English (B.A./B.S.)
Shaping the Written Word
The University of Idaho English Department has opportunities for a flexible and fulfilling education with a broad range of options. Students can choose either a B.A. or B.S. degree path. The B.A. allows you to earn a general English degree or select from four possible concentrations (18 credits of their total 45 for the major) in creative writing, linguistics, literature, or professional writing. The B.S. allows you to specialize in either Technical Writing or earn a general English degree; it is available either fully online or in-person in Moscow.
In each area of English studies, students will find dynamic classes, engaged professors, and plenty of opportunities for student involvement and internships. In addition, the Department of English offers several scholarships and awards to help finance your education.
Fast Facts
- Outstanding mentorship by award-winning faculty in small classroom settings
- Capstone courses in which you work to create a collaborative literary or creative project or a professional project with local clients
- Scholarships, awards and service learning opportunities
- Active national honor society chapter (Sigma Tau Delta) with award-winning outreach project
- Classes available both in-person and online
Concentrations and Specializations
For the B.A. degree, you can earn a general English degree or you may choose from four possible concentrations:
In the Creative Writing Concentration, you will work with our internationally famous faculty to analyze and practice the craft of writing in three different genres: fiction, creative nonfiction and poetry. Along with a range of literature courses that will help you develop analytical skills and a deep understanding of literary history, you will take our introductory creative writing class, ENGL 290, and at least five upper-division writing classes.
Students should consult the English B.A. entry in the catalog for more information on course requirements for this concentration area.
The Linguistics Concentration will engage you in the formal study of languages. In addition to completing coursework that covers language structures, language development and language use in society, you will examine the connection between language acquisition and pedagogy.
Students should consult the English B.A. entry in the catalog for more information on course requirements for this concentration area.
Students in the Literature Concentration develop critical thinking, analytical and writing skills through deep study of literature, history and theory. Students can take a range of courses — including surveys of American, British, Caribbean, African and Native American literatures — as well as seminars on diverse subjects like Shakespeare, critical theory, environmental writing, women’s poetry, and literature of the American West.
Students should consult the English B.A. entry in the catalog for more information on course requirements for this concentration area.
The Professional Writing Concentration will help you develop the analytical skills and broad cultural perspective that make up the cornerstone of the English major. In this emphasis, however, you will also gain extensive practice in writing for a variety of audiences, purposes and genres including both written and oral workplace communication.
Students should consult the general English B.A. requirements. For this concentration, they must select 18 of their 45 credits from the following list:
- ENGL 202
- at least one of ENGL 207, ENGL 208, ENGL 241, ENGL 290
- at least two of ENGL 309, ENGL 313, ENGL 316, ENGL 317, ENGL 318, ENGL 393
- at least two of ENGL 402, ENGL 419, ENGL 486, ENGL 496, ENGL 498
For the B.S. degree, you can specialize in technical writing or earn a general English degree. The B.S. is available either fully online or in-person in Moscow.