This minor allows students maximum flexibility in developing their writing craft in any of the four genres we offer–fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, and dramatic writing (including screenwriting). Ideal for both students with a passion for creative writing and those who want to work in fields that value creativity and strong writing skills, our workshop-based classes led by creative writing faculty give students highly individualized growth experience to take their creative expression to the next level. This minor is open to all majors.

The English Language Arts (ELA) minor helps students in teacher licensure major programs add a second teaching area, strengthening their credentials and job prospects. In a competitive job market, dual certification expands career opportunities—especially in districts hiring for split positions (e.g., Social Studies/English, Foreign Language/English). ELA coursework covers literature across time periods and cultures, as well as texts for youth audiences. Students also complete an English education methods course, gaining hands-on fieldwork experience while developing teaching strategies and professional materials to prepare for the classroom. This minor is only open to students already majoring in a teacher licensure program.

English Studies is our most flexible minor, as it allows students to combine English courses from any of our emphases–creative writing, literary and cultural studies, and professional writing–to shape a minor that complements their major area of study, adding value to their degree in a way that best suits their needs and interests. This minor is open to all majors except English and English Language Arts majors. 

The Literary and Cultural Studies Minor develops critical reading and writing skills through a broad study of literature. This minor helps students improve the communication skills employers look for in job candidates, all while exploring people and cultures from around the world through literature. It also offers a strong foundation in research and analytical thinking for students planning to pursue graduate programs in fields such as law or library science. This minor is open to all majors.

The Professional Writing Minor is valuable for students from many majors, including business, health, the sciences, journalism, and communication studies. Coursework in the minor combines classroom instruction with practical experience to teach students how to communicate effectively in professional environments. Through client-based projects, students will build a professional portfolio that demonstrates their writing, editing, design, and research skills to prospective employers. Students have the option of completing an internship as part of the minor, where they can bring together the skills they have gained in their major and minor coursework. This minor is open to all majors.

The TESL/TEFL Minor  prepares students to work with linguistically diverse populations both in the United States and globally. In addition to pre-service teachers, students from any major who wish to teach English as a Second or Foreign Language will gain both a theoretical foundation and real-world experience - a strong basis from which to pursue future certification in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. This minor is open to all majors.