The Department of English at Iowa State University offers an English major with concentrations in literature; rhetoric and professional communication; and English education, and a technical communication major. The undergraduate program of study is designed so that majors can experience the broad, diverse scope of English studies at the same time that they focus in one of the three options within the major.

The B.A. in English

Do you love reading or thinking about literature?
Do you enjoy expressing yourself in writing?
Do you like arguing effectively to prove a point?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you should consider a major in English at Iowa State University. As an Iowa State University English major, you can take classes in literature, film, rhetoric, professional communication, creative writing, and linguistics. To gain historical and cultural perspectives on British, American, and World literatures, you also complete coursework in pre-1800 and pre-1900 literature and women's and multicultural literature. In addition, you can tailor your major to your career goals by choosing among three advanced study options.

Literary Studies Emphasis

If you envision yourself pursuing graduate work in English or entering one of the many careers that rely on advanced communication skills, choose literary studies. In your coursework for this option, you take additional classes and seminars in literature. If you wish, you can take advanced creative writing courses as well.

Rhetorical Studies Emphasis

Consider choosing rhetorical studies if you want to hone your communication skills for use in a wide variety of professional fields. For your advanced study, you take classes in argumentative writing and the history of rhetoric as well as courses such as visual rhetoric, technical communication and editing, and Web writing and design.

English Education Emphasis

If you think you would like to work with challenging and diverse students, teaching all aspects of English, English education is the option for you. As a future English teacher, you take advanced classes in linguistics, young adult literature, and methods of teaching reading, writing, and literature.

The B.S. in Technical Communication

Words. Colors. Sounds. Images. Motion. In the technical communication major, you learn to compose a wide range of print and electronic documents for use in business, industry, schools and other institutions, and communities. Coursework for the B.S. in Technical Communication helps you to understand scientific and technical information and teaches you strategies for producing texts to communicate that information to others.

The B.A. in Communication Studies

Communication Studies (ComSt) is specifically focused on the study of human communication within such contexts as interpersonal relationships, small groups, organizations, and cultures. Topics of study vary accordingly and include such areas as language and meaning, nonverbal communication, conflict management, leadership, problem solving, and interviewing. Students examine the role that symbolic communication plays in managing their interactions in both personal and professional contexts.

The B.A. in Speech Communication with an Emphasis in Interpersonal and Rhetorical Communication

The English Department also has under its umbrella the emphasis in interpersonal and rhetorical communication offered through the cross-disciplinary program in speech communication. Students in IRC develop an understanding of communication theories, principles, and applications. They learn through coursework that provides a solid grounding in the theories of communication, the nature of rhetorical principles in communication, and the role of communication in creating, maintaining, and changing human relationships. A minor in this speech communication area could be useful for students in business, English, journalism, foreign languages and literatures, and the social sciences.