The English major teaches students to appreciate and use the English language and literature effectively for critical thinking, effective communication, citizenship, and career success. Students in the major build strong writing skills and engage in high-level critical and analytical thinking. They encounter enriching, enduring, experimental, and complex works of literature. And they grapple with perspectives far distant from their own, examining their deepest values. Instructors introduce students to a wide range of genres and cultural perspectives, and pay close attention to all aspects of student thinking and writing, from logic and evidence to originality and style. Fostering communication skills, stimulating creativity, developing cultural sensitivity, and sharpening analytical abilities, the English major prepares students for a broad range of careers.
The general English major which emphasizes literary and cultural studies. It has two named options: Creative Writing or Language and Linguistics. All students take a core curriculum that introduces them to a range of approaches to literature and language, including courses in literary and cultural history. Students who opt for the general major build on core courses with intermediate and advanced classes that focus on texts from across a range of periods and places, investigating literature and culture using multiple methods and approaches. Students pursuing the Creative Writing option take the core curriculum with a sequence of creative-writing workshops. Students wishing to emphasize Language and Linguistics choose courses in grammar, the history of the English language, phonology, and language acquisition.
Teaching Major
Those who wish to prepare for teaching careers at the secondary level should complete the undergraduate English major and then apply for a teaching certificate or graduate education program. For further information, students should make an appointment with the undergraduate advisor in English or the graduate advisor in curriculum and instruction.
How to Get in
| Requirements | Details |
|---|---|
| How to get in | No application required. All students who meet the requirements listed below are eligible to declare. For information on how to declare, visit Advising & Careers. |
| Courses required to get in | None |
| GPA requirements to get in | None |
| Credits required to get in | None |
| Other | None |
University Requirements
All undergraduate students must complete both the following Core General Education (Core GenEd) and University Degree and Quality of Work requirements. The requirements below apply to students whose first term at UW-Madison or whose earliest post-high school college attendance at any institution is Summer 2026 or later.
Students whose first term at UW-Madison or whose earliest post-high school college attendance at any institution occurred before Summer 2026 should refer to the archived Guide for the requirements that apply to them.
Core General Education (Core GenEd) Requirements
| Civics & Perspectives | 3 credits of Civics & Perspectives coursework. |
| Communication & Literacy | 6 credits of Communication & Literacy coursework. This requirement may be partially satisfied by a qualifying placement test score. For more information see this tiny url: https://go.wisc.edu/qualifyingenglishplacement |
| Humanities & Arts | 6 credits of Humanities & Arts coursework. |
| Mathematics & Quantitative Reasoning | 6 credits of Mathematics & Quantitative Reasoning coursework. This requirement may be partially satisfied by a qualifying placement test score. For more information see this tiny url: https://go.wisc.edu/qualifyingmathplacement |
| Natural Science & Wellness | Complete both:
|
| Social & Behavioral Science | 3 credits of Social & Behavioral Science coursework. |
| Total Credits | 30 credits. |
For more information see the policy.
University Degree and Quality of Work Requirements
All undergraduate degree recipients must complete the following minimum requirements. Requirements for some programs will exceed these requirements; see program requirements for additional information.
| Total Degree | 120 degree credits. |
| Residency | Complete 30 credits in residence. A course is considered “in residence” if it is taken when in undergraduate degree-seeking status and:
|
| Quality of Work | Achieve at least the minimum grade point average specified by the school, college, and/or academic program. |
| Math | Demonstrate minimal mathematics competence by: |
| English Language | If required to take the UW-Madison English as a Second Language Assessment Test (MSN-ESLAT), demonstrate minimal English language competence by:
|
| Language | Complete one:
|
| Major Declaration | Declare and complete the requirements for at least one major. |
College of Letters & Science Degree Requirements: Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Students pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in the College of Letters & Science must complete all of the requirements below. Some courses satisfy more than one L&S degree requirement (visit College of Letters & Science: Requirements for details).
This major can be paired with either the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree requirements.
Bachelor of Arts Degree Requirements
| Communication | Complete both:
|
| Quantitative Reasoning | Complete both:
|
| Ethnic Studies | one 3+ credit course with the Ethnic Studies designation |
| Language | Complete either:
|
| L&S Breadth: Humanities | Complete 12 credits with the Humanities or Literature designation, which must include at least 6 credits with the Literature designation. |
| L&S Breadth: Social Sciences | Complete 12 credits with the Social Science designation. |
| L&S Breadth: Natural Sciences | Complete 12 credits with the Natural Science, Biological Science, or Physical Science designations, which must include both:
|
| Liberal Arts and Science (LAS) Coursework | at least 108 credits |
| Depth of Intermediate/Advanced work | at least 60 credits at the Intermediate or Advanced level |
| Major | Declare and complete at least one major. |
| Total Credits | at least 120 credits |
| UW-Madison Experience |
|
| Quality of Work |
|
Non–L&S students pursuing an L&S major
Non–L&S students who have permission from their School/College to pursue an additional major within L&S only need to fulfill the major requirements. They do not need to complete the L&S Degree Requirements above.
Requirements for the Major
30 credits in intermediate- and advanced-level ENGL courses numbered 204 and higher, excluding ENGL 207 and ENGL 236.
English (Literature)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Survey of Literature | ||
| ENGL 241 | Literature and Culture I: to the 18th Century | 3 |
| ENGL 242 | Literature and Culture II: from the 18th Century to the Present | 3 |
| American Literature (1 course) | 3 | |
| Vladimir Nabokov: Russian and American Writings | ||
| American Literary Cultures | ||
| Women in Ethnic American Literature | ||
| A Survey of Asian American Literature | ||
| Modern and Contemporary American Literature | ||
| Chicanx/e and Latinx/e Literatures | ||
| African and African Diaspora Literature and Culture | ||
| A Study of an Outstanding Figure or Figures in American Literature | ||
| Topic in Nineteenth-Century American Literature and Culture | ||
| Topic in American Literature and Culture since 1900 | ||
| Major American Writer or Writers | ||
| Three American Novelists | ||
| Topics in Ethnic and Multicultural Literature | ||
| Race and Sexuality in American Literature | ||
| Asian American Women Writers | ||
| Asian American Poetry | ||
| Topic in Contemporary Literature | ||
| Jewish Literatures in Diaspora | ||
| Selected Topics in African American Literature | ||
| Pre-1800 course (two courses) | 6 | |
| You may take only one Shakespeare course: | ||
| Shakespearean Drama | ||
| Early Works of Shakespeare | ||
| Later Works of Shakespeare | ||
| You must take at least one course that is not Shakespeare: | ||
| The Sixteenth Century | ||
| Eighteenth Century Literature and Culture | ||
| Stage and Page in the Long Eighteenth Century | ||
| Eighteenth-Century Novel | ||
| Early Medieval England | ||
| Outstanding Figure(s) in Literature before 1800 | ||
| Topic in Medieval Literature and Culture | ||
| Medieval Drama | ||
| Medieval Romance | ||
| Chaucers Courtly Poetry | ||
| Chaucer's Canterbury Tales | ||
| Topic in Early Modern Literature and Culture | ||
| Spenser | ||
| Milton | ||
| Topic in Eighteenth-Century Literature and Culture | ||
| Old English | ||
| Advanced Old English Literature | ||
| Discourses of Disability, Antiquity to 1800 | ||
| Topic in Travel Writing before 1800 | ||
| Seminar | ||
| ENGL 245 | Seminar in the Major | 3 |
| Language or Composition & Rhetoric (1 course) | 3 | |
| Introduction to Rhetoric and Writing Studies | ||
| The English Language | ||
| History and Theory of Rhetoric and Writing Studies | ||
| Advanced Composition | ||
| Race, Sex, and Texts (How to do things with writing) | ||
| Seminar on Tutoring Writing Across the Curriculum | ||
| Topics in Composition and Rhetoric | ||
| Electives | 9 | |
| Total Credits | 30 | |
Named Options
Students may complete one of two named options instead of the core English major. These are formally printed on the transcript.
Residence and Quality of Work
- 2.000 GPA in all ENGL courses and all major courses
- 2.000 GPA on at least 15 credits of upper-level work in the major, taken in residence1
- 15 credits in ENGL, taken on the UW–Madison campus
- 1
Intermediate and Advanced level ENGL courses are considered upper level in the major.
Honors in the Major
Students may declare Honors in the English major with permission of the major advisor. All English majors, including those declared in either named option, are eligible to complete Honors in the major.
Honors in the English Major Requirements
To earn Honors in the Major in English, students must satisfy both the requirements for the major and the following additional requirements:
- Earn a 3.300 University GPA
- Earn a 3.500 GPA in all ENGL courses and all major courses
- Complete 12 credits, taken for Honors, with a grade of B or better to include:
Learning Outcomes
- (History of literature and language) To demonstrate knowledge of major forms, techniques, social conditions, values, and genres that have shaped the history of English literature and language.
- (Critical thinking) To be able to discern and integrate divergent and contradictory perspectives, identify and question assumptions, and assess evidence and methods.
- (Creativity) To generate original ideas and texts, experimenting and taking risks, solving problems, and answering questions in a range of genres and media.
- (Critical writing) To write original, coherent, and compelling arguments that push beyond summary to analysis and independent and critical thinking in clear prose that meets expectations for grammatical correctness.
- (Citizenship) To develop empathy by learning about the experiences of others, and to gain an understanding of how we participate in communities (including the classroom) and the public sphere.
Four-Year Plan
This Four-Year Plan is only one way a student may complete an L&S degree with this major. Many factors can affect student degree planning, including placement scores, credit for transferred courses, credits earned by examination, and individual scholarly interests. In addition, many students have commitments (e.g., athletics, honors, research, student organizations, study abroad, work and volunteer experiences) that necessitate they adjust their plans accordingly. Informed students engage in their own unique Wisconsin Experience by consulting their academic advisors, Guide, DARS, and Course Search & Enroll for assistance making and adjusting their plan.
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| Communication A (complete during your first year) | 3 | Ethnic Studies | 3 |
| Quantitative Reasoning A (complete during your first year) | 3 | Foreign Language (if required) | 4 |
| Foreign Language | 4 | Social Science Breadth | 3 |
| Social Science Breadth | 4 | Physical Science Breadth | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | ||
| 14 | 16 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| Quantitative Reasoning B | 4 | ENGL 201 or 207 (COM-B) | 3 |
| ENGL 241 | 3 | ENGL 242 | 3 |
| ENGL 245 | 3 | English Language or Composition/Rhetoric Requirement | 3 |
| Social Science Breadth | 3-4 | Social Science Breadth | 3 |
| INTER-LS 210 | 1 | Biological Science Breadth | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| Declare the Major (before 86 credits)1 | Pre-1800 Literature Requirement | 3 | |
| Natural Science Breadth | 3 | English I/A Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Natural Science Breadth | 3 |
| American Literature | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Pre-1800 Literature Requirement2 | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | ||
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| English I/A Elective | 3 | English I/A Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Total Credits 120 | |||
Footnotes
- 1
Students must declare a major before 86 credits.
- 2
See your major advisor if you want to declare English/Creative Writing, Honors in the English major, or plan to study abroad.
Please refer to the Requirements tab in Guide for additional College of Letters & Science Breadth and Degree Requirements as well as Residence and Quality of Work requirements for the major.
Advising and Careers
Declare or Cancel This Major
Please follow the process described on the English website.
Academic Advising
The English Department supports majors and prospective majors by offering a comprehensive advising team based on your personal interests. You will find us on the 7th floor of the Helen C. White Building next to Memorial Union. Our team is here to support students holistically as they navigate their time at UW—Madison. To meet our advisors, visit our undergraduate advising page for more information, including how to schedule an appointment.
Careers and Internship Advisor
Career & Internship Coordinator
careers@english.wisc.edu
7195E Helen C. White, 600 North Park Street
English Career Advising
Study Abroad
Learning in Letters & Science emphasizes discovery, growth, understanding different perspectives, and challenging yourself, which makes studying abroad an excellent fit for many L&S students: studyabroad.wisc.edu
As a university with global influence, we have more than 300 study abroad programs in over 80 countries. These vary in length, academic focus, teaching format, language requirements, cost, and level of independence. There are many programs to complement every major and any year of college (including the final semester)—and all meet UW–Madison’s high academic standards. Students admitted into Letters & Science can even choose a short program in the summer before they start college or their whole first year: studyabroad.wisc.edu/launch. Talk with your academic advisor about how studying abroad might fit with your academic plan.
SuccessWorks
SuccessWorks at the College of Letters & Science helps you turn the academic skills learned in your classes into a fulfilling life, guiding you every step of the way to securing jobs, internships, or admission to graduate school.
Through one-on-one career advising, events, and resources, you can explore career options, build valuable internship and research experience, and connect with supportive alumni and employers who open doors of opportunity.
- What you can do with your major (Major Skills & Outcomes Sheets)
- Make a career advising appointment
- Learn about internships and internship funding
- Try “Jobs, Internships, & How to Get Them,” an interactive guide in Canvas for enrolled UW–Madison students
Resources and Scholarships
Writing Center
The Writing Center, located in 6171 Helen C. White Hall, offers free individualized help with writing. Students are welcome to come to the Center for help with writing assignments in almost any course. In half-hour tutorials, instructors help students clarify and organize ideas and offer advice about revising a draft. The center also offers short-term classes on various facets of writing, including classes on writing about literature, writing research papers, writing book reviews, writing essay exams, and on many other topics. The Writing Center also has a computer lab.
To make an appointment, students should call 608-263-1992 or stop by when the Writing Center is open. During busy times of the semester, the Center often is booked several days in advance, so students should plan ahead. For complete information about the center, including hours, schedules for writing assistance in the Multicultural Student Center and residence halls, extensive handouts about writing, and information about the Undergraduate Writing Fellows program, see the Center website.
Scholarships and Writing Prizes
The English Department is proud to offer numerous forms of support for its undergraduate students and to recognize exceptional accomplishments in various forms of academic and creative work. You can find information about scholarships, prizes, and grants specifically designated for declared English majors on our website. Typically, these prizes and scholarships are awarded in the spring semester. Applications need to be submitted online, via the Wisconsin Scholarship Hub (WISH).