Tennessee Technological University

What you'll study

The programme provides a balance of historical surveys, thematic and period courses, and skills-based classes in writing and rhetoric. Core study typically includes introductory courses in literary analysis and critical methods alongside chronological surveys such as British and American literature. Students read major authors and genres — poetry, drama and the novel — and study literary movements from medieval to contemporary literature.

Skills and applied areas frequently offered include courses in creative writing, professional/technical writing, rhetoric and composition, and public speaking. Advanced modules commonly cover literary theory, genre studies (for example, Shakespeare, nineteenth-century fiction, modernism), world and multicultural literatures, and specialised seminars that foreground close reading and research.

The degree normally culminates in a research-based capstone or senior seminar in which students complete a substantial analytical or creative project under faculty supervision. Many students also take elective options in linguistics, digital humanities, film studies or American studies, and may pursue independent study or honours-level research.

• Typical modules: Introduction to Literary Studies; Survey of British Literature; Survey of American Literature; Literary Theory; Creative Writing; Rhetoric and Composition; Professional Writing; Genre or author-focused seminars; Senior Capstone Seminar.
• Learning methods: lectures, small seminars, writing workshops, research assignments, presentations and supervised independent projects.
• Opportunities: undergraduate research, internships with regional cultural organisations and media, study abroad options, and work with the campus writing centre.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised secondary school qualification and meet Tennessee Technological University’s standard undergraduate admissions criteria. Typical applicants present a solid academic record with particular strength in English and humanities subjects. Schools may consider a combination of grades, recommendation letters and a personal statement that demonstrates interest in literature and writing.

Applicants whose first language is not English will need to demonstrate English proficiency through an accepted test or other institutional criteria. Transfer students must provide college transcripts and meet departmental transfer guidelines for major coursework. Prospective students interested in creative-writing concentrations may be invited to submit a writing sample, depending on departmental guidance.

Career prospects

Graduates with a degree in English Language and Literature develop strong analytical, research and written communication skills that are valued across many sectors. Common career paths include secondary teaching (often combined with teacher certification), publishing and editing, journalism and media, marketing and communications, public relations, and content development for digital platforms.

Other graduates go on to professional programmes such as law or library and information science, or pursue postgraduate study in literature, creative writing or related humanities disciplines. The degree also prepares students for roles in nonprofit and cultural organisations, technical writing and policy analysis, where clarity of expression and critical thinking are essential.

Why study at Tennessee Technological University

Tennessee Technological University offers a campus environment with relatively small class sizes and strong faculty-student interaction, which supports close mentoring for research and creative projects. The English faculty typically combine research expertise with practical experience in writing and pedagogy, and students have access to campus resources such as the writing centre and specialised library collections.

The university’s location provides regional cultural and internship connections, and students can take advantage of study-abroad programmes and partnerships to broaden their literary perspectives. For those planning careers in education, writing or public-facing roles, Tennessee Tech emphasises real-world experience alongside traditional literary study, helping graduates enter a range of professional pathways or continue to advanced study.