English

English at The University of Tennessee

English at The University of Tennessee

Major in English at the University of Tennessee Knoxville
Major in English at the University of Tennessee Knoxville
Get Lit UTK English Major

English: it shapes how you think, imagine, and write your own story. Our faculty teach you how to use language creatively and successfully. We focus on great writing—whether it’s Shakespeare’s, Austen’s, Morrison’s, or your own. With English, you don’t have to choose between doing what you love and preparing for a rewarding career. Come write with us!

Learn more about the major, the minor, or our graduate program.

IN THE NEWS
FAQS

What is the deadline to apply to graduate school?

The deadline to apply to one of our PhD programs (Lit, RWL, or Creative Writing) is December 1. The deadline for MA applications (Lit, RWL) is January 15. Applications for MFAs (Creative Writing) are in two phases: the round one deadline is December 1 and the round two deadline is January 15. See our graduate school page for more information.

I’m an undergraduate. Can I major in Creative Writing?

Undergraduates declare their major as English and then specify a concentration. If you are interested in creative writing, you would declare your major as English with a Creative Writing concentration. Other concentrations available are Literature, Rhetoric and Writing, and Technical Communication. See our Majors page for more information.

What careers can an English major pursue?

We like to think an English major is well-prepared for every career after college. Sometimes our majors go on to graduate school (law, medical, business are just a few), but often our majors gain employment based on the in-demand communication, reasoning, and emotional intelligence skills our majors graduate with. See our careers page for more information.

How many hours is an English minor?

A minor in English is 5 courses, or 15 credit hours. Learn more about our minor requirements.