Dec 03, 2024  
2024-2025 General Catalog 
  
2024-2025 General Catalog

English Teaching Composite: Literature - BA, BS


College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Department of English

About This Degree

With its small class sizes and nationally published faculty members, the English Department helps students develop skills in analysis, production, and understanding of texts in the English language. Students learn to write, think, and communicate effectively in a technologically and culturally complex world. Students develop skills in the areas most valued by employers, including critical thinking, teamwork, and oral and written communication, which will prepare them to enter into a wide range of career options.

Because the English Department is home to faculty that are heavily involved in research, students are provided with numerous opportunities to pursue undergraduate research projects and creative projects with individual attention from professors.

Students receive a by completing all required courses in the major. To receive a BA, students must also gain proficiency in one or more foreign languages.

English Teaching Composite: Students emphasizing in English teaching prepare to teach secondary level English in the public school system. Students take a wide range of literature, writing, and teaching courses that prepare them to teach language arts in secondary education classrooms.

Literature Emphasis: Literary studies students read, analyze, and research texts and writers in American, British, and other world literatures as well as their cultural contexts. Students in literary studies develop critical thinking and communication skills that prepare them for a variety of careers.

Minimum University Requirements


Admissions Requirements For This Program


  • New freshmen must be admitted to USU in Good Standing.
  • Transfer students from other institutions or other programs at USU: 2.5 GPA*

    *Minimum GPA for Admission: 2.5 USU cumulative GPA (including courses taken for another USU major); 2.5 career total GPA (including transfer credits) for new transfer students. 2.5 GPA within all English courses (other than ENGL 1010 ENGL 2010 , CLEP, AP, etc.); 2.5 USU cumulative (including courses taken for another USU major); 2.5 career total (including transfer credits) for new transfer students.

Major Requirements (62 credits)


English Teaching Emphasis

  • Minimum GPA for Graduation: 2.75 within major courses; 2.0 USU cumulative (3.0 USU cumulative required for admission to STEP); 2.75 career total (for licensure)
  • Number of Required Credits: 62 
  • Credits in Residence: Students must complete 21 credits of major-applicable coursework at Utah State University.  
  • Other Requirements:
    • To obtain professional licensure at graduation, students must fulfill the requirements of the Secondary Teacher Education Program (STEP) prescribed by the School of Teacher Education and Leadership (TEAL). STEP (typically requires 3 semesters; see TEAL website and advisor for STEP advising) is required for licensure, and ENGL 1410 .
    • The English Teaching Composite: American Studies program prepares students towards professional licensure in the teaching of secondary-level English, with additional preparation in American Studies. Students become versed in their academic subject matter (the language arts, emphasizing writing); skilled in the methods of teaching the various components of the English curriculum and classroom management techniques; and committed to the achievement of all students. The English Teaching Composite: American Studies offers a robust menu of courses, recognizing the complexity and depth of English studies.
    • In addition to the required exploratory courses and content-focused courses in English and American Studies, students take classes in pedagogy to learn about curriculum, planning, instructional delivery, assessment, and related topics. Two clinical experiences provide in-school experiences before student teaching. Admission to STEP is required for clinical experiences.
    • Students are urged to complete the required Exploratory courses early in their program of study and to complete an additional 6 credits of English before taking ENGL 4500  and ENGL 4510 . When possible, students should complete all of their required 3000-level courses before taking 4000-level courses.

Emphasis Requirements


C. Shakespeare Course (3 credits)


E. Linguistics Course (3 credits)


Select one linguistics course:

G. English Education Courses (17 credits)


H. Grammar Requirement (3 credits)


Students must complete ENGL 1410: Elements of Grammar .

I. Secondary Teacher Education Program (STEP)


English Teaching students must complete the STEP program to be eligible for graduation and to receive a license to teach in the public school system. The STEP program is administered through the Secondary Education Program of the School of TEAL, Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services. Students must be admitted to STEP before taking many STEP courses. Among the requirements for admission is a Criminal Background Check. While completing student teaching, students must pass the required PPAT assessment. STEP requirements are subject to change based on changes in state licensure. Students should meet with an advisor in the School of TEAL for further information regarding this program.

Licensure Notification


This program typically leads to licensure and was designed to meet licensing qualifications in the state of Utah. If students wish to work in another state within the United States, they should review the qualifications for that state and the Education Licensure Compliance Table provided by School of Teacher Education and Leadership.

For more information, please contact the School of Teacher Education and Leadership at https://cehs.usu.edu/teal/

Open Electives


Total elective credit is determined by General Education courses taken, degree type selected, additional credits earned, and any additional math or other prerequisite courses needed. Please consult your  Academic Advisor for details.

Total Credits: 120


Suggested Degree Map - English Teaching Composite: Literature BA, BS