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Reasons to Consider Minoring in English

An English minor might be right for you if…

You enjoy reading, analyzing, and writing about literature. No matter what you do after graduation, you want the enjoyment of literature to be a part of your life. Take some extra English classes now before you get sucked into your professional world!

You enjoy working with words and want to be a poet, fiction writer, or playwright yourself. Take a creative writing class before it's too late!

You want a career in law, public relations, education, politics, advertising, journalism, web design, or publication. Or something else. But you know enough to realize that whatever your chosen profession, it will require you to think critically and write persuasively-skills that you can best hone in our excellent English courses!

You want to make a difference in your community and you want to be able to persuade others to join you. (This is all of us, isn't it?) You're going to need to develop your expertise in argumentative writing. Better head for the English Department!


If you are an English major, think about a minor in another subject...

Although it is not a requirement for graduation, a minor gives you a way to pursue your interests in a field other than your major. In addition, a minor gives you a way to show future employers or graduate school admissions committees the diversity of your interests and skills; therefore, you might want to think about your future goals when choosing a minor. For example, if you are headed towards business and technology, you might want to minor in Computer Science or Economics.  If you are headed toward graduate study and have a specific interest in gender issues, you might choose to minor in Gender Studies.  If you are interested in law school or public service, consider minoring in Philosophy, Political Science, or Urban Studies.  Your advisor can help you think about other possibilities, such as Latin American and Caribbean Studies, Psychology, Social Work, or Journalism. For an interesting perspective on the topic of choosing a minor, you may be interested in the following New York Times article: "What’s Your Minor?" by Michelle Slatalla (April 20, 2008).


How to earn a minor...

A minor consists of twelve credits at or above the 100-level in one department. Note: According to the Brooklyn Campus Undergraduate Bulletin, "Any minor satisfies the distribution requirement." This is true no matter what division your major is in!

Some departments may not allow students to minor in their fields, so you should check with that department before you make your decision.  It is also possible to develop an interdisciplinary minor with the approval of the respective department chairs and deans.  In order to have your minor listed on your transcript, obtain a Request for Minor form, available in the Registrar's Office.  Fill out this form, listing the four (or more) 100-level courses you have completed in your minor subject.  Meet with the minor Department Chair and have him/her sign the form, certifying that you have completed the requirements for a Minor in that subject.  You must then submit the form to the Registrar.

For more information about minoring in English, contact Wayne Berninger.


 

 

 

Long Island University

Brooklyn Campus

English Department