University of Southern Mississippi

What you'll study

The programme builds skills in critical reading, textual analysis, research, argumentation and creative expression. You will take a mix of required core modules and electives that typically include:

• Introduction to Literary Studies — foundations of close reading, literary terminology and academic writing.
• Survey Courses — major periods of British, American and world literature (e.g. Shakespeare and early modern, nineteenth-century novel, modern and contemporary literature).
• Genre and Thematic Courses — focused classes in poetry, drama, the novel, children’s literature, and specialised topics such as gender, race and postcolonial studies.
• Linguistics and Language Study — modules on the structure of English, history of the language, and sociolinguistics.
• Literary Theory and Criticism — introduction to major theoretical approaches used in literary analysis.
• Creative Writing — workshops and craft-focused classes in fiction, poetry and creative non-fiction (optional tracks vary by campus offerings).
• Research Methods and Capstone/Senior Seminar — a year-long or semester-long senior project, thesis or seminar that emphasises independent research and sustained argument.
• Applied Experience — opportunities for internships, work placements or practicum in teaching, publishing, journalism or community literacy projects.

Structure typically follows the university general-education requirements plus major credits. Students customise part of their programme with electives, minors or a focus on creative writing, secondary education preparation, or professional writing.

Entry requirements

Typical entry to the BA in English requires a high-school diploma or equivalent with a satisfactory academic record. Admissions consider cumulative GPA and academic preparation in English (courses in literature and composition). The University of Southern Mississippi operates admissions policies that may be flexible regarding standardised tests; applicants should consult the university for current guidance on SAT/ACT requirements.

Transfer applicants should provide college transcripts and a record of completed general-education coursework. International applicants must meet English-language proficiency requirements through recognised tests or approved exemptions. There may also be specific advising steps for students intending to pursue teacher certification or concurrent minors.

Career prospects

Graduates with a BA in English Language and Literature leave with strong analytical, research and communication skills valued across many fields. Common career paths include:

• Secondary-school teaching (often requiring additional teacher-preparation certification)
• Publishing and editing — editorial assistant, copy editor, proofreader
• Journalism, public relations and communications roles
• Content strategy, technical writing and marketing communications
• Law, library science or graduate study in literature, creative writing or related humanities disciplines
• Non-profit and community arts administration, literacy and outreach programmes

Many graduates also pursue internships while studying to build sector-specific experience and professional networks; others continue on to MA or MFA programmes or professional degrees.

Why study at University of Southern Mississippi

The University of Southern Mississippi offers the English major within a liberal-arts environment with opportunities for small-group seminars and faculty mentoring. Students benefit from campus resources such as the university library and its research collections, writing support services and practical internship links with regional cultural and media organisations.

USM’s campus locations provide a mix of traditional on-campus life and coastal-region connections, useful for students interested in community-engaged projects or internships. The department supports student literary activity through workshops, readings and student-run publications, helping undergraduates build portfolios and gain public-facing experience.

Overall, the programme combines rigorous literary study with applied writing and placement opportunities, preparing graduates for a wide range of professional and academic trajectories.