Almost thirty students are currently pursuing a bachelor of arts or bachelor of science degree in English at Missouri Baptist University. Why do they major in English? They may have different motives, but all of them will agree that they love English. They know the creative and transformative power of words. Through words, they express themselves; learn about other cultures and people groups; reflect on themselves, society, nature, and the ultimate reality; and learn about the ideas of great individuals in world history. To anyone passionately enchanted by the beauty and power of language, English is an ideal major.
English majors must complete 27 hours of required English courses. They also choose one to three concentration areas including British literature, American literature, general literature, writing, and secondary education concentrations. Students can also minor in English by completing at least 21 hours in English.
Those who wish to have a writing career or who anticipate a career with a writing emphasis may pursue the Writing Certificate in English. Both English majors and non-majors may earn the certificate by completing at least 18 hours from various writing courses in English (English Composition II and Critical Theories, plus elective courses such as Non-Fiction Writing, Creative Writing, and Business Writing) and Communications (Journalism, Writing for Public Relations, and Writing for Radio and Television).
What do students learn in the English department? They learn Standard English skills, including proficiency in writing, reading, and critical thinking. They develop skills in writing prose acceptable in academics and in the professions. Discussions of various reading assignments also allow them to become proficient in reading and critical thinking skills.
Secondary education majors with an English emphasis may pursue a teaching career in high school. There is a shortage of schoolteachers, so secondary teaching may promise job security. The summer vacation may be a bonus for teachers as well. For creative writers, teaching full-time is a great way to supplement an income. Many best-selling writers today used to work as schoolteachers. Once they gained confidence in their talent, they quit their job and pursed a writing career full-time.
The final goal of the English department is to prepare English majors for the pursuit of advanced degrees such as a Master of Arts in English, a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing, a Doctor of Philosophy in English, and a Doctor of Arts in English. (The M.F.A, Ph.D., and D.A. are terminal degrees.) With an M.A., they will be eligible to teach at the community college level. With an M.F.A., they will be eligible to teach creative writing at any institution of higher learning. With a doctorate, they will be eligible to teach at a four-year college or university. It usually takes two years to complete a master’s program and several years to complete a doctorate. Many graduate students in English hold a teaching assistantship; with an assistantship, they usually do not have to pay tuition.
On a practical note, a bachelor’s degree in English will lead its majors to many occupations that require excellent communication skills. Some graduates enter law school to become attorneys. Others go to seminary to pursue a ministry career. Both law schools and seminaries encourage their applicants to have a command of written and oral communication skills.
For more information on the English program, the English minor program, or the Writing Certificate in English, please do not hesitate to contact the following full-time English faculty:
- Dr. Mary Bagley, Professor of English and Faculty Sponsor of Sigma Tau Delta (314-392-2310; bagley@mobap.edu). She wrote a dissertation on Willa Cather and teaches composition, survey literature courses, and world literature.
- Ms. Mary Ellen Fuquay, Instructor of English and Director of EXCEL (314-392-2326; fuquame@mobap.edu). She regularly teaches composition and business writing.
- Dr. John J. Han, Professor of English and Chair of the Humanities Division (314-392-2311; hanjn@mobap.edu). He wrote a dissertation on T.S. Eliot and Flannery O’Connor and teaches composition, world literature, minority literature, and critical theories.
- Dr. John Marino, Assistant Professor of English (314-392-5358; MarinoJ@mobap.edu). He wrote a dissertation on medieval literature and minored in Shakespeare and fantasy fiction. He regularly teaches composition, world literature, and Shakespeare.
