University of Missouri

What you'll study

The English programme combines core study in literary history and theory with options in linguistics, rhetoric, creative writing and digital humanities. You will encounter survey courses that trace major developments in British and American literature, seminars on specific authors or movements (for example Shakespeare, Romanticism, modernism and contemporary fiction), and classes in literary theory and criticism that introduce methods of interpretation.

Typical modules and learning experiences include:

• Introduction to Literary Studies: close reading, argumentation and research methods.
• Surveys of British and American Literature: chronological overviews from medieval to contemporary work.
• Genre and Author Studies: focused seminars on poetry, drama, the novel and major authors.
• Literary Theory and Criticism: theoretical frameworks and applied criticism.
• Linguistics and History of the English Language: structure, variation and change in English.
• Rhetoric and Composition: advanced writing, pedagogy and professional communication.
• Creative Writing: workshops in fiction, poetry or creative nonfiction (often optional or by audition/portfolio).
• Digital Humanities and Textual Editing: digital methods for literary research and online publication.
• Senior Seminar/Capstone: sustained research project or thesis synthesising skills acquired in the major.

The programme typically includes general education requirements alongside major courses, opportunities for independent study, internship placements in publishing, museums or media, and options to combine the major with minors or certificates in areas such as journalism, theatre, history or digital studies.

Entry requirements

Admission to the University of Missouri requires successful completion of secondary school or an equivalent qualification. Applicants for the English programme are expected to have a strong record in English-language courses and writing-intensive subjects. Typical documentation and requirements include a secondary-school transcript and a personal statement; some pathways or scholarship applications may request a writing sample or portfolio, particularly for creative-writing options.

Transfer applicants must provide college transcripts demonstrating good academic standing and completion of any required prerequisite coursework. International applicants must meet the university's English-language proficiency requirements; consult the University of Missouri admissions pages for accepted tests and preparatory options. Mature and non-traditional students are considered on the basis of prior academic or professional experience.

Career prospects

Graduates with a BA in English Language and Literature acquire versatile communication, research and analytical skills valued across many sectors. Common career paths include:

• Publishing and editing — copyediting, editorial assistance and rights management.
• Communications, marketing and public relations — content strategy, social media, corporate communications.
• Teaching and education — secondary teaching (with certification), tutoring and educational support.
• Law, policy and administration — graduates often move into law or public service after further study.
• Journalism and media — reporting, feature writing and multimedia storytelling, often in collaboration with the university's strong journalism resources.
• Digital content and UX writing — producing user-focused content for technology and design teams.
• Graduate study and research — master's and doctoral programmes in literature, linguistics, creative writing or allied humanities fields.

The department supports career preparation through internships, a writing centre, alumni networks and advising that help students translate literary skills into professional contexts.

Why study at University of Missouri

The University of Missouri offers an English programme grounded in both traditional scholarship and contemporary practice. Students benefit from one-to-one faculty mentoring, opportunities to engage in undergraduate research, and access to extensive library collections and special collections for primary-source work.

Located in Columbia, the university provides a campus environment with active cultural programmes, reading series, student literary publications and close links to the Missouri School of Journalism and other departments for cross-disciplinary study. Practical opportunities — internships with local and regional publishers, editorial work for student-run journals, and community-engaged projects — help students build portfolios and professional experience while completing their degree.

Overall, the programme is designed to prepare students for a range of careers or further study by emphasising adaptable communication skills, critical inquiry and creative practice in the study of English language and literature.