English, BS
Program Quick Facts
Credits
120
Start Terms
Fall
|Spring
Available
On Campus
Tuition
$8,956.50
estimated cost per semester
The Bachelor of Science in English program from Dakota State University will prepare you to write your own story and much more. Throughout the program, you will explore the literature of Britain, America, and beyond while developing a strong foundation in composition, literature, and language. This will equip you with essential writing and communication skills.
We emphasize a technology-driven education to prepare you for modern career paths. By choosing our program, you will benefit from a unique integration of technology into your curriculum, learning to use computer applications to study and create a wide variety of text types.
With over 40 elective credits to choose from, you'll have the chance to apply critical thinking and creativity to any other major or minor or choose to continue through our education specialization. By completition you will have the essential writing and communication skills needed for diverse opportunities in the job market.
Choose a focus on education
Pursue your passion for literature and explore the rich culture of literature from Britain, America, and beyond. With the liberty to tailor your curriculum, choose to focus on special topics that interest you like graphic communication, creative writing, or public speaking courses. The skills you learn will also make you an appealing candidate for jobs in fields like publishing, marketing, and education. By the time you graduate, you will be well-prepared with essential skills in composition, literary criticism, and content creation, ready to jump into a career teaching grades 5-12.
This specialization also offers the opportunity to engage in various computer courses and digital media courses, equipping you for the demands of today’s digital world. Depending on which elective courses you choose, you could also receive an Educational Technology Endorsement, allowing you to teach computer classes post-graduation. You’ll also complete observation courses and a semester-long student teaching residency to give you experience in classroom management, Common Core State Standards, teaching methods, and more. Upon finishing the program specialization, you will be prepared to step into a teaching role.
There are many opportunities outside of the classroom to get experience and make connections.
- Teachers of Tomorrow
- Positions with the Writing Center
- General Beadle Honors Program
- World Languages Club
If you are looking to continue your education, you can explore the accelerated path. With the Accelerated (4+1) Graduate Program, you can earn your master’s in just one additional year.
Licensure Information
Dakota State University’s Educator Preparation Programs are approved by the South Dakota State Board of Education and accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). Graduates who successfully complete a teacher certification program are eligible for recommendation for an initial South Dakota teaching license and are encouraged to apply upon graduation.
Students who live or plan to live outside South Dakota must contact the appropriate licensing board in their state before beginning a program. Licensure requirements vary by state, and DSU cannot guarantee certification outside South Dakota. Students can explore DSU program availability by location and find state licensing contacts through the U.S. Department of Education.
For more information, contact the Director of Field Services for the College of Education and Human Performance at collegeofeducation@dsu.edu or 605-256-5177.
Why choose DSU for English?
Education from experienced professionals
Students are guided by expert faculty with diverse backgrounds in poetry, young adult literature, content area literacy, digital humanities, creative writing, media studies, and more. These instructors will enhance your educational experience while preparing you to utilize the latest technology and digital tools.
Campus opportunities for English students
The opportunities for English majors extend beyond the classroom. Students can write for the Trojan Times, participate in open mic nights and theater productions, join the English honors society, or contribute to the New Tricks literary magazine. Additionally, students are eligible for paid positions as writing consultants and mentors in the DSU Writing Center.
Faculty
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Opportunities with a BS in English
A bachelor's in English will prepare you for various career opportunities beyond just teaching, offering you the flexibility and versatility to choose a professional path. You can become writers and publishers anywhere from software companies, newspapers, publishing firms, to multimedia outlets.
Where your professional journey begins
Explore your professional school opportunities. An English degree is foundational for a future in law. Build your critical thinking, research, writing, and communication skills with pre-professional coursework in pre-law that will prepare you for a professional program or graduate school.
