Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Majoring in English can prepare you for a variety of careers. Many English majors become teachers or professors of English. Some, after finishing the B.A., enroll in law school. Other English majors work in the fields of business, public relations, marketing, or become writers, journalists, or editors. The communication skills acquired as an English major and the study of humanities learned as an English major provide a useful foundation for just about any career.

English majors are frequently employed in secondary and post-secondary education. In post-secondary education, students can choose to teach at a two-year institutions, which primarily emphasize teaching; four-year institutions, which usually emphasize both teaching and research; or even institutions which predominantly offer graduate degrees. These graduate degrees include the M.A. in English, the M.F.A. in Creative Writing, or the Ph.D. in English.

Graduate degrees have many opportunities for specialization, such as African American literature, Irish literary studies, poetry writing, composition and rhetoric, literary theory, etc. A field exists in almost any area of interest, though generally it is advisable to take graduate coursework in composition studies or rhetoric to improve the chances of obtaining a teaching job. A very narrow field of specialization can limit the chances of finding employment.

For an overview, consult the current edition of the ASU catalog. The programs of study for the associate and bachelor’s degree are carefully outlined, and the AA is transferable at ASU or within the University System of Georgia System.

An English major is required to complete a sequence of two intermediate-level (2001 and 2002) foreign language courses. This usually means that students must also take 1001 and 1002 levels as well. Be sure to start taking your foreign language courses in your first semester! While several languages are sometimes offered, currently Spanish and Japanese are offered most frequently.

A student who seeks to become a English or Mass Communication major or add a minor should go to the ASU website and fill out a Request for a Change of Major/Minor/Concentration form. The student must meet the GPA requirements for English or Mass Communication at the time the request is submitted.  If the student does not meet the minimum GPA requirements at the time the request is submitted, the request will not be processed. If there are questions, please contact the Department of English, Modern Languages and Mass Communication at (229) 500-2195

New Clay is the literary and arts magazine of at Albany State University. It features work by ASU students and other members of the community. It is published annually. - Contact the Department at (229) 500-2195

for more information.

The Pierian is an official publication of the Albany State University Pierian Club of the Department of English, Modern Languages and Mass Communication. It was founded by Emerita Professor Dr. Velma F. Grant, who formed the Pierian Club student organization for English Majors at Albany State University in 1967. What was originally called “the little magazine” came to be known as The Pierian, which would serve as an outlet for creative expression of the written word for ASU students, faculty and staff. It is now issued each Spring. The journal accepts original works (poems, short stories, one-act plays, or personal essays) by ASU students, faculty, and staff, as well as state and national contributors.  For more information, contact the editor: Dr. Jeffery D. Mack at (229) 500-2197.

Sigma Kappa Delta, English Honor Society for two-year colleges, provides exceptional students opportunities for advancing the study of language and literature, for developing skills in creative and analytical writing, and for meeting other outstanding scholars and professionals in the discipline of English. In order to be eligible for membership, students must be nominated by a ASU faculty member; have no lower than a “B” in any English course; have completed at least 12 semester hours of college credit; and must have a minimum 3.3 GPA. For more information, visit www.english2.org new window. Students may also join ASU’s local chapter as an associate member. Associate members can attend all functions, do community service, and travel with the organization. Students do not have to be English majors to join Sigma Kappa Delta in any capacity.

Sigma Tau Delta is the International English Honor Society. Its purpose is to confer distinction on undergraduates, graduates, and scholars in academia, as well as upon professional writers who have realized high achievements in either the linguistics or the literature of the English language. Student members of Sigma Tau Delta may gain prestige through publication in The Rectangle and may achieve national recognition upon meriting any one of three annual awards. Association with eminent persons in the profession of English is accorded students at the regional conventions and at the National convention.

Qualifications for MembershipTo qualify for membership in Sigma Tau Delta, upperclassmen must meet the following:

• Completion of at least three semesters of the college courses.
• Completion of two college courses in literature (in addition to the usual courses in freshman English).
• Attainment of at least a B average in English.
• Rank in the highest 35% of their class in general scholarship (Cumulative Academic Record).