As an English major, you will learn to read critically and creatively, write persuasively and expressively, and engage in meaningful discussion and debate. Grounded in a liberal arts tradition, our curriculum focuses on diverse perspectives and traditions while preparing students for professions and advanced study.
What to Expect Studying at Notre Dame of Maryland University
Small classes, lectures and seminars ensure personal attention and encourage interactive group discussions in a collaborative environment. Creative writers participate in interactive workshops and are encouraged to publish original writing.
Internship & Professional Opportunities
English majors put their skills to work and gain hands-on experience through elective internships in Baltimore and beyond, building résumés and professional networks while exploring possible career paths.
Recent Internships Include:
Publishing & Media (Local newspapers, magazines, digital content platforms)
Education (Schools, libraries, literacy programs, after-school and community education organizations)
Law & Government (Law firms, advocacy groups, legislative offices, public service agencies)
Business & Marketing (Public relations firms, marketing agencies, corporate communications, nonprofits)
Arts & Culture (Theaters, museums, arts organizations, cultural nonprofits)
Technology & Innovation (Technical writing, UX/content design)
English Careers
An English degree can be a pathway to teaching or publishing—and it’s also preparation for a wide range of careers that value strong communication, critical thinking, creativity, and cultural awareness. Our graduates are hired by businesses, schools, nonprofits, law firms, government agencies, and media organizations. Many also continue on to graduate and professional schools in English law, library science, education, business, journalism, public policy and more.
Where Our Students Work
Education
Secondary and elementary school teachers, literacy specialists, higher education staff and faculty
Law & Government
Lawyers, paralegals, legislative aides, policy analysts
Business & Nonprofit Leadership
Managers, consultants, nonprofit directors, grant writers
Media & Publishing
Editors, technical writers, journalists, digital content managers
Marketing & Communications
Public relations specialists, copywriters, brand strategists, marketing managers
Creative Industries
Novelists, poets, playwrights, screenwriters, arts administrators
Emerging Fields
UX and content design, digital storytelling, instructional design, community engagement
Transferable Skills Employers Value
- Writing with clarity and impact across platforms
- Researching, analyzing, and interpreting complex information
- Communicating across diverse audiences and cultures
- Managing projects, deadlines, and collaborative work
- Thinking critically and creatively to solve problems
Graduate Schools Attended by Our Majors
American University
Catholic University of America
Mary Baldwin University
Syracuse University
Towson University
University of Baltimore
UCLA
University of Delaware
University of New Orleans
University of Maryland, Baltimore County
University of Maryland, College Park
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Yale University
Additional Info
Sample program of study for the English major. Students should select courses with the assistance of a faculty advisor.
See course descriptions for a list of required courses and description of course and program options.
| Fall | Spring | ||
|---|---|---|---|
First Year |
|||
| ENG-101 College Writing | 3 | English elective | 3 |
| ENG-215 or 216 | 3 | General Education/Electives | 12 |
| General Education/Electives | 6 | [15 credits] | |
| NDMU-100 Perspectives in Education | 4 | ||
| [15 credits] | |||
Second Year |
|||
| ENG-224 Lit Perspectives I | 3 | ENG-223 Literary Research | 3 |
| Creative Writing | 3 | ENG-244 Lit Perspectives II | 3 |
| General Education/Electives | 9 | General Education/Electives | 9 |
| [15 credits] | [15 credits] | ||
Third Year |
|||
| ENG-317 or ENG-319 Shakespeare |
3 | ENG-453 Lit Interpretation | 3 |
| English Elective | 3 | ENG-327 Contemporary World Lit | 3 |
| General Education/Electives | 9 | General Education/Electives | 9 |
| [15 credits] | [15 credits] | ||
Fourth Year |
|||
| English elective (300/400-level) | 3 | ENG-452 Seminar | 3 |
| English elective (300/400-level) | 3 | English elective (300/400-level) | 3 |
| General Education/Electives | 9 | General Education/Electives | 9 |
| [15 credits] | [15 credits] | ||