The programs in English and Linguistics exemplify the goal of the liberal arts: to prepare people for life. English and Linguistics courses acquaint students with what writers have created in the past, what people in diverse cultures understand and celebrate as literary art, and what the best minds in our own society have to say. They teach analytical skills which are crucial to any sophisticated reader and thinker; they also offer students opportunities to hone their skills in communicating both creative impulses and informed judgments about the world.

Students in the BA program gain exposure to five of six major areas of English and Linguistics studies: British Literature, American Literature, World Literature, Linguistics, Literary Criticism, and Composition. They then choose a concentration in one of the six areas and take elective English and Linguistics courses and a senior capstone to complete their major.

Students in the BS program focus on linguistics, language arts, and analytical skills while also meeting the requirements for a bachelor of science.  They round out their major by choosing courses from other areas of the diverse English and Linguistics menu.

English and Linguistics BA and BS graduates are thus provided with habits of thought needed to make intelligent and humane decisions, to communicate those decisions, and to lead others. They should emerge from our program as committed life long learners, ready to enjoy their lives as they enter the work world or as they pursue graduate or professional studies. A variety of careers - such as technical writing, journalism, public relations, management, diplomacy, law, linguistics, and education - await graduates of these programs.

English and Linguistics majors interested in pursuing an advanced degree in secondary English teaching at Truman State University must meet the requirements for admission to the Master of Arts in Education program as stated in the Education section of the Course Catalogue. These requirements are consistent with the standards set forth by the National Council of Teachers of English and should provide a strong foundation for teacher preparation for those pursuing certification or a degree here or elsewhere. Missouri state certification requirements are also listed in the Education section. Close consultation with an English and Linguistics academic advisor is strongly recommended.

English and Linguistics majors interested in receiving a Master's degree in English and Linguistics also have the opportunity to apply to Truman's graduate school.  The M. A. in English and Linguistics offers an opportunity for in-depth exploration in one corner of the discipline which the student finds useful and fascinating.  The program offers a variety of courses in literary theory, composition theory, rhetorical theory, creative writing, and linguistics (and additional coursework for the graduate teaching assistants). Also offered, based on needs and interests, are advanced courses with rotating topics.

English and Linguistics B.A. Honors Information/Deadlines.