Florida State University - English Department - Undergraduate Handbook
Whom to See About What
See Undergraduate Advising Center
A3200 University Center
644 3430
- for liberal studies advising
- to discuss majors or to change your major (freshman/sophomore only)
- to discuss mapping issues or to have mapping holds lifted
See Stephanie Cameron
460 Williams Bldg.
644 0237
scameron@english.fsu.edu
Or Molly Schulte
459 Williams Bldg.
644 2676
mschulte@english.fsu.edu
- to declare English as your major
- to discuss mapping issues or to have mapping holds lifted
- to make sure you are fulfilling major, minor, and university requirements
- if you have problems, questions, or concerns about your courses or degree track
- to discuss post-graduation options
- to find out about internships and departmental opportunities
See Dr. Deborah Coxwell-Teague
Director of First Year Writing
222E Williams Building
644 3164
dteague@english.fsu.edu
- if you have questions about the freshman writing requirement
- if you have already spoken to your instructor, and have tried, but failed, to resolve problems you are having in a freshman English class
See Dr. Andrew Epstein
Director of Undergraduate Studies
405A Williams Building
644 8110
aepstein@english.fsu.edu
- if you have already spoken to your instructor and already tried, but failed, to resolve problems you are having in an English class above the freshman level
- for information on the English Honors Program
- for information on Lambda Iota Tau (LIT), the department's chapter of the national literary honor society
See Dr. R. M. Berry
Chair and Professor, English Dept. (call Debra Brock, at 644-3280, to make an appointment with Dr. Berry)
- when all else fails
See an academic coordinator in your Dean's office (Undergraduate Studies in UC-A3400 - 644-2451 for basic division students or Arts and Sciences in 10 Longmire - 644-1081 for upper division students)
- to seek readmission if you have been dismissed
- for probation advising
- to drop a course after the end of the 7th week of classes
- to deal with all other special circumstances
All seniors must request a grad check at the College of Arts and Sciences in 10 Longmire when they reach 90 degree hours.
Go to the Office of the University Registrar
A3900 University Center
644-1050
- to request a grad check when you have completed 90 degree hours
- to have insurance, enrollment status, and other official university paperwork completed
Advising
Although advising is not mandatory, students are encouraged to see an advisor at least once a semester to make sure that major, minor, and university requirements are met. Our advisors, Stephanie Cameron and Molly Schulte, are available most days from 8:00 a.m. until noon and 1:00 p.m. until 4:30pm. Appointments are not necessary, simply come by at your convenience. The advising offices are located in 460 and 459 Williams.
General Requirements for the B.A.
- ENC 1142 Freshman Imaginative Writing Workshop
- ENC 1144 Freshman Article and Essay Workshop
- ENC 1145 Special Topics in Composition
- Area I. Math (6 hours) - MGF courses are acceptable
- Area II. English Composition (6 hours)
- Area III. History/ Social Science (minimum 3 hours in each designation)
- Area IV. Humanities./Fine Arts (minimum 5 hours to include a Literature-based course with a * designation
- Area V. Natural Science (7 hours to include one hour of corresponding lab)
- Area VI. 6 hours of additional history, social science, humanities, or fine arts
- Students must complete at least one course with an X designation and one with a Y designation.
- Gordon rule = 24,000 words, fulfilled by 2 English Composition courses @6000 words each and 4 "W" courses @ 3000 words each. Students must make "C-" or better in these courses
The English Major
Academic Maps for English Major: The academic maps are term-by-term sample course schedules. The milestones listed to the right of each term are designed to keep you on course to graduate in four years.
The academic map for the Literature concentration can be found here http://www.academic-guide.fsu.edu/Maps/MapenglishLit.html.
The academic map for the Creative Writing concentration can be found here http://www.academic-guide.fsu.edu/Maps/MapenglishCRW.html.
- General Information
- 33 semester hours of English in courses numbered above 1999
- No more than 12 hours may be at the 2000 level
- At least 9 hours must be at the 4000 level
- Honors thesis hours may be applied toward the B.A. degree, but only 6 hours will be accepted for major credit
- Majors who complete teacher certification requirements may count 3 hours of internship as elective credit at the 3/4000 level
- One English course used to satisfy the humanities requirement for liberal studies may be counted as part of the major
- All courses applied to the major must carry the grade of C- or better.
[Warning: Due to the current difficulty in gaining admission to classes, it is wise not to leave specific requirements until your last term, especially if it is a summer term. Try to take care of requirements first: leave electives until later.]
- Specifics (Each student must choose one of the following concentrations):
A. Concentration in Literature
Literature Core:
- 3 hours in American literature 3/4000 level
- 3 hours in pre-1660 British literature 3/4000 level
- 3 hours in pre-1800 British literature 3/4000 level
- 3 hours in post-1800 British literature 3/4000 level
- 3 hours additional 3/4000 level literature
- ENG3014 - Critical Issues in Literary Studies (to be completed junior year)
- ENG 4934 - Senior Seminar in Literature (NOTE: students pursuing Honors in the Major can substitute the Honors Seminar, ENG4948 (Advanced Seminar in English), for the Senior Seminar)
- 12 hours of English department electives (literature, creative writing, internship, etc.)
B. Concentration in Writing
Writing Core:
- 6 hours of 4000 level advanced writing workshops
- 9 hours of additional writing courses - Students may choose from Article and Essay, Fiction, and Poetry
- At least two different genres of writing must be completed before graduation. 4000 level advanced workshops are available by application only and each advanced workshop is repeatable up to 24 semester hours.
Literature Core:
- 3 hours pre-1900 British literature at the 3/4000 level
- 12 hours of additional literature courses (AML, LIT, ENL prefix)
- 3 hours of English department elective
[Warning: Since the writing major is competitive and students are not guaranteed access to 4000 level advanced writing workshops, it would be wise to structure the literature core in line with requirements for the concentration in literature, so that students who are not able to complete the concentration in Creative Writing do not find themselves trying to finish many literature requirements in their senior year in order to graduate.]
C. Concentration in English Studies Students with a cumulative GPA above 3.0 can create an individual course of study within the English major to pursue a period, genre, or theme, theory and criticism, or a combination of areas such as popular culture and film. The proposal requires faculty panel approval in the student's junior year - courses should be chosen in conjunction with the Director of Undergraduate Studies or departmental advisor. General guidelines include:
- 24 total hours must be at the 3/4000 level
- 9 hours must be 4000 level English courses
- 9 hours may be applied to the major outside the department
Courses that fulfill requirements for the Literature Concentration
American Literature at the 3000/4000 level:
- AML 3041 American Authors since 1875
- AML 3680 American Multi-Ethnic Literature
- AML 3311 Major Figures in American literature
- AML 3630 Latino/a Literature in English
- AML 4111 The 19th-century American Novel
- AML 4121 The 20th-century American Novel
- AML 4290 Studies in Ethnic Literature
- AML 4261 The Literature of the South
- AML 4604 The African-American Literary Tradition
Pre-1800 British Literature at the 3000/4000 level (Please note courses within this category which are pre-1660):
- ENL 3210 Medieval Literature in Translation (pre-1660)
- ENL 3334 Shakespeare (pre-1660)
- ENL 4161 Renaissance Drama (pre-1660)
- ENL 4218 Middle English Romance (pre-1660)
- ENL 4220 Renaissance Poetry and Prose (pre-1660)
- ENL 4311 Chaucer (pre-1660)
- ENL 4333 Advanced Shakespeare (pre-1660)
- ENL 4341 Milton (pre-1660)
- ENL 4112 The Eighteenth-Century British Novel
- ENL 4171 Restoration and 18th Century Drama
- ENL 4230 Restoration and 18th Century British Lit.
Post-1800 British Literature at the 3000/4000 level:
- ENL 4122 The 19th Century British Novel
- ENL 4132 The Modern British Novel
- ENL 4240 British Romantic Literature
- ENL 4251 Victorian British Literature
- ENL 4273 Modern British Literature
- LIT 4184 Irish Literature
Writing Workshops at the 3000/4000 level:
- ENC 3310 Article and Essay Workshop
- CRW 4120 Fiction Workshop
- ENC 4311 Advanced Article and Essay Workshop
- CRW 4320 Poetry Workshop
- CRW 4420 Drama Workshop
Directed Individual Study
Special topics or subject areas that are not offered in the regular English curriculum or that are more specialized or narrowly focused may be pursued as Directed Individual Study (DIS). For motivated, independent students with special interest in a particular topic or area of study, the DIS can be an excellent opportunity to explore 'off-the-beaten-path' subject matter while developing contacts with faculty. However, a student should not ask to take a DIS in a subject that is normally offered, nor should one be taken just to fill up a schedule.
DIS hours are negotiated between faculty members (not instructors, adjuncts, or teaching assistants) and students. In conjunction with a faculty member, students will name their course and provide a brief description of the work to be completed on a DIS form prior to registration. DIS can be taken from 1-3 credits per section and can be repeated for up to 24 credit hours. DIS forms are available in 460 Williams.
Please note that DIS will only apply to the major as English department elective credit. DIS cannot replace literature or writing requirements for the major.
Tutorial in English
The department offers Studies in English (ENG 4932r, 1-3 credit hours) on topics proposed by faculty. They are available to all upper-division undergraduate English majors interested in the proposed topic. Maximum enrollment of five students in each tutorial. Repeatable to a maximum of six (6) semester hours credit.
Teacher Certification in English
Students may choose to pursue State of Florida teacher certification as part of their undergraduate career. Teacher certification is a limited access program; students should plan to apply for admission as rising juniors. The program includes 24 hours of coursework and 12 hours of student teaching as detailed below. Please address specific questions or concerns to Dr. Pamela Carroll in the College of Education - 213 Carrothers - 644-2997.s
Courses Required for Teacher Certification (for students entering FSU in Fall 1996 or later)Prerequisites
- EDF 1005 Introduction to Education (3)
- EDG 2701 Teaching Diverse Populations (3)
- EME 2040 Introduction to Educational Technology (3)
- 3 hours of speech (SPC X600 is recommended)
- 9 hours of English at 2000-level or higher
- 3 hours of electives at 2000-level or higher
Requirements
- 30 hours of English courses (including the 9 hours of prerequisites). At least 21 hours must be at the 3000/4000 level. Courses must be taken in each of the following categories (see an adviser for a list of courses):
- 3 hours in minority American literature
- 3 hours in American literature
- 6 hours in British literature, including 3 in Shakespeare
- 3 hours in multicultural courses
- 3 hours in language study
- 3 hours of advanced composition
[Note: The above requirements could all fit into a regular English major with a Concentration in Literature. Please see specific requirements for the Concentration in Literature above.]
- 36 hours of Education coursework to include: EDF 4214, EDF 4604, LAE 3331, LAE 3333, LAE 4323, LAE 4810, LAE 4360, LAE 4941 (to be taken in final term of coursework), and 12 hours of LAE 4942 - Student Teaching.
The English Major with Emphasis in Business
This program is designed to provide both a liberal education and preparation for a business career. Like other English majors, students in this program choose either a concentration in literature or a concentration in writing (see above). In addition to the major requirements, students must complete 30 hours of business courses to include:
- ECO 2013 Principles of Macroeconomics
- ECO 2023 Principles of Microeconomics
- ACG 2021 Introduction to Financial Accounting
- ACG 2071 Introduction to Managerial Accounting
- BUL 3310 The Legal Environment of Business
- MAN 3240 Organizational Behavior
- MAR 3023 Basic Marketing Concepts
- FIN 3403 Financial Management of the Firm (Prerequisites: ACG 2021 and ECO 2023)
- 6 hours approved business electives
Students may not be eligible to register for business courses during their registration window (as many business courses are restricted to majors only). Students with an emphasis in business with over a 2.5 GPA are eligible to request 6 hours of major-restricted business courses per term. Please see an advisor in English for details.
Courses for the Minor
-
Minor in English
The minor in English requires 12 semester hours in English classes numbered above 1999. These 12 hours may not include hours taken to fulfill Liberal Studies requirements.
-
Minor in Film Studies
The film studies minor explores connections between literature, culture, and film. All film studies minors are required to take either FIL2001 - Introduction to Film, FIL2000 - Elements in Film, or FIL2400 - History of Motion Picture. Students will then choose 12 hours of additional coursework from the following list:
- ANT - Anthropology through Film
- ENG3310 - Film Genres
- ENG4115 - Film Theory
- FIL3106 - Film and Television Writing
- HUM3321 - Multicultural Dimensions of Film and 20th Century Culture
- RTV3001 - Media Technique
- RTV3101 - Writing for Electronic Media
- RTV3104 - Film and Television Writing
- CHT3391 - Chinese Cinema
- FRW3391 - French Cinema
- GEW3391 - German Cinema
- PRT3391 - Brazilian Lit & Film
- SPW3391 - Hispanic Cinema
- ITW3391 - Italian Cinema
- RUW3391 - Russian Cinema
- JPT3391 - Japanese Film & Culture
- MEL7110 - Bioethics on Film (permission only)
-
Other Minors for English Majors
Students must choose a minor in a department outside English. Popular minors include African-American Studies, American Studies, Business, Communication, Law and Society, Psychology, and Women's Studies. Students may also wish to minor in a foreign language. A minor typically consists of 12-15 credit hours. Please refer to the general bulletin for information on specific minors. Courses used to meet liberal Studies requirements or the university foreign language requirement MAY NOT be used for the minor. Students who complete the Teacher's Certification program, the English-Business program, or a double major are waived from the minor requirement.
The Honors Program
Eligibility and Registration: To qualify for the Honors in the Major program in English, students must have a 3.75 cumulative GPA and a minimum of 60 degree hours. Students who are eligible should expect to receive an invitation to join the program from the Director of Undergraduate Studies in the fall of their junior year. Students will enroll in the Honors Seminar and for Thesis hours with the assistance of the Director of Undergraduate Studies and departmental advisors.
Overview of Program: Honors in the Major in English consists of two special, small seminars (open only to Honors students) and two terms of thesis work. Students take 6 hours of Honors Seminar - ENG4938 - and 6 hours of Honors Thesis - ENG4936. These seminars are usually taken in the spring of the junior year and the fall of the senior year. That same fall the student also does the first term of thesis work; in the spring, the student enrolls in the second term of thesis hours in order to complete the thesis at the end of the senior year.
Students can apply 9 of the 12 required hours to the major. The Honors Seminar, ENG4938, will substitute for the Senior Seminar requirement for the Literature concentration and will apply as literature for the Creative Writing concentration. Thesis hours apply to either concentration as English elective. Please be aware that ENG4934 will not satisfy period requirements (e.g. pre-1660 British literature, etc.) for either concentration.
In order to graduate with Honors in English, the student must have at least a "B" average in Honors courses and a GPA of 3.2 or better. Work should not be begun on a thesis unless the student is reasonably sure of maintaining and finishing with such averages. Students wishing at any time to withdraw from the program or to change their thesis topics or committees should notify Dr. Epstein in writing, and contact Dr. Helen Burke at University Honors.
Successful completion of the program earns a notation on the student's permanent record and in the graduation ceremony program. The student will also receive an Honors Certificate signed by the Director of Honors, the Directing Professor, the Dean of the College, and the President of the University.
Faculty Committee and Thesis: Students choose a faculty thesis director. In consultation with the thesis director the student then chooses the rest of the committee, consisting of one other member of the English Department and one or more outside faculty. Depending on whether the student is concentrating in literature or creative writing, theses can be either research papers or creative works. Although thesis lengths differ and students should consult with their advisor about his or her expectations, theses are generally in the range of 50-60 pages, although creative writing theses in poetry are generally about 30-40 pages. A research thesis should have a substantial bibliography and demonstrate serious engagement with secondary materials in literary criticism and related areas. Students in the Teacher Certification program should not plan to work on their theses the same term as doing their teaching internships.
NOTE: For more information about the Honors in the Major Program, please see http://honorsinthemajor.fsu.edu, where you can walk through a useful tutorial that tells you much of what you need to know about the program.
Useful Contacts:
Dr. Andrew Epstein
Director, Undergraduate Studies in English and Honors Liaison
405A Williams Building
644 8110
E-mail your inquiries to Dr. Epstein at aepstein@english.fsu.edu
Dr. Helen Burke
Director of the Honors Program
Suite A3600 University Center
644-1841
E-mail your inquiries to Dr. Cottle at honors@fsu.edu
Internship in Editing - ENC 4942
NOTE: For more information on internships, see this Internships FAQ
The Editing Internship is an excellent opportunity for undergraduate students to develop a portfolio of their writing and editing and gain practical experience in a career field.
This variable credit internship (0-6 hours) can be taken for a maximum of 3 credits and will be assigned with an S/U grade only.
Students may intern at a variety of venues, including magazines, newspapers, publishing houses, television and radio stations, government offices, advertising and public relations firms, university departments, law firms, and non-profit agencies. Internships may be done during the summer (in either 13-week or intensified 6-week sessions) as well as during the fall and spring semesters. They may be done in Tallahassee or elsewhere, and may even be done while studying abroad.
Students are expected to work seven hours per week and write 2500 words per credit hour (e.g. 3 credits equals 20 hours of work per week for a semester and 7500 words in a portfolio). The site supervisor submits written midterm and final progress reports on the student's work to the English Department. These reports, together with a portfolio of the student's work from the internship, provide the basis for evaluation. The English Department's Supervisor of Internships assigns the final grade.
Students are responsible for contacting and making arrangements with the employer. These arrangements include making sure a contract letter and a short job description are on file with the English Department's Supervisor of Internships.
Students should not contact the Supervisor of Internships until an internship has been secured and the job contract completed. The Supervisor will provide a reference number for students to register for the course. The current Supervisor of Internships is Dr. Eric Walker. He can be reached at ewalker@english.fsu.edu.
FSU International Programs - http://international.fsu.edu
FSU offers study abroad programs in countries across the globe, including semester-long programs in London, England; Florence, Italy; Valencia, Spain; and Panama City, Republic of Panama . Although students may elect to pursue intensive language studies or opt for broad curriculum programs in Panama, Costa Rica, Ireland, Italy, Spain, or China, the London program has course offerings specifically designed for the English Major. Please visit www.international.fsu.edu/ for up-to-date program information, course offerings, and scholarship opportunities.
The British Studies program in London
Students majoring in English can study British literature at its source during the fall semester. They may choose among upper-division English courses specific to the English Literature program and from courses offered during the fall semester in the London Broad Curriculum program. This allows them to progress toward their degrees on schedule, while gaining the immense benefits of the London experience. As they read works by writers such as Chaucer, Shakespeare, Keats, Dickens, and Woolf, they can visit the settings of the stories, the homes of the authors, museum exhibits, and productions of plays. Many of the courses are repeatable up to 24 credit hours, so students may repeat a course in the vastly different and enriching learning environment of London.
The study center is located in the intellectually-rich neighborhood of Bloomsbury as the center of their study of the Bloomsbury Group of writers, philosophers, and artists. Particular attention will be placed on the Americans who have lived in London and the effect of their experience and the impact of London on American literature. The outlying neighborhoods of London will be used to trace the major London authors to their homes and work places. Drama will also be explored as the students read the authors whose works are playing on the London stage.
Eligibility
This program has been developed for English majors or minors. Preference is given to upper division students who have the maturity and motivation to put in the required reading, writing, and work to accomplish a great deal of learning in the sphere of literary studies.
Housing
Students stay in furnished apartments in the FSU London Study Center or in comparable accommodations in central London. For information about London and the Study Center, please go to the International Program website: http://international.fsu.edu
Financial Aid
Financial aid and scholarships may be applied toward program fees. Students are strongly urged to make early contact with the financial aid office. Most forms of financial aid--scholarships, loans, or grants--may be applied to the program fee.
Further Information
For questions regarding specific course offerings, information about charges and payments, and application forms please contact the Florida State University Office of International Programs at 644-3272 or 1-800-374-8581. Visit International Programs on the web at www.international.fsu.edu. To speak to students that have already participated on one of the programs, please stop by A5500 University Center.
Awards
Every spring the English Department recognizes the achievements of outstanding students. At the annual awards ceremony the department salutes graduates of the English Honors Program, new members of Lambda Iota Tau, and the winners of a number of awards. Please direct questions to Dr. Andrew Epstein, Director of Undergraduate Studies (aepstein@english.fsu.edu.)
- English Department Undergraduate Writing Awards
Annual competitions in critical and creative writing are open to English majors and minors. Ordinarily, the department makes two $50 awards, one for critical writing (any form of the essay), and one for creative writing (three or more poems, a short story, a chapter from a novel, or an act from a play). Any work submitted to these competitions must have been written as a regular assignment for an English course during the previous academic year; it must be submitted without revision, in the same form in which it was originally submitted in class, and still bearing the instructor's markings, corrections, and comments. Each submission must bear a signed statement by the instructor to the effect that the work is eligible (that it was submitted on time and has not been altered). Submission deadlines and details are posted outside the English office (405 Williams Building) early in the spring term.
- Cody Harris Allen Writing Awards
These annual awards are open to all currently enrolled FSU students. Poetry, drama, short fiction, essay and biography are all suitable for submission, provided that the work is original and does not exceed 25 pages in length. A first prize of $100 and two $50 honorable mentions are intended to reward "excellence in writing at the collegiate level." Again, specific submission details are posted outside the English office in the spring term.
- John Mackay Shaw Academy of American Poets Award
This annual poetry competition is open to all FSU undergraduates. There are no restrictions as to verse form or content. Each contestant submits no more than three poems. The award winner receives $100; the Academy also awards honorable mentions.
- The Fred L. Standley Award for Undergraduate Excellence in English
This award is presented each year to "a graduating senior who has demonstrated excellence as an English major at Florida State University." Students are nominated for this award by members of the English faculty; the awards committee chooses a winner by reviewing the records of the nominees, considering such factors as grade point average, awards and honors, and "significant vocational or professional experience" in English.
- The Mart and Louis Hill English Thesis Award
This $500 award is presented each year to 2 outstanding students in the Honors in the Major Program to provide financial support for the writing of their Honors Thesis.
- The George Yost Undergraduate Personal Essay Award
This $100 prize is awarded to a student for the best personal essay.
Literary Honor Society: Lambda Iota Tau (LIT)
Lambda Iota Tau is a national honorary society for literature, and FSU's English Department is the home to a chapter of the organization. The purpose of Lambda Iota Tau, or LIT, is to recognize and promote excellence in the study of literature of all languages. LIT has approximately 50 active chapters and over 40,000 members. These chapters are encouraged to hold regular meetings, to promote collegial support among the members in their literary studies, and to sponsor events and activities which will bring the study of literature to the campus at large.
Membership is open to any undergraduate majoring in English or Modern Languages with a 3.0 cumulative GPA, in his or her fifth college semester or later, or graduate students in their second semester or later with a 3.5 GPA. Requirements for membership include both the submission of a paper of any length and style for an English or Modern Languages class at FSU (preferably an 'A' paper), and of a check for $30 made out to Lambda Iota Tau.
Activities of the local chapter typically consist of sponsoring such events as a book sale, the sponsoring of creative writing contests for local elementary schools, movie and book nights, potluck dinners, Halloween costume parties, and marathon readings of favorite literary works. For more information about Lambda Iota Tau, please contact Dr. Andrew Epstein, Director of Undergraduate Studies (aepstein@english.fsu.edu).
Literary Life in Tallahassee: Getting Involved as an Undergraduate
Tallahassee has a vibrant literary scene, and undergraduate English majors are encouraged to take part. Our weekly Visiting Writers Series, held at The Warehouse, features illustrious visiting fiction writers and poets, along with FSU faculty and graduate students. All readings - which are free - are held Tuesday evenings at 8:00 pm at the Warehouse - 706 W. Gaines St.
There are also numerous lectures and visiting scholars giving talks about literature and culture throughout the year. Keep an eye on the bulletin boards around the Williams Building for announcements.
Literary Magazines and Presses
A number of publications make Tallahassee a rich environment for those who enjoy reading and writing and offer valuable opportunities for editorial and production experience.
The English Department is home to the nationally-known Fiction Collective Two Press and several important scholarly journals that are edited by FSU English faculty, including The Journal of Early Modern Cultural Studies, Frank Norris Studies, and The Journal of Beckett Studies.
The Southeast Review is a national literary magazine that publishes fiction and poetry by emerging and established writers from around the country. It is edited and published by students in FSU's graduate creative writing program. http://southeastreview.org
The Kudzu Review is FSU's award-winning undergraduate literary magazine showcasing poetry, fiction, non-fiction, and visual art.
A local literary press, Anhinga Press, publishes anthologies of poetry and sponsors poetry competitions in Florida and nationwide. http://anhinga.org
The Apalachee Review (formerly Apalachee Quarterly) is a literary magazine published in Tallahassee by Apalachee Press, a non-profit corporation. http://apalacheereview.org
Naiad Press, one of America's largest feminist presses, publishes in Tallahassee. http://naiadpress.com
Graduation
In preparation for graduation, students request graduation checks at the Registrar's office in UC-A3900 and at the Dean's office of the College of Arts and Sciences in 10 Longmire. Grad checks are requested at 90 degree hours or the semester before the anticipated gradation date, whichever comes first. Students will officially declare their minor when requesting grad checks. Please note: students who are pursuing a double major may also need to request graduation checks at another college (e.g. College of Social Sciences, etc).
The grad checks ensure that major, minor, and university requirements are on track to be completed by the following term. Please make sure that you pick up your grad checks when they become available to avoid any unpleasant surprises. If you have questions, please contact an advisor at 644-0237.
Students must apply for graduation in person at the Registrar's office in UC-A3900. The deadline is the end of the second week of classes of the final semester. Students must apply for graduation even if they do not plan to participate in the commencement ceremony.
Life After the B.A.: Graduate School
A degree in English provides a solid foundation for graduate programs in many areas. Typically, graduate programs require a minimum 3.0 cumulative undergraduate GPA, a minimum score of 1000 on the Graduate Record Examination, or GRE, 3 letters of recommendation, and a statement of intent when considering qualified applicants. There are no blanket admissions criteria, however, so plan to start researching program requirements and deadlines in your junior year. If you have questions regarding FSU's graduate programs in English, go to www.english.fsu.edu and click on the Graduate tab. Students may wish to discuss specific course requirements and graduate degree tracks with the Director of Graduate Studies. Please call 644-4230 to schedule an appointment.
Some Career Possibilities for English Majors
Sample Occupations:
| Administrative Officer Advertising Occupations Archivist Author Bookkeeper Broadcasting/ Comm. Occupations Community Relations Worker Computer Systems Analyst Copywriter Critic Editor Education Occupations Film Editor |
Foreign Service Officer Freelance Writer Information Manager Interpreter Job Analyst Journalist Lawyer Librarian Literary Agent Magazine Publisher Newspaper Editor Novelist/Writer |
Personnel Director Proofreader Public Relations Manager Public Relations Specialist Radio/Television Coordinator Reporter Scientist Speech Writer Teacher/Professor Technical Writer Translator Underwriter |
Sample Work Settings:
| Advertising Companies Aircraft Industry Banks Book Publishers Businesses Broadcast Media/Radio Chemical & Drug Companies Colleges Commercial/Specialty Magazines Company/Independent Newsletters |
Corporate Communications Depts. Educational Institutions Federal Agencies Food Products Organizations Junior Colleges Legal Firms Local School Boards Local and State Government Magazine Publishers Museums |
Newspapers Office Equipment Companies Philanthropic Foundations Public Relations Firms Publishing Houses Television/Motion Pictures Theater Trade Publications Travel & Tourism Universities |
Sample Professional Organizations:
|
American Society of Magazine Editors Association for Women in Communications International Labor Communications Association American Society of Newspaper Editors |
Women in Scholarly Publishing Journalism Education Association National Council of Teachers of English Women Executives in Public Relations |
