Do you enjoy reading and writing? Do you aim to become a business-savvy tech writer, a flexible thinker who brings the skills of critical analysis and research to fields like law or non-profit activism, a passionately creative novelist, a dedicated teacher, or a social media expert? English at NKU provides students with opportunities to think broadly, deeply, creatively, and analytically, as well as develop skills in research and writing that employers value. From social media management and public relations to education to editing, publishing and journalism, you’ll find a meaningful career with programs in the English Department.
TRACKS OF STUDY
Creative Writing Track
Students in this track complete creative writing courses across at least two of the following genres: fiction writing, poetry writing, nonfiction writing, and dramatic writing. Classes consist of a combination of lectures and workshops, with a focus on feedback and revision.
English Education Track
The English with Secondary Education Certification degree is a double major. Students who plan to teach high school English must declare a major in English with the Department of English and a major in Secondary Education with the Department of Teacher Education. Students pursuing this degree should review the portions of this catalog relating to both major programs. Upon deciding to pursue this program, students must schedule appointments with an advisor in the Department of English and an advisor in the College of Education and Human Services. There are specific Foundation of Knowledge requirements for this degree. Students pursuing this degree do not need to declare a minor or area of focus.
Literary and Cultural Studies Track
The Literature and Cultural Studies track assures that all students will take twelve hours of survey courses between the core and the track, enhancing their historical foundation in literary and cultural studies. With three distribution requirements plus a capstone, students can meet requirements in the track while at the same time preserving an emphasis on historical breadth in students’ literature and cultural studies educations. This track includes a senior seminar option as well as an internship option to the capstone with an eye toward preparing students for post-graduation endeavors such as graduate school or employment.
Writing Studies Track
The Writing Studies track includes a technology requirement for Writing Studies students as well as a transdisciplinary component, both of which are intended to prepare Writing Studies students for career opportunities they might seek after graduation. Additionally, the Writing Studies track has an internship option for its students’ capstone experience.
Open Focus Track
The Open Focus track provides choice and flexibility for students who wish to combine courses from across the range of English studies to meet their unique needs and interests.
*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please
September 2025
College of Arts and Sciences
Steely Library, Suite 410,
HIGHLAND HEIGHTS,
Kentucky,
41099, United States
Students should have completed secondary school coursework and any appropriate examination (if applicable).
English proficiency required for admission can be satisfied by any one of the following:
An official and satisfactory score from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) taken within the last two years. The minimum TOEFL scores to be considered for admission are a 500 on the paper-based exam or a 61 on the internet-based (iBT) exam.
Documentation of having satisfactorily completed freshman-level English composition at an American regionally accredited college or university in the U.S. and an overall acceptable GPA. Non-native speakers of English may still be asked to take the TOEFL if it has been several years since taking the English courses or if the student has returned to his or her home country for several years since taking the course.
A satisfactory score on the verbal portion of the ACT or SAT taken within the last two years. The minimum scores to be considered for admission are an ACT of 18 or SAT of 430 (through 3/15/16) or 25 (effective 3/16/16).
An official and satisfactory score from the International English Language Testing Service (IELTS) taken within the last two years. The minimum IELTS scores to be considered for admission must include a cumulative band of 5.5 and sub-scores in reading and writing of 5.0 or better.
Successful completion of NKU’s American English Language Program with at least an 80% in each AELP class.
Priority deadline: For Fall Semester: April 15; Spring Semester: October 15
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.
NKU has a focus on undergraduate research and experiential learning, and graduates develop versatile skill sets in preparation for employment.