Teaching English as a Second Language Endorsement Preparation - Undergraduate Non-Degree Program

Designed for teachers looking to add a valuable skill to their repertoire, this non-degree program provides comprehensive training in teaching English as a second language. With experienced faculty and practical opportunities, you will develop the knowledge and expertise needed to help students achieve their language learning goals.

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Program Information for Teaching English as a Second Language Endorsement Preparation - Undergraduate Non-Degree Program

Program Description

Program Description

On This Page

Full Description

The non-degree program in Teaching English as Second Language Endorsement Preparation allows students to concurrently seek an undergraduate degree program leading to state licensure at Kent State while also working toward meeting TESL endorsement requirements of the Ohio Department of Education. The program increases student knowledge of language and second language learning in the P-12 context while it prepares them as teachers of English learners.

Successful completion of this program serves as recommendation to the Ohio Department of Education for endorsement in TESL, but it is not a degree program. Students must complete their degree program and be qualified for licensure in another area of study. The endorsement serves as an add-on to a state teaching license in Ohio.

Professional Licensure Disclosure

This program is designed to prepare students to sit for applicable licensure or certification in Ohio. If you plan to pursue licensure or certification in a state other than Ohio, please review state educational requirements for licensure or certification and contact information for state licensing boards at Kent State's website for professional licensure disclosure.

Admissions for Teaching English as a Second Language Endorsement Preparation - Undergraduate Non-Degree Program

Admissions

Admission Requirements

The university affirmatively strives to provide educational opportunities and access to students with varied backgrounds, those with special talents and adult students.

First-Year Students on the Kent Campus: First-year admission policy on the Kent Campus is selective. Admission decisions are based upon cumulative grade point average, strength of high school college preparatory curriculum and grade trends. Students not admissible to the Kent Campus may be administratively referred to one of the seven regional campuses to begin their college coursework. For more information, visit the admissions website for first-year students.

First-Year Students on the Regional Campuses: First-year admission to Kent State’s campuses at Ashtabula, East Liverpool, Geauga, Salem, Stark, Trumbull and Tuscarawas, as well as the Twinsburg Academic Center, is open to anyone with a high school diploma or its equivalent. For more information on admissions, contact the Regional Campuses admissions offices.

International Students: All international students must provide proof of proficiency of the English language (unless they meet specific exceptions) through the submission of an English language proficiency test score or by completing English language classes at Kent State’s English as a Second Language Center before entering their program. For more information, visit the admissions website for international students.

Former Students: Former Kent State students who have not attended another institution since Kent State and were not academically dismissed will complete the re-enrollment process through the Financial, Billing and Enrollment Center. Former students who attended another college or university since leaving Kent State must apply for admissions as a transfer or post-undergraduate student.

Transfer Students: Students who attended an educational institution after graduating from high school or earning their GED must apply as transfer students. For more information, visit the admissions website for transfer students.

Admission policies for undergraduate students may be found in the University Catalog's Academic Policies.

Students may be required to meet certain criteria to progress in their program. Any progression requirements will be listed on the program's Coursework tab

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Completers of this program will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate understanding of different fields within teaching English as a second language, including linguistics, language acquisition, pedagogy and practice.
  2. Demonstrate understanding of different cultural norms and practices within effective instruction.
  3. Demonstrate effective language and literacy instruction for English language learners.

Coursework

On This Page

Program Requirements
Endorsement Requirements
ENG 31001FUNDAMENTAL ENGLISH GRAMMAR 3
ENG 31003LINGUISTICS 3
ENG 31005CHILD SECOND LANGUAGE ACQUISITION 3
ENG 31007PEDAGOGY FOR TEACHING ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE 13
ENG 31008GRAMMAR FOR TEACHING ENGLISH AS A SECOND/FOREIGN LANGUAGE 3
ENG 41003LANGUAGE CURRICULUM, MATERIALS AND ASSESSMENT 23
ENG 41192ESL PRACTICUM IN A P-12 SETTING (ELR) 33
Minimum Total Credit Hours:21
1

An assessment of professional dispositions occurs in this course demonstrating Endorsement students' understanding of codes of ethics and professional standards appropriate to TESL and work with English Language Learners.

2

Data literacy and analysis, use of research and assessment data, leadership and collaboration, utilizing and supporting appropriate technology for the discipline, and an understanding of laws related to English Language Learners as assessed in this course.

3

Seventy hours of field placements as teacher assistants in area schools enable students to gain collaborative clinical experience as P-12 teachers.

Graduation Requirements
  • Minimum GPA: 3.000

LICENSURE INFORMATION

Candidates seeking Ohio teaching licensure are required to pass specific requirements in order to apply for licensure from the Ohio Department of Education (ODE). Students should consult the Special Education Department for specific program requirements and refer to the Ohio Department of Education - Educator Preparation website for more information on assessments specific to licensure type.

Program Delivery

Program Delivery

  • Delivery:
    • In person
  • Location:
    • Kent Campus

Accreditation for Teaching English as a Second Language Endorsement Preparation - Undergraduate Non-Degree Program

Accreditation

Ohio Department of Education (CAEP)

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries for Teaching English as a Second Language Endorsement Preparation - Undergraduate Non-Degree Program

Adult basic education, adult secondary education, and English as a Second Language instructors

-10.4%

decline

59,300

number of jobs

$55,350

potential earnings

Elementary school teachers, except special education

3.5%

about as fast as the average

1,452,100

number of jobs

$60,940

potential earnings

Kindergarten teachers, except special education

3.7%

about as fast as the average

127,700

number of jobs

$57,860

potential earnings

Middle school teachers, except special and career/technical education

3.6%

about as fast as the average

627,100

number of jobs

$60,810

potential earnings

Preschool teachers, except special education

2.5%

slower than the average

540,400

number of jobs

$31,930

potential earnings

Secondary school teachers, except special and career/technical education

3.8%

about as fast as the average

1,050,800

number of jobs

$62,870

potential earnings

Notice: Career Information Source
* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.
Kent State's Hospitality Draws Siblings to Same Program

Abby and Nate Bergdorf are both attending Kent State and majoring in hospitality.

Family legacy is important to junior Abby Bergdorf and her younger brother Nate. The siblings decided to attend Kent State University because their father and grandparents are alumni. Even their older brother earned his degree at Kent State and is now working on his master’s degree here. But the siblings have taken the family legacy thing a giant step further by majoring in Hospitality and Event Management in the College of Education, Health and Human Services. Abby and Nate also are following in the footsteps of a beloved uncle who recently retired from the park and recreation indust...

Teaching English as a Foreign Language - Undergraduate Certificate

The Teaching English as a Foreign Language undergraduate certificate immerses students within another culture while at the same time giving them the structure and support that allows them to succeed as teachers of English. With the world’s growing need for individuals who speak English, the demand for people who can teach English as a foreign language has grown rapidly over the past few decades.

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Program Information for Teaching English as a Foreign Language - Undergraduate Certificate

Coursework

On This Page

Program Requirements

Certificate Requirements

ENG 31001FUNDAMENTAL ENGLISH GRAMMAR 3
ENG 31003LINGUISTICS 3
ENG 31007PEDAGOGY FOR TEACHING ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE 3
ENG 31008GRAMMAR FOR TEACHING ENGLISH AS A SECOND/FOREIGN LANGUAGE 3
ENG 41292TEACHING ENGLISH AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE PRACTICUM (ELR) 16
Minimum Total Credit Hours:18
1

Students also enrolled in the B.A. Teaching English Second Language [TESL] major with a minor in Education should take 3 credit hours of ENG 41292 in Florence and 3 credit hours of ENG 41192 in Ohio.

 

Graduation Requirements
 
Minimum Certificate GPA Minimum Overall GPA
2.000 2.000
  • Students must complete a minimum of 15 credit hours at Kent State.
Admissions for Teaching English as a Foreign Language - Undergraduate Certificate

Admissions

Admission Requirements

The university affirmatively strives to provide educational opportunities and access to students with varied backgrounds, those with special talents and adult students.

First-Year Students on the Kent Campus: First-year admission policy on the Kent Campus is selective. Admission decisions are based upon cumulative grade point average, strength of high school college preparatory curriculum and grade trends. Students not admissible to the Kent Campus may be administratively referred to one of the seven regional campuses to begin their college coursework. For more information, visit the admissions website for first-year students.

First-Year Students on the Regional Campuses: First-year admission to Kent State’s campuses at Ashtabula, East Liverpool, Geauga, Salem, Stark, Trumbull and Tuscarawas, as well as the Twinsburg Academic Center, is open to anyone with a high school diploma or its equivalent. For more information on admissions, contact the Regional Campuses admissions offices.

International Students: All international students must provide proof of proficiency of the English language (unless they meet specific exceptions) through the submission of an English language proficiency test score or by completing English language classes at Kent State’s English as a Second Language Center before entering their program. For more information, visit the admissions website for international students.

Former Students: Former Kent State students who have not attended another institution since Kent State and were not academically dismissed will complete the re-enrollment process through the Financial, Billing and Enrollment Center. Former students who attended another college or university since leaving Kent State must apply for admissions as a transfer or post-undergraduate student.

Transfer Students: Students who attended an educational institution after graduating from high school or earning their GED must apply as transfer students. For more information, visit the admissions website for transfer students.

Admission policies for undergraduate students may be found in the University Catalog's Academic Policies.

Students may be required to meet certain criteria to progress in their program. Any progression requirements will be listed on the program's Coursework tab

Program Delivery

Program Delivery

  • Delivery:
    • In person
  • Location:
    • Kent Campus

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries for Teaching English as a Foreign Language - Undergraduate Certificate

Adult basic education, adult secondary education, and English as a Second Language instructors

-10.4%

decline

59,300

number of jobs

$55,350

potential earnings

Tutors and teachers and instructors, all other

7.4%

faster than the average

406,200

number of jobs

$40,590

potential earnings

Additional Careers
  • Teacher of English as a foreign language
  • Language school instructor (in the U.S. or abroad)
  • Assistant language teacher
  • Educational materials writer/editor
  • Language assessment writer/editor
  • Curriculum designer
  • Educational consultant
Notice: Career Information Source
* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.

Professional and Technical Writing - Minor

The Professional and Technical Writing minor provides training in writing, editing, proofreading and publishing for students seeking to enter professional or technical fields that demand strong written communication.

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Program Information for Professional and Technical Writing - Minor

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate specialized knowledge and skills in professional writing.
  2. Employ research tools and methods appropriate for the academic study of rhetoric and writing.
  3. Produce professional writing with attention to appropriate genre conventions, format and citation guidelines, stylistic expectations and grammatical rules.

Admissions for Professional and Technical Writing - Minor

Admissions

Admission Requirements

Admission to a minor is open to students declared in a bachelor’s degree, the A.A.B. or A.A.S. degree or the A.T.S. degree (not Individualized Program major). Students declared only in the A.A. or A.S. degree or the A.T.S. degree in Individualized Program may not declare a minor. Students may not pursue a minor and a major in the same discipline.

Coursework

On This Page

Program Requirements

Minor Requirements

Minor Requirements
ENG 20002INTRODUCTION TO TECHNICAL WRITING 3
ENG 30063PROFESSIONAL WRITING 3
ENG 30074GRAMMAR FOR EDITING 13
or ENG 40072 HOW TO EDIT PROFESSIONALLY
Minor Electives, choose from the following: 29
ENG 30050
WRITING AND RHETORIC IN A DIGITAL AGE
ENG 30051
WRITING, RHETORIC AND NEW MEDIA
ENG 30053
WRITING FOR VIDEO GAMES
ENG 30062
PRINCIPLES OF TECHNICAL WRITING
ENG 30064
ARGUMENTATIVE PROSE WRITING
ENG 30065
EXPOSITORY PROSE WRITING
ENG 30066
WRITING IN THE PUBLIC SPHERE (ELR)
ENG 30074
GRAMMAR FOR EDITING
ENG 38895
SPECIAL TOPICS IN WRITING
ENG 40072
HOW TO EDIT PROFESSIONALLY
ENG 42092
WRITING INTERNSHIP (ELR) 3
ENG 42192
SERVICE LEARNING IN ENGLISH STUDIES (ELR)
HDF 44032
NONPROFIT FUNDRAISING AND GRANTWRITING
MDJ 20001
MEDIA, POWER AND CULTURE (DIVD) (KSS)
TRST 30230
APPROACHES TO TRANSLATION
Minimum Total Credit Hours:18
1

The course not selected (ENG 30074 or ENG 40072) may be taken to fulfill a minor elective.

2

In selecting electives, students are encouraged to combine choices into an area of emphasis, such as digital/web writing; technical and scientific writing; editing and publishing; or public advocacy writing. Students may apply to the chair of the Department of English for permission to use special topics courses and other appropriate courses not listed in the curriculum to fulfill the minor electives. Students in the College of Communication and Information may request that specific courses in communication studies and media and journalism be accepted to fulfill minor electives.

3

Though offered for variable credit, students pursuing the minor should take 3 credit hours of ENG 42092.

Graduation Requirements
Minimum Minor GPA Minimum Overall GPA
2.000 2.000
  • Students who wish to complete a longer project or prepare a portfolio for graduate school or for a job application, may request to be enrolled in ENG 40099 for two additional credit hours of individualized work.
  • Minimum 6 credit hours in the minor must be upper-division coursework (30000 and 40000 level).
  • Minimum 6 credit hours in the minor must be outside of the course requirements for any major or other minor the student is pursuing.
  • Minimum 50 percent of the total credit hours for the minor must be taken at Kent State (in residence).
Program Delivery

Program Delivery

  • Delivery:
    • In person
  • Location:
    • Ashtabula Campus
    • East Liverpool Campus
    • Geauga Campus
    • Kent Campus
    • Salem Campus
    • Stark Campus
    • Trumbull Campus
    • Tuscarawas Campus
    • Twinsburg Academic Center

English - Minor

The English minor offers students the opportunity to gain expertise in the study of historical literature, literary movement, major authors, genre studies and literary theory. The minor is an especially attractive complement to degrees in fine arts, foreign languages, history, sociology, psychology, business and journalism.

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Program Information for English - Minor

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate specialized knowledge and skills in literary studies.
  2. Employ research tools and methods appropriate for the academic study of literature.
  3. Produce academic writing with attention to appropriate genre conventions, format and citation guidelines, stylistic expectations and grammatical rules.

Admissions for English - Minor

Admissions

Admission Requirements

Admission to a minor is open to students declared in a bachelor’s degree, the A.A.B. or A.A.S. degree or the A.T.S. degree (not Individualized Program major). Students declared only in the A.A. or A.S. degree or the A.T.S. degree in Individualized Program may not declare a minor. Students may not pursue a minor and a major in the same discipline.

Coursework

On This Page

Program Requirements

Minor Requirements

Minor Requirements
ENG 24001INTRODUCTION TO LITERARY STUDY 3
English (ENG) Electives (20000, 30000 or 40000 level) 16
Literary Study Electives, choose from the following:9
ENG 21001
INTRODUCTION TO ETHNIC LITERATURE OF THE UNITED STATES (DIVD)
ENG 21002
INTRODUCTION TO WOMEN'S LITERATURE (DIVD)
ENG 21003
INTRODUCTION TO LGBT LITERATURE (DIVD)
ENG 32001
CHILDREN'S LITERATURE
ENG 32002
LITERATURE FOR YOUNG ADULTS
ENG 33001
U.S. LITERATURE TO 1865
ENG 33002
U.S. LITERATURE FROM 1865 TO 1945
ENG 33003
U.S. LITERATURE FROM 1945 TO PRESENT
ENG 33005
NATIVE AMERICAN LITERATURE (DIVD)
ENG 33010
AFRICAN-AMERICAN LITERATURE TO 1900
ENG 33012
MODERN AFRICAN-AMERICAN LITERATURE
ENG 33013
AFRICANA WOMEN'S LITERATURE (DIVG)
ENG 33014
AFRICAN-AMERICAN WOMEN'S LITERATURE
ENG 33015
AFRICAN LITERATURES (DIVG)
ENG 34001
MEDIEVAL LITERATURE
ENG 34002
BRITISH LITERATURE, 1500-1660
ENG 34003
BRITISH LITERATURE, 1660-1800
ENG 34004
BRITISH LITERATURE, 1800-1900
ENG 34005
BRITISH AND IRISH LITERATURE, 1900-PRESENT
ENG 34011
WORLD LITERATURE IN ENGLISH (DIVG)
ENG 34021
WOMEN'S LITERATURE (DIVD)
ENG 34031
SHORT STORY
ENG 34041
FAIRY TALES
ENG 34055
SHAKESPEARE
ENG 34065
CHAUCER
ENG 34070
KNIGHTS AND OUTLAWS IN LITERATURE AND CULTURE
ENG 34090
SHAKESPEARE IN PERFORMANCE (ELR)
ENG 34095
SPECIAL TOPICS:MAJOR AUTHOR STUDIES
ENG 35105
LITERATURE, CULTURE AND ENVIRONMENT
ENG 35201
THE BIBLE AS LITERATURE
ENG 35301
LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL AND TRANSGENDER: CRITICAL PERSPECTIVES (DIVD)
ENG 35401
SCIENCE FICTION
ENG 36005
FILM AND NARRATIVE
ENG 37001
CLASSICAL RHETORIC
ENG 39095
SPECIAL TOPICS IN LITERARY HISTORY
ENG 39495
SPECIAL TOPICS IN LITERATURE
ENG 39995
SPECIAL TOPICS CULTURAL STUDIES
ENG 40089
INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE: THEMES IN STUDY ABROAD (DIVG) (ELR)
ENG 49095
SENIOR AND GRADUATE SPECIAL TOPICS
Minor Elective, choose from the following:3
ENG 21054
INTRODUCTION TO SHAKESPEARE (KHUM)
ENG 22071
STORIES THAT BUILT THE WORLD: HEROES, QUESTS AND LEGENDS (KHUM)
ENG 22072
STORIES TO SAVE THE WORLD: LITERATURE AND THE FUTURE OF HUMANITY (KHUM)
ENG 22073
MAJOR MODERN WRITERS: BRITISH AND UNITED STATES (KHUM)
Minimum Total Credit Hours:21
1

Students may not use any of the following to fulfill English (ENG) Electives: ENG 21011, ENG 41092, ENG 41192, ENG 41292, ENG 41392 or any 10000-level ENG courses.

Graduation Requirements
Minimum Minor GPA Minimum Overall GPA
2.000 2.000
  • Minimum 9 of the 21 total credit hours in the minor must be upper-division coursework (30000 and 40000 level).
  • Minimum 6 credit hours in the minor must be outside of the course requirements for any major or other minor the student is pursuing.
  • Minimum 50 percent of the total credit hours for the minor must be taken at Kent State (in residence).
Program Delivery

Program Delivery

  • Delivery:
    • In person
  • Location:
    • Ashtabula Campus
    • East Liverpool Campus
    • Geauga Campus
    • Kent Campus
    • Salem Campus
    • Stark Campus
    • Trumbull Campus
    • Tuscarawas Campus

Creative Writing - Minor

The Creative Writing minor encourages the development of creative work in a variety of literary modes and genres. Students gain practice in editing, peer critique and revision within small workshop classes and seminars.

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Program Information for Creative Writing - Minor

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate specialized knowledge and skills in creative writing.
  2. Articulate the similarities and differences among the genres of creative writing, such as poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction and drama.
  3. Produce creative writing with attention to appropriate genre conventions, format and citation guidelines, stylistic expectations and grammatical rules.
  4. Participate in creative writing workshops.
  5. Revise and refine written work in light of critiques.

Admissions for Creative Writing - Minor

Admissions

Admission Requirements

Admission to a minor is open to students declared in a bachelor’s degree, the A.A.B. or A.A.S. degree or the A.T.S. degree (not Individualized Program major). Students declared only in the A.A. or A.S. degree or the A.T.S. degree in Individualized Program may not declare a minor. Students may not pursue a minor and a major in the same discipline.

Coursework

On This Page

Program Requirements

Minor Requirements

Minor Requirements
ENG 20021INTRODUCTION TO CREATIVE WRITING 3
ENG 30067FICTION WRITING I 13
or ENG 30069 POETRY WRITING I
Writing Electives, choose from the following:9
AFS 22000
CREATIVE WRITING IN THE BLACK WORLD
ENG 30053
WRITING FOR VIDEO GAMES
ENG 30067
FICTION WRITING I
ENG 30068
FICTION WRITING II
ENG 30069
POETRY WRITING I
ENG 30070
POETRY WRITING II
ENG 30071
CREATIVE NONFICTION
ENG 30075
STARTING A NOVEL
ENG 38895
SPECIAL TOPICS IN WRITING
ENG 40072
HOW TO EDIT PROFESSIONALLY
ENG 43092
TEACHING POETRY IN THE SCHOOLS (ELR)
MDJ 20004
ADVERTISING WRITING AND STORYTELLING
THEA 41026
PLAYWRITING (WIC)
Cognate Electives, choose from the following: 26
ENG 22073
MAJOR MODERN WRITERS: BRITISH AND UNITED STATES (KHUM)
ENG 30074
GRAMMAR FOR EDITING
ENG 32001
CHILDREN'S LITERATURE
ENG 32002
LITERATURE FOR YOUNG ADULTS
ENG 34031
SHORT STORY
ENG 34041
FAIRY TALES
ENG 35105
LITERATURE, CULTURE AND ENVIRONMENT
ENG 36005
FILM AND NARRATIVE
ENG 42092
WRITING INTERNSHIP (ELR) 3
MDJ 20001
MEDIA, POWER AND CULTURE (DIVD) (KSS)
PHIL 31060
PHILOSOPHY OF ART AND BEAUTY (ELR)
PHIL 41080
PHILOSOPHY AND ART: 1890 - PRESENT
Minimum Total Credit Hours:21
1

The course not selected (ENG 30067 or ENG 30069) may be taken to fulfill a writing elective.

2

Students may apply to the chair of the Department of English for permission to use special topics courses and other appropriate courses not listed in the curriculum to satisfy the cognate requirements. In addition, students in the College of the Arts may request that specific courses in art, art history, music and theater be accepted as meeting the cognate area requirements. Students in the College of Communication and Information may request that specific courses in communication studies and journalism and mass communication be accepted as meeting the cognate area requirements.

3

Though offered for variable credit, students pursuing the minor should take 3 credit hours of ENG 42092.

Graduation Requirements
Minimum Minor GPA Minimum Overall GPA
2.000 2.000
  • Students who wish to complete a longer project or prepare a portfolio for graduate school or for a job application may request to be enrolled in ENG 40099 for two additional credit hours of individualized work.
  • Minimum 6 credit hours in the minor must be upper-division coursework (30000 and 40000 level).
  • Minimum 6 credit hours in the minor must be outside of the course requirements for any major or other minor the student is pursuing.
  • Minimum 50 percent of the total credit hours for the minor must be taken at Kent State (in residence).
Program Delivery

Program Delivery

  • Delivery:
    • In person
  • Location:
    • Ashtabula Campus
    • East Liverpool Campus
    • Geauga Campus
    • Kent Campus
    • Salem Campus
    • Stark Campus
    • Trumbull Campus
    • Tuscarawas Campus
    • Twinsburg Academic Center

English - B.A.

The English B.A. program offers a comprehensive education in literature, writing and critical thinking. With personalized attention from faculty and opportunities for creative expression, you will cultivate your voice and become a versatile communicator. 

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Program Information for English - B.A.

Program Description

Program Description

Full Description

The Bachelor of Arts degree in English prepares students to be insightful readers and innovative writers. Students are introduced to literary traditions and critical methods through core courses and encouraged to pursue personal interests in the selection of a concentration and elective courses. English classes challenge students to develop reading, research and writing skills that will equip them for a wide range of careers.

The English major comprises the following concentrations:

  • The General concentration allows students to combine elective choices in creative writing, professional writing, rhetoric, historical literature, genre studies and literary theory based on personal interest.
  • The Literature concentration emphasizes the interpretation of literary texts drawn from a variety of historical and cultural contexts. Students develop an understanding of genre conventions and different theoretical and critical methods of analysis.
  • The Professional Writing concentration offers courses in professional writing, editing and rhetoric. The concentration requires a professional experience elective fulfilled by an internship, service-learning placement or an advanced course in editing.

Students have opportunities in extracurricular organizations, including the English Club, Sigma Tau Delta and the Writer’s Workshops; as well as such student publications as the literary arts magazine Luna Negra. Students are encouraged to study abroad, engage in undergraduate research, commit to service-learning and complete a writing internship.

English students may apply early to the M.A. degree in English and double count 9 credit hours of graduate courses toward both degree programs. See the Combined Bachelor's/Master's Degree Program Policy in the University Catalog for more information.

Admissions for English - B.A.

Admissions

Admission Requirements

The university affirmatively strives to provide educational opportunities and access to students with varied backgrounds, those with special talents and adult students.

First-Year Students on the Kent Campus: First-year admission policy on the Kent Campus is selective. Admission decisions are based upon cumulative grade point average, strength of high school college preparatory curriculum and grade trends. Students not admissible to the Kent Campus may be administratively referred to one of the seven regional campuses to begin their college coursework. For more information, visit the admissions website for first-year students.

First-Year Students on the Regional Campuses: First-year admission to Kent State’s campuses at Ashtabula, East Liverpool, Geauga, Salem, Stark, Trumbull and Tuscarawas, as well as the Twinsburg Academic Center, is open to anyone with a high school diploma or its equivalent. For more information on admissions, contact the Regional Campuses admissions offices.

International Students: All international students must provide proof of proficiency of the English language (unless they meet specific exceptions) through the submission of an English language proficiency test score or by completing English language classes at Kent State’s English as a Second Language Center before entering their program. For more information, visit the admissions website for international students.

Former Students: Former Kent State students who have not attended another institution since Kent State and were not academically dismissed will complete the re-enrollment process through the Financial, Billing and Enrollment Center. Former students who attended another college or university since leaving Kent State must apply for admissions as a transfer or post-undergraduate student.

Transfer Students: Students who attended an educational institution after graduating from high school or earning their GED must apply as transfer students. For more information, visit the admissions website for transfer students.

Admission policies for undergraduate students may be found in the University Catalog's Academic Policies.

Students may be required to meet certain criteria to progress in their program. Any progression requirements will be listed on the program's Coursework tab

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  1. Exhibit specialized knowledge and skills in literary studies or professional writing.
  2. Employ research tools and methods appropriate for the academic study of literature, rhetoric or writing.
  3. Describe and apply a variety of critical theories to the study of literature, rhetoric or writing.
  4. Produce academic, creative or professional writing with attention to appropriate genre conventions, format and citation guidelines, stylistic expectations and grammatical rules.
  5. Complete a long written project with the application of appropriate critical, creative or professional approaches; mastery of research methods and resources; and awareness of audience, rhetorical context and discourse functions.

Coursework

On This Page

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

Major Requirements (courses count in major GPA)
ENG 24001INTRODUCTION TO LITERARY STUDY 13
ENG 25001LITERATURE IN ENGLISH I 13
or ENG 25004 LITERATURE IN THE UNITED STATES I
ENG 25002LITERATURE IN ENGLISH II 13
or ENG 25005 LITERATURE IN THE UNITED STATES II
ENG 38001CRITICAL THEORY AND READING 3
or ENG 38002 RHETORIC AND WRITING STUDIES
ENG 49091SENIOR SEMINAR (ELR) (WIC) 23
English (ENG) Electives (20000, 30000 or 40000 level) 1,36
Additional Requirements (courses do not count in the major GPA)
UC 10001FLASHES 101 1
Foreign Language (see Foreign Language College Requirement below)10-16
Kent Core Composition6
Kent Core Mathematics and Critical Reasoning3
Kent Core Humanities and Fine Arts (minimum one course from each) 19
Kent Core Social Sciences (must be from two disciplines)6
Kent Core Basic Sciences (must include one laboratory)6-7
Kent Core Additional6
General Electives (total credit hours depends on earning 120 credit hours, including 39 upper-division credit hours)34
Concentrations
Choose from the following:18
General
Literature
Professional Writing
Minimum Total Credit Hours:120
1

Maximum 15 credit hours of English (ENG) lower-division (10000 or 20000 level) courses will count toward the major. They may include the following Kent Core courses: ENG 21002, ENG 21003, ENG 21054, ENG 22071, ENG 22072, ENG 22073 (or ENG 21001).

2

A minimum C grade must be earned to fulfill the writing-intensive requirement.

3

The following courses will not fulfill English (ENG) Electives: ENG 21011, ENG 41092, ENG 41192, ENG 41292, ENG 41392 and any ENG 10000-level course.

General Concentration Requirements

Concentration Requirements (courses count in major GPA)
Writing, Rhetoric and Linguistics Electives, choose from the following:6
ENG 20002
INTRODUCTION TO TECHNICAL WRITING
ENG 20021
INTRODUCTION TO CREATIVE WRITING
ENG 24002
INTRODUCTION TO COMPOSITION THEORY
ENG 30050
WRITING AND RHETORIC IN A DIGITAL AGE
ENG 30051
WRITING, RHETORIC AND NEW MEDIA
ENG 30053
WRITING FOR VIDEO GAMES
ENG 30062
PRINCIPLES OF TECHNICAL WRITING
ENG 30063
PROFESSIONAL WRITING
ENG 30064
ARGUMENTATIVE PROSE WRITING
ENG 30065
EXPOSITORY PROSE WRITING
ENG 30066
WRITING IN THE PUBLIC SPHERE (ELR)
ENG 30067
FICTION WRITING I
ENG 30068
FICTION WRITING II
ENG 30069
POETRY WRITING I
ENG 30070
POETRY WRITING II
ENG 30071
CREATIVE NONFICTION
ENG 30074
GRAMMAR FOR EDITING
ENG 30075
STARTING A NOVEL
ENG 31001
FUNDAMENTAL ENGLISH GRAMMAR
ENG 31002
HISTORY OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE
ENG 31003
LINGUISTICS
ENG 31004
LEXICOLOGY/LEXICOGRAPHY
ENG 31006
WORLD ENGLISHES (DIVG) (WIC)
ENG 31012
GENDER AND LANGUAGE
ENG 31095
SPECIAL TOPICS IN LINGUISTICS
ENG 38895
SPECIAL TOPICS IN WRITING
ENG 39895
SPECIAL TOPICS IN RHETORIC, COMPOSITION AND WRITING
ENG 40072
HOW TO EDIT PROFESSIONALLY
ENG 40073
HOW TO PUBLISH: BOOKS AND BEYOND
ENG 41194
TUTORING OF WRITING
ENG 42092
WRITING INTERNSHIP (ELR)
ENG 42192
SERVICE LEARNING IN ENGLISH STUDIES (ELR)
ENG 43092
TEACHING POETRY IN THE SCHOOLS (ELR)
Historical Literature-Early Period Elective, choose from the following:3
ENG 33001
U.S. LITERATURE TO 1865
ENG 33010
AFRICAN-AMERICAN LITERATURE TO 1900
ENG 34001
MEDIEVAL LITERATURE
ENG 34002
BRITISH LITERATURE, 1500-1660
ENG 34055
SHAKESPEARE
ENG 34065
CHAUCER
ENG 34070
KNIGHTS AND OUTLAWS IN LITERATURE AND CULTURE
ENG 34090
SHAKESPEARE IN PERFORMANCE (ELR)
ENG 37001
CLASSICAL RHETORIC
Historical Literature-Modern Period Elective, choose from the following:3
ENG 33002
U.S. LITERATURE FROM 1865 TO 1945
ENG 33003
U.S. LITERATURE FROM 1945 TO PRESENT
ENG 33012
MODERN AFRICAN-AMERICAN LITERATURE
ENG 34003
BRITISH LITERATURE, 1660-1800
ENG 34004
BRITISH LITERATURE, 1800-1900
ENG 34005
BRITISH AND IRISH LITERATURE, 1900-PRESENT
ENG 34095
SPECIAL TOPICS:MAJOR AUTHOR STUDIES
ENG 39095
SPECIAL TOPICS IN LITERARY HISTORY
Genre Studies, Cultural Studies, Literary Theory Electives, choose from the following:6
ENG 21001
INTRODUCTION TO ETHNIC LITERATURE OF THE UNITED STATES (DIVD)
ENG 21002
INTRODUCTION TO WOMEN'S LITERATURE (DIVD)
ENG 21003
INTRODUCTION TO LGBT LITERATURE (DIVD)
ENG 32001
CHILDREN'S LITERATURE
ENG 32002
LITERATURE FOR YOUNG ADULTS
ENG 33005
NATIVE AMERICAN LITERATURE (DIVD)
ENG 33013
AFRICANA WOMEN'S LITERATURE (DIVG)
ENG 33014
AFRICAN-AMERICAN WOMEN'S LITERATURE
ENG 33015
AFRICAN LITERATURES (DIVG)
ENG 34011
WORLD LITERATURE IN ENGLISH (DIVG)
ENG 34021
WOMEN'S LITERATURE (DIVD)
ENG 34031
SHORT STORY
ENG 34041
FAIRY TALES
ENG 35105
LITERATURE, CULTURE AND ENVIRONMENT
ENG 35201
THE BIBLE AS LITERATURE
ENG 35301
LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL AND TRANSGENDER: CRITICAL PERSPECTIVES (DIVD)
ENG 35401
SCIENCE FICTION
ENG 36005
FILM AND NARRATIVE
ENG 39495
SPECIAL TOPICS IN LITERATURE
ENG 39995
SPECIAL TOPICS CULTURAL STUDIES
ENG 40089
INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE: THEMES IN STUDY ABROAD (DIVG) (ELR)
ENG 49095
SENIOR AND GRADUATE SPECIAL TOPICS
Minimum Total Credit Hours:18

Literature Concentration Requirements

Concentration Requirements (courses count in major GPA)
Historical Literature-Early Period Elective, choose from the following:3
ENG 33001
U.S. LITERATURE TO 1865
ENG 33010
AFRICAN-AMERICAN LITERATURE TO 1900
ENG 34001
MEDIEVAL LITERATURE
ENG 34002
BRITISH LITERATURE, 1500-1660
ENG 34055
SHAKESPEARE
ENG 34065
CHAUCER
ENG 34070
KNIGHTS AND OUTLAWS IN LITERATURE AND CULTURE
ENG 34090
SHAKESPEARE IN PERFORMANCE (ELR)
ENG 37001
CLASSICAL RHETORIC
Historical Literature-Modern Period Elective, choose from the following:3
ENG 33002
U.S. LITERATURE FROM 1865 TO 1945
ENG 33003
U.S. LITERATURE FROM 1945 TO PRESENT
ENG 33012
MODERN AFRICAN-AMERICAN LITERATURE
ENG 34003
BRITISH LITERATURE, 1660-1800
ENG 34004
BRITISH LITERATURE, 1800-1900
ENG 34005
BRITISH AND IRISH LITERATURE, 1900-PRESENT
Historical Literature-Topics Elective, choose from the following:3
ENG 34095
SPECIAL TOPICS:MAJOR AUTHOR STUDIES
ENG 39095
SPECIAL TOPICS IN LITERARY HISTORY
Course from Historical Literature-Early Period elective list
Course from Historical Literature-Modern Period elective list
Genre Studies, Cultural Studies, Literary Theory Electives, choose from the following:9
ENG 21001
INTRODUCTION TO ETHNIC LITERATURE OF THE UNITED STATES (DIVD)
ENG 21002
INTRODUCTION TO WOMEN'S LITERATURE (DIVD)
ENG 21003
INTRODUCTION TO LGBT LITERATURE (DIVD)
ENG 32001
CHILDREN'S LITERATURE
ENG 32002
LITERATURE FOR YOUNG ADULTS
ENG 33005
NATIVE AMERICAN LITERATURE (DIVD)
ENG 33013
AFRICANA WOMEN'S LITERATURE (DIVG)
ENG 33014
AFRICAN-AMERICAN WOMEN'S LITERATURE
ENG 33015
AFRICAN LITERATURES (DIVG)
ENG 34011
WORLD LITERATURE IN ENGLISH (DIVG)
ENG 34021
WOMEN'S LITERATURE (DIVD)
ENG 34031
SHORT STORY
ENG 34041
FAIRY TALES
ENG 35105
LITERATURE, CULTURE AND ENVIRONMENT
ENG 35201
THE BIBLE AS LITERATURE
ENG 35301
LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL AND TRANSGENDER: CRITICAL PERSPECTIVES (DIVD)
ENG 35401
SCIENCE FICTION
ENG 36005
FILM AND NARRATIVE
ENG 39495
SPECIAL TOPICS IN LITERATURE
ENG 39995
SPECIAL TOPICS CULTURAL STUDIES
ENG 40089
INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE: THEMES IN STUDY ABROAD (DIVG) (ELR)
ENG 49095
SENIOR AND GRADUATE SPECIAL TOPICS
Minimum Total Credit Hours:18

Professional Writing Concentration Requirements

Concentration Requirements (courses count in major GPA)
ENG 30074GRAMMAR FOR EDITING 3
or ENG 40072 HOW TO EDIT PROFESSIONALLY
Writing Electives, choose from the following:9
ENG 20002
INTRODUCTION TO TECHNICAL WRITING
ENG 30050
WRITING AND RHETORIC IN A DIGITAL AGE
ENG 30051
WRITING, RHETORIC AND NEW MEDIA
ENG 30053
WRITING FOR VIDEO GAMES
ENG 30062
PRINCIPLES OF TECHNICAL WRITING
ENG 30063
PROFESSIONAL WRITING
ENG 30064
ARGUMENTATIVE PROSE WRITING
ENG 30065
EXPOSITORY PROSE WRITING
ENG 38895
SPECIAL TOPICS IN WRITING
Professional Experience Elective, choose from the following:3
ENG 30066
WRITING IN THE PUBLIC SPHERE (ELR)
ENG 40073
HOW TO PUBLISH: BOOKS AND BEYOND
ENG 41194
TUTORING OF WRITING
ENG 42092
WRITING INTERNSHIP (ELR)
ENG 42192
SERVICE LEARNING IN ENGLISH STUDIES (ELR)
Rhetoric and Linguistics Elective, choose from the following:3
ENG 24002
INTRODUCTION TO COMPOSITION THEORY
ENG 31001
FUNDAMENTAL ENGLISH GRAMMAR
ENG 31003
LINGUISTICS
ENG 31012
GENDER AND LANGUAGE
ENG 31095
SPECIAL TOPICS IN LINGUISTICS
ENG 37001
CLASSICAL RHETORIC
ENG 39895
SPECIAL TOPICS IN RHETORIC, COMPOSITION AND WRITING
Minimum Total Credit Hours:18

Graduation Requirements
Minimum Major GPA Minimum Overall GPA
2.000 2.000

Foreign Language College Requirement, B.A.

Students pursuing the Bachelor of Arts degree in the College of Arts and Sciences must complete the following:

  1. Elementary I and II of any language (or equivalent) and
  2. One of the following options:
    1. Intermediate I and II of the same language
    2. Elementary I and II of a second language
    3. Any combination of two courses from the following list:
      1. Intermediate I of the same language
      2. One to two college-level course(s) completed outside the United States
      3. Courses: ARAB 21401, ASL 19401, CHIN 25421, MCLS 10001, MCLS 20001, MCLS 20091, MCLS 21417, MCLS 21420, MCLS 22217, MCLS 28403, MCLS 28404

All students with prior foreign language experience should take the foreign language placement test to determine the appropriate level at which to start. Some students may start beyond the Elementary I level and will complete the requirement with fewer courses. This may be accomplished in one of three ways:

  1. Passing a course beyond Elementary I through Intermediate II level
  2. Receiving credit through one of the alternative credit programs offered by Kent State University
  3. Demonstrating language proficiency comparable to Elementary II of a foreign language

Certain programs may require specific languages, limit the languages from which a student may choose or require coursework through Intermediate II. Students who plan to pursue graduate study may need a particular language proficiency.

Roadmap

Roadmap

Roadmap

This roadmap is a recommended semester-by-semester plan of study for this program. Students will work with their advisor to develop a sequence based on their academic goals and history. Courses designated as critical (!) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation.

Plan of Study Grid
Semester OneCredits
ENG 24001 INTRODUCTION TO LITERARY STUDY 3
UC 10001 FLASHES 101 1
Foreign Language 4
Kent Core Requirement 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
 Credit Hours14
Semester Two
ENG 25001
or ENG 25004
 LITERATURE IN ENGLISH I
or LITERATURE IN THE UNITED STATES I
3
Foreign Language 4
Kent Core Requirement 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
 Credit Hours16
Semester Three
ENG 25002
or ENG 25005
 LITERATURE IN ENGLISH II
or LITERATURE IN THE UNITED STATES II
3
Foreign Language and/or General Elective 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
 Credit Hours15
Semester Four
Concentration Elective 3
Foreign Language and/or General Elective 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
 Credit Hours15
Semester Five
ENG 38001
or ENG 38002
 CRITICAL THEORY AND READING
or RHETORIC AND WRITING STUDIES
3
Concentration Elective 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
General Electives 6
 Credit Hours15
Semester Six
Concentration Electives 6
General Electives 9
 Credit Hours15
Semester Seven
ENG 49091 SENIOR SEMINAR (ELR) (WIC) 3
English Electives 6
General Electives 6
 Credit Hours15
Semester Eight
Concentration Electives 6
General Electives 9
 Credit Hours15
 Minimum Total Credit Hours:120

Program Delivery

Program Delivery

  • Delivery:
    • In person
  • Location:
    • Ashtabula Campus
    • East Liverpool Campus
    • Geauga Campus
    • Kent Campus
    • Salem Campus
    • Stark Campus
    • Trumbull Campus
    • Tuscarawas Campus

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries for English - B.A.

English language and literature teachers, postsecondary

2.1%

slower than the average

81,300

number of jobs

$69,000

potential earnings

Proofreaders and copy markers

-2.7%

decline

10,300

number of jobs

$41,140

potential earnings

Secondary school teachers, except special and career/technical education

3.8%

about as fast as the average

1,050,800

number of jobs

$62,870

potential earnings

Additional careers
  • Content writer/developer
  • Marketing and social media material developer
  • Editor and copy writer
  • Grant writing specialist
  • Community engagement writer and coordinator
  • Project manager – marketing division
Notice: Career Information Source
* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.

Quick Tip: Using Turnitin through Canvas

POSTED: Oct. 02, 2023

All faculty and students have access to the Turnitin tool through Canvas.  This tool can be used to identify potential plagiarism, AI-assisted writing, and inconsistencies from what would be found in a typical paper. Turnitin can also be used to help your students check their drafts for issues before final submission.

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