University of Mississippi

What you'll study

The programme combines a foundation in literary history and criticism with opportunities to specialise in areas such as American literature, British literature, African American and Southern literatures, creative writing, rhetoric and linguistics. Early coursework emphasises reading and critical writing, while upper-level seminars ask students to pursue sustained research projects.

• Core topics: introduction to literary analysis, literary theory, history of the English language and composition studies.
• Period and regional surveys: British literature surveys (medieval through contemporary), American literature (colonial to contemporary), and courses in Southern and African American literary traditions.
• Advanced seminars: focused study on authors, genres or themes (for example, Shakespeare, the novel, modern poetry, race and representation).
• Creative writing: workshops in fiction, poetry and creative nonfiction, with opportunities to build a writing portfolio.
• Rhetoric and linguistics: courses in rhetoric, argumentation, sociolinguistics and discourse analysis, useful for careers in communication and editing.
• Capstone options: senior seminar, honours thesis or a creative portfolio depending on degree track and adviser guidance.
• Experiential learning: internships with campus and community publications, work in archives and special collections, study abroad options, and possibilities for interdisciplinary electives.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised secondary school qualification. Admission decisions take into account academic transcripts, strength of the programme’s coursework in the humanities, and a personal statement or writing sample that demonstrates readiness for university-level literary study. Standardised test submission may be optional depending on university policy.

Transfer applicants are considered on the basis of college transcripts and usually need to show satisfactory performance in previous post-secondary work. International applicants must meet the university's English-language proficiency requirements (for example, acceptable scores on recognised tests) and provide equivalent academic documentation.

Career prospects

Graduates with a BA in English from the University of Mississippi move into a wide range of professions. Typical career paths include:

• Secondary education and, with appropriate certification, teaching in K–12 schools.
• Publishing, editing and literary agency roles, including editorial assistant and copy editor positions.
• Journalism, content creation and communications roles in public relations, marketing and digital media.
• Law, library and archives work, non-profit administration and public service — areas that value analytical reading and strong written communication.
• Graduate study in English, creative writing, cultural studies or professional degrees such as law or journalism.

Why study at University of Mississippi

The University of Mississippi offers a strong English programme framed by rich local literary resources and active faculty scholarship. Located in Oxford, a town with a lively literary culture and historic connections to major American writers, the department benefits from proximity to archives, museums and community literary events.

Students can work with faculty on research and creative projects, access the university's special collections and participate in internships with campus publications and regional media. Small seminar-style classes, advising for honours and capstone work, and links to broader humanities centres provide a supportive environment for developing critical and creative skills useful across many careers.