Hi! I'm a high school junior and I'm considering the University of Minnesota for an English major. What are the requirements for this major at UMN, and does anyone have any experiences they'd like to share about the program?
Hello! It's great you're interested in pursuing an English major at the University of Minnesota (UMN). The English program at UMN is housed within the College of Liberal Arts (CLA). To graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in English, you'll need to complete a total of 120 credits, including general education requirements and program-specific courses. In the English major, you'll need to complete 34 credits divided into the following categories:
1. Introductory course: Choose one 4-credit course at the 1000- or 2000-level in literature, creative writing, or rhetoric. These courses provide a foundation for further study in the major.
2. Upper-division literature courses: You'll need to complete 16 credits from 3000-level or higher literature courses. These courses will allow you to explore various literary time periods, genres, and geographies, to help you deepen your understanding and analysis of literature.
3. Upper-division elective courses: You'll have to take 8 credits from 3000-level or higher courses in literature, creative writing, or rhetoric, which will allow you to tailor your studies to your interests.
4. Capstone or senior seminar: Complete a 2-credit capstone or senior seminar course, where you'll integrate and synthesize your knowledge through a focused examination of a particular topic or issue.
5. English Department electives: Complete any additional English department courses to reach the required 34 total credits.
As for personal experiences, many students have found the English program at UMN to be rigorous and engaging, with supportive faculty members who are passionate about their fields. Some have enjoyed the variety of courses available, on topics ranging from traditional literary studies to creative writing and rhetoric. The diverse offering of classes allows students to explore their interests and develop their own unique skill set. Additionally, the department sometimes invites guest speakers and organizes events that can provide students with valuable networking opportunities and exposure to the professional literary world.
I hope this overview of the English major requirements at the University of Minnesota is helpful to you! If you end up applying and want tips on how to maximize your chances of acceptance, check out this blog post from CollegeVine, which breaks down how to tackle their school-specific supplemental essays: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-university-of-minnesota-twin-cities-essays
Best of luck with your college search!
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