English Composition and Writing

Overview

Programs in English composition and writing teach people how to use words correctly to express ideas.

English composition and writing programs include topics such as:

Critical reading
Persuasive and comparative essay writing
Research methods
Editing and publishing
Writing theories and process

Portfolio

English composition and writing students start their portfolio while they are in high school. They include articles and assignments completed in school. They can include samples of their own creative writing. This portfolio will be expanded during college.

Concentrations

In English composition and writing programs, students may be able to specialize in:

Creative writing
Folklore
Literary criticism
Literature of ethnic minorities
Playwriting and screenwriting
Poetry
Technical writing

Schools

Community colleges and other two-year schools offer associate degree programs in English composition and writing. An associate degree usually takes two years to complete. After earning an associate degree students can transfer to a college or university for further study.

Many colleges and universities offer bachelor’s degrees in English composition and writing. They are sometimes offered as part of a broad English program. A bachelor's degree usually takes about four years of full-time study.

Many universities offer graduate degrees in English composition and writing. A master’s degree typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor’s degree. Doctoral (PhD) degree programs usually require two or more years of study beyond the master’s degree.

See schools that offer this program.

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Program Admission

You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.

Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:

Creative Writing
English Composition
English Grammar
English Literature
Introduction to Communication
Mass Media, Communication
Second Language
Technical Writing

Graduate Admissions

Admission to graduate programs is competitive. You need a bachelor's degree, good grades, good test scores, and often a portfolio of writing projects.

Additional requirements at some schools include:

Graduate Record Exam (GRE) General
Graduate Record Exam (GRE) Literature in English
Undergraduate degree or significant course work in English and composition
Letters of recommendation
Personal statement
Writing portfolio review and personal interview

Typical Course Work

Program Courses

This program typically includes courses in the following subjects:

Bibliography Methods
Composition Theory
Elements of Writing
English Composition
Expository Prose
Folkloric Traditions
History
Linguistics
Literary Criticism
Philosophy
Research Techniques

Graduate Program Courses

Graduate study in English composition and writing typically includes:

Required courses
Thesis (master's degree)
Preliminary exams (doctoral degree only)
Dissertation and dissertation defense (doctoral degree)

Things to Know

With a four-year degree, you may also enter a fifth-year master's degree program in teacher education. Many people choose to continue studying in English composition and writing. People with graduate degrees in this field usually work as professors and instructors of writing at the college level.

Many graduate English Composition and Writing programs allow or require you to teach composition to undergraduate students. In addition, many graduate students in this field work for on-campus tutoring or writing centers.