Frequently Asked Questions

What can I do with an English Major?

Majoring in English provides students with a range of broadly transferable skills such as the ability to read and think analytically, the ability to conduct and interpret research, and superior writing and communication skills. For more specific advice and information please refer to the page in this site on Career Paths for English Majors and the Office of Career Services.

How do I receive honors in English?

Departmental Honors is awarded to majors who have attained 3.5 gpa in their major courses and have successfully completed an honors thesis. If you are thinking of writing an honors thesis, you should consult first with the Director of Undergraduate Studies or your faculty advisor. Once you have identified a faculty director, you must also meet with the Director of the Honors Program. The English Department will count four honors thesis credits towards your major requirements once the thesis is successfully defended.

Can courses from other departments or institutions count towards my major?

Sometimes. No course outside the department may substitute for your undergraduate seminar. No course from another Tulane department can count towards a distribution requirement in the major. Under some circumstances, we will permit a course from another Tulane department to count as an elective in the major. Approval must be given by the Director of Undergraduate Studies. No more than four courses from another college or university can count towards the major. To secure approval for such courses, a transfer of credit form must be signed by the Chair or Director of Undergraduate Studies of the English Department.

How do I find out who my faculty advisor is?

Ask the Administrative Secretary in the English Department office (Norman Mayer 122) or email the department at english@tulane.edu  .

How do I join Sigma Tau Delta (the English Honors Society)?

See the requirements and procedures described on the Sigma Tau Delta page of this web site.

Does my writing proficiency class (ENGL 101 or ENLS 119) count towards my major?

No.

How can I fulfill my writing intensive requirement in the English Department?

ENLS 263 and ENLS 365 are designated as writing intensive courses. A one-credit writing practicum (ENLS 388) is attached to ENLS 311, 312, 313, and 314. This practicum must be concurrently registered with the ENLS 311-314. To have a non-writing intensive course fulfill this requirement, the student must submit a request on the form available from the Registrar's web site to the course instructor and the registrar's office.

How do I declare a Concentration in Creative Writing?

When you register for the fourth and final course in this concentration, you should bring a change of major form to the Director of Undergraduate Studies. At this point, the designation for your major will be changed to ENGW in order to reflect this concentration on your official transcript.

How do I apply for the 4+1 M.A. Program in English?