Why Study English?
Quick Facts
General Education Requirements: 37 – 41 hours
Required Courses: 39 hours
Selectives: 9 hours
Electives: 35 hours
Total: 120 hours
Full Program RequirementsAwareness and appreciation for cultural, sociopolitical, and individual identity are fostered through the study of English literature and rhetoric. Governors State’s Bachelor of Arts in English does not
merely develop skills in written communication, organization, and analysis, but
also leverages the study of literature to seek insight and understanding into the
diversity of the human experience and to meet controversy and challenge in
appropriate, practical, and intellectually satisfying ways.
Student Involvement
GSU students
interested in publishing can become a part of Reconstructed, the university’s entirely student-produced literary
and visual arts journal. The journal is published annually and features
creative writing and visual arts submitted by GSU students and alumni.
Reach your career goals.
With an English degree, you may seek employment in a
wide variety of fields, including writing, editing, publishing, and public
relations, to name a few.
If you wish to teach English at the secondary level,
you may pursue the certificate in English education (24 credit hours) after
completing your bachelor’s degree coursework. Many graduates also go on to
pursue graduate study and teach at the college level.
Concentration in English Teacher Education
At Governors State University, the undergraduate major in English with a teacher education concentration prepares you to teach 21st century literacy on the secondary level with the opportunity to obtain a middle grades endorsement. A strong academic background in English literature and composition, as well as the methods of teaching the English content will prepare you for a meaningful career shaping the lives of the next generation of learners.
Teacher education at GSU is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation and approved by the Illinois State Board of Education. It has also been nationally recognized by the National Council of Teachers of English.
To be recommended for an Illinois State Board of Education teaching license, you must present evidence of having passed the Subject Matter Knowledge. You must complete a student teaching requirement in English and must meet other requirements for certification through approved programs in the Teacher Education and Certification section of the GSU catalog.
Request info
Apply now