2018-2019
English
College of Humanities and Sciences
Program description
The purpose of the Department of English is to teach students to see their worlds with clarity and respond to them with sensitivity, through reading and writing. Students are invited to read and explore a diversity of texts created in different times and voices and then to respond to these texts variously and critically, situating them within their contexts and discerning their important aesthetic features, rhetorical elements and social functions. Students in this department also are encouraged to express themselves in expository or imaginative works that engage thought and feeling, evince purpose clearly, marshal appropriate evidence and observe principles of rhetorical decorum.
Career opportunities
An undergraduate degree in English is good preparation for graduate study in English, as well as other areas such as, law, education, public administration, or business. Obtain leadership roles in school or community organizations. Excellent verbal and written communication skills are imperative for most careers related to non-profits, education, law and business. Gain experience in fundraising and grant writing techniques. Nonprofit and educational organizations are often funded in this manner. Part-time and summer jobs, internships, and volunteer positions are critical to gaining the experience and skills that employers seek.
Change of major requirements
1) Use online change of major form to declare.
2) English advisor will email student to attend Information Session to discuss degree
requirements prior to approval.
Bachelor-level job titles
- Editor
- Fundraiser
- High School Teacher
- Human Resource Specialist
- Library Technician
- Proof Readers and Copy Markers
- Public Relations Specialist
- Reporters and Correspondents
- Research Assistant
- Staff and Legislative Assistant
- Technical Writer
Professional associations and resources
Degree requirements in Bulletin
Plan of study in Bulletin
Requirements
Highest level of math required
- MATH 131
Science required
- Core only
Foreign language requirements
- Yes
Additional tuition/fees
- No
GPA requirements (to progress/graduate in the major)
- 2.0
Contact information
Department name:
Department of English
Building/room location:
900 Park Avenue, Hibbs Hall #306, Richmond, VA 23284
Phone:
(804) 828-1331
Email:
english@vcu.edu
Campus (where 75% of courses are taken):
Monroe Park
Major map
Explore
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
- Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor each semester to discuss tutoring, course electives, and degree progression.
- Complete UNIV 111, 112, 200.
- Consider taking foreign language and math during the first year as well as ENG 301.
- Attend Ready, Set, Go – Sophomore Transition Experience.
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
- Register to vote in Virginia and explore Richmond, including its museums, parks, festivals, and cultural events!
- Apply to live in the ASPiRE, Globe, INNOVATE, or LEAD Living & Learning Programs
- Get involved with VCU Student Government or one of over 450 clubs and organizations on campus.
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
- Learn about your study abroad options by visiting a study abroad fair and attending a First Advising Session in the Global Education Office.
- Review the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs(OMSA) website for programs, events, and resources.
- Attend VCU’s annual Intercultural Festival.
- Join a living-learning program such as VCU Globe.
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
- Explore “What Can I Do With This Major” to learn about employers and job titles in field of study.
- Complete Handshake profile and opt-in to industry email lists to learn about opportunities.
- Build a LinkedIn profile with Career Services.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
- Complete a “Gap Analysis” Strategic Plan with academic or career advisor.
- Explore Career Pathways on VCU Career Services’ website.
- Practice independent living skills (such as money management, self-care, time management, and personal responsibility).
Experience
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
- Schedule an appointment with your advisor and explore minors, certificates, and skills-based value added courses.
- Complete foreign language through 202 level or pursue option of two additional English courses.
- Talk to your professors about research interests, picking future classes in your major, and strategies for success in your degree program.
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
- Take service-learning classes or volunteer to address a social issue (ConnectVA & HandsOnRVA).
- Join a student club (Creative Writing Club, etc).
- Attend at least two or three public talks or other events advertised by the department.
- Explore peer leadership opportunities or apply for I-LEAD Connect, Alternative Spring Break, and other leadership and service events.
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
- Commit to language work with seriousness, and seek out opportunities to use it beyond the classroom.
- Attend Diversity Scholars in Research Week.
- Get to know other VCU students from all over the world at a monthly Global Café!
- Consider short-term, semester and year long Study Abroad opportunities.
- Attend OMSA Social Justice Conference.
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
- Engage in an active process of career exploration via English department and Career Services
- Create a draft resume and come to drop-ins at VCU Career Services to have it reviewed
- Attend Career & Internship Fairs throughout the year to explore your interests.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
- Conduct numerous informational interviews or shadow someone in a field of career interest.
- Using LinkedIn, connect to at least 10 people. Check out the VCU alumni page in My Network.
- Consider who you would like to have serve as professional and academic references for future letters of recommendation.
Experience
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
- See an advisor at least once, each semester.
- Continue to be aware of the ENG area requirement each semester.
- Attend Course Fair, and see an advisor at least once, each semester.
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
- Create and complete a community-engaged research project.
- Attend civic meetings, such as school board, neighborhood associations, city council, or state legislative sessions.
- Attend at least two or three public talks or other events advertised by the department.
- Attend a program through the Wellness Resource Center.
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
- Review classes at the 300 AND upper-division level deepening knowledge of a "non-western" region.
- Take at least one course that links diversity to your field of study.
- Apply for a Fulbright or other post-graduate international fellowship program through VCU’s National Scholarship Office.
- Attend OMSA Tunnel of Oppression.
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
- Identify at least three career options within your field of interest that you may want to pursue.
- Meet with a career adviser to discuss your career direction and create an action plan.
- Gain practical experience related to career goal through internships and skill building.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
- Based on career goals, talk to a career/academic advisor or a faculty member about whether graduate school or a job fits your career goals.
- Join job listserv sites that provide access to job postings in desired fields. Revisit gap analysis assessment and continue adjusting strategic career plan with Career Services.
Excel
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
- Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor a semester before your anticipated graduation to ensure all graduation requirements will be met.
- Students MUST complete Senior Seminar (ENG 499).
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
- Serve in a leadership role or as a board member of a local community organization that relates to African American studies.
- Consider applying for a year-long service opportunity after graduation through programs like VCU AmeriCorps, Literacy Lab, Peace Corps, Fulbright Student Scholars, Teach for America and City Year.
- Challenge yourself through an Outdoor Adventure Program trip or activity.
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
- Present at the Diversity Scholars in Research Week.
- Build your intercultural competence by engaging with international students on campus.
- Attend at least two or three public talks or other events advertised by the department.
- Attend OMSA I Love Diversity Week.
- Attend Cultural Graduation Ceremony.
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
- Register for ENG 499 (Capstone) and view experience as a career skill stepping-stone and career-building opportunity.
- Take on a leadership role in a student organization or club or go deeper in your service opportunities.
- Expand your network and remember that you can network anywhere.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
- Complete necessary exams, applications, or self-marketing activities for next steps beyond graduation.
- Research prospective employers and create a job or graduate school search strategy at least 8 months before graduation.
- Have your personal statement or cover letter reviewed, and do a mock interview at VCU Career Services.
2018-2019
English
College of Humanities and Sciences
Concentration(s):
No concentration
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING | GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY | DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY | EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS | PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE | ||
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Explore | Year 1 |
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Experience | Year 2 |
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Excel | Year 4 |
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