B.A. English
15:1
Student-to-faculty ratio
As we find ourselves inundated with new types of media every day, one thing that persists is the written word, whether it’s in traditional print format or online, on tablets, smartphones and e-readers, human beings read constantly. A degree in English can help you navigate the changing world, acquire tools that will never lose value and help you understand how language shapes our world.
Concordia’s English major promotes careful reading, encourages critical thinking and models Christian scholarship and thoughtful discussion processes. Ideally, our students will develop a desire to read more and appreciate the role of literature in exploring themselves, the human condition, and Christ’s response to humanity and to our students in particular. We relate the fallen human world to our Christian perspective and celebrate our God-given gift of language.
The skills you develop as an English major, like writing, editing, problem solving, critical thinking and analysis, are highly prized by employers in every profession. In this age of information and technology, these talents are more in-demand than ever before. Writing, communication skills, adaptability and the ability to work independently are desirable qualities for any career you choose, making your English degree extremely valuable. The knowledge you acquire as an English major will never be obsolete.
An English degree from Concordia University, Nebraska will help you develop these abilities in a Christian, collaborative environment, while cultivating independent thought and responsible leadership to help you better serve, no matter your chosen vocation.
You may also choose to combine your English degree with one of Concordia’s many other majors, giving you a competitive edge. English majors at Concordia Nebraska have also earned degrees in art, psychology, biology or education. When you’re competing for a job or a spot in graduate school, a double major that includes English offers a powerful advantage. If you love the written word, are curious about the vast potential for human expression and desire to expand your own comprehension of the English language, then a bachelor’s degree in English from Concordia University, Nebraska may be the right choice for you.
Program Differentiators
Core Concepts
The Concordia University, Nebraska Department of English maintains high standards of academic integrity and Christian responsibility. In our courses, we help students to see the historical and cultural significance of literature and teach them to apply methods of literary scholarship. We promote careful reading, encourage critical thinking and model Christian scholarship and thoughtful discussion processes.
English professor Dr. Gabriel Haley dresses up as the Mad Hatter once a year for the English honor society, Sigma Tau Delta. Learn more about Dr. Haley in this Faculty 5 video.
Professor of English Dr. Laurie Zum Hofe isn't just a teacher; she's also a mentor, a dance coach, a t-shirt designer, a cheerleader and a fan, and she loves that she gets to live her life of faith alongside her students. Learn more about Dr. Z in this Faculty 5 video.
Testimonials
The English classes offered at Concordia intentionally connect timeless pieces of literature with the issues of the twenty-first century, challenging students in their understanding of their own worldview.
Concordia NebraskaEnglish: Learning Objectives
Students in the English major will employ critical reading as an effective basis of literary inquiry, through close reading of form and discourse and through engagement with literary contexts.
Students will be able to analyze the complex relationship between authors, texts and social, political, religious and historical contexts.
Students will develop strong oral communication and writing skills, including clear expression and sound mechanics.
Concordia NebraskaEnglish: Program Goals
Students will acquire strong skills in the production, presentation and interpretation of the English language.
Students will be able to effectively analyze the English language and its applications.
Students will acquire and apply knowledge of the nature and functions of English and English language theory.
Students will appreciate the aesthetics of the English language as a means of understanding and expressing human experience.
English Faculty
As experts in english, our faculty and instructors bring years of experience to the classroom.
Meet the facultyConcordia NebraskaEnglish: FAQs
Studying English prepares you for a diverse range of professional fields, from teaching to journalism to law to the fine arts. Many English majors also pursue careers in technology, medicine or social work. As an English major, you will develop your critical thinking abilities, communication skills and persuasiveness, all of which will serve you in a wide range of fields.
With a degree in English from Concordia University, Nebraska, you will be primed for a career in teaching, law, publishing, public relations, creative writing, marketing and so much more.
Concordia Nebraska’s English major community is flourishing. On campus, you can be a part of Sigma Tau Delta, an international honor society for English students, which is dedicated to promoting interest in English language and literature. Sigma Tau Delta participates in service projects, hosts events on campus and publishes the award-winning student literary journal, Potpourri.
CUNE ECHO is a student-run social media platform that showcases creative content, achievements and current events that happen at Concordia, including creative writing, visual art and music, so you have a place to find other students’ work and share your own!
At Concordia, we believe the starting point for all studies in English is the development of the individual student’s voice. Both in and out of the classroom, you will find space to examine who you are, what you believe and how you can impact others. As a Christian institution, we promote rigorous inquiry and charitable engagement with the world around us.
Together with your English professors, you will learn to exercise your voice in prose and poetry, in research and relationships. Although you will discuss challenging ideas and explore diverse viewpoints, your English professors will maintain a focus on you as an individual and how you best learn.
Many of your most memorable and rewarding experiences at Concordia will happen outside the classroom. In keeping with our mission, Concordia offers a wide variety of hands-on learning opportunities to enrich your college experience and help you become a more effective servant leader.
In addition to international internship opportunities, mission trips and service learning, Concordia offers study tours specific to those who are passionate about English. For instance, the London literary tour explores literary, historical and cultural areas of various cities in the United Kingdom and mainland Europe each year.
Concordia Nebraska English: Career Outcomes
Magazine Editor
Magazine editors oversee content and quality of magazine publications and ensure features are topical, interesting and informative. As a magazine editor, you would use your English degree to select articles for issues and plan publication content, generate ideas and write articles and supervise staff. You would also likely be responsible for editing and proofreading copy to ensure the magazine is ready to go to press. There are many different types of magazines you could choose to work for, if you decide to become an editor. You might work for a traditional entertainment print magazine such as People or ESPN the Magazine. Or, if you’re more interested in literary or creative magazines, you might work for a university or small press cultivating content for literary journals. Some magazines are entirely online, so if you are more interested in digital content, you may choose to work curating online articles instead.
Journalist
Journalists research, write and edit stories, features and articles for use within a variety of media, from magazines to journals to online publications. As a journalist, you would use your English language skills to generate ideas for feature stories; research topics and interview people of interest; write, edit and proofread articles; and comply with ethical guidelines to create interesting, informative content.
Web Content Manager
Web content managers work closely with project teams, editors, developers and designers to coordinate website content and make sure it caters to the needs of their target audience. As a web content manager, you would be responsible for planning and developing website content, style and appearance and analyzing website usage and search engine optimization keywords. You might also be in charge of product advertising, social media output or creating news releases relevant to your company.
High School English Teacher
Concordia NebraskaEnglish: Related Programs
Applied Communication
Applied communication is one of the most versatile majors available. A degree in applied communication can prepare you for a traditional career path as a communication specialist in small businesses, government offices and non-profit organizations. With the bachelor’s degree in applied communication, you can also find work in journalism, marketing, education, entertainment or any number of other career fields.
Theatre
The theatre major is a highly integrated academic program that will provide you with opportunities to collaborate and study all aspects of theatrical art, including acting, directing, playwriting, set design, technical production, dramaturgy, literary theory and the history of theatre.
Journalism and Public Relations
In Concordia University, Nebraska’s journalism and public relations program, we will help you develop your thinking, writing and speaking skills so you are able to size up situations, determine what’s happening and report information accurately, quickly, honestly and responsibly.
Strategic Communication
A degree in strategic communication opens up a lot of possibilities for employment in a field that you’re passionate about. You might choose to pursue a career in a wide range of strategic communication and public relations professions including: account management, advertising management art direction, audience research, copywriting, digital strategy, marketing, media planning, public relations, strategic communication research, sports and entertainment promotion, social media management and sports information.
1 Recent graduates attending graduate school or employed within six months of graduation.
2 Career salary and wages sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.