacts.

Why study at University of Southern Indiana

The University of Southern Indiana offers small class sizes and direct access to faculty who are active scholars, teachers and writers. The English programme emphasises experiential learning through internships with regional cultural organisations, opportunities to publish in student journals, and practical training in writing and rhetoric.

USI supports undergraduates with a writing centre, career services that help place students in internships and jobs, and study-abroad and exchange opportunities that broaden literary perspectives. The campus’ location in the Midwest provides connections to regional arts, publishing and community partners, making it straightforward to combine academic study with real-world experience.