Studies lead to the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in English degree with available concentrations in English education and English studies. Program Overview The English degree program at Robert Morris University provides students with unique choices and experiences as well as the kind of academic preparation necessary for a career in today's competitive job market. Besides taking courses in writing and literature, students may elect courses in professional communications, in which they create brochures, prepare public relations documents and write newspaper copy.

About the Program: Program Overview Academic Program Excellent Career Preparation Bachelor-Level Internship Employers Bachelor-Level Hiring Organizations Salary Information

Students in the English program work closely with teams of students and faculty on collaborative projects. These experiences simulate the teamwork essential to writing and communication tasks in educational, business and corporate environments. Students may prepare to enter the workforce as communication specialists in advertising, public relations or other writing-intensive positions, or prepare to teach English, speech and communication by taking the required courses in education.

Students in the English program learn, both experientially and theoretically, the stages involved in successful writing and speaking, especially the value of revising and editing their work according to criticism obtained through feedback. They study linguistics and rhetorical theory, subjects typically not available until graduate school.

The program is excellent preparation for students who decide to pursue a master's or doctoral degree. Students have the opportunity to interact with professionally active faculty members who regularly attend and present at conferences and many of whom have published articles and books.

Academic Program
English majors receive an education that is both well-rounded and focused. Built upon a broad foundation in the liberal arts, the English curriculum is integrated through sustained attention to linguistics, problem-solving rhetoric and the interpretation of literature and other texts.
Two program options allow students to select a course of study that best suits their personal interests and career goals. Each program prepares graduates for a variety of careers as well as for graduate study.

English Education: This fully accredited program is designed for students seeking Pennsylvania state certification as a teacher at the secondary level (grades 7-12). The concentration provides students with foundational knowledge in literature, linguistics, rhetoric and technology integration and focuses on preparing new professionals to meet the demands of 21st century schools.

English Studies: This concentration combines the study of American and English literature with communications, including professional writing, document design and journalism production. Students also gain a solid background in liberal arts. This program is particularly well-suited for students seeking careers in professional and corporate training.

Excellent Career Preparation
The English degree program at RMU provides students with the necessary experience for a rewarding career. Students in the program:

• Become aware of and experience the kinds of activities engaged in by professionals in the field;
• Collect writing projects and, with the help of an advisor, prepare a portfolio useful in the job search after graduation;
• Prepare several résumés for different types of employers and positions and learn how to secure an interview;
• Learn how to be interviewed and how to interview others;
• Attend faculty seminars; participate in career conferences; enjoy poetry readings, plays and other cultural events; and, through these experiences, become more capable of appreciating and discussing such events with other professionals; and
• Have the opportunity, through an internship or student teaching, to experience firsthand the kind of career they plan to enter and practice the communication and writing skills learned in class.

Bachelor-Level Internship Employers
ABC Radio Pittsburgh; America's Promise; B94 Radio; Clear Channel Communications; Disney World; ESPN Radio; Froggy 98.3; Infinity Broadcasting; KDKA; Keymarket Communications; Krome Communications; Labwerks; Lee Shore Agency; Leukemia Society; Pittsburgh Pirates; Pittsburgh Steelers; Production Masters; Sterlinghouse Publishers; Talent Group; WPGH-Fox 53; WQED Pittsburgh; WTOV.

Bachelor-Level Hiring Organizations
Algor; America's Promise; Diabolic Studios; Food Circus Corp.; FW Dodge Publications/McGraw Hill; Gateway Star Publications; GlaxoSmithKline; Granny's Attic Communications; KDKA-TV; Norwegian Cruise Lines; Observer Publishing; PaineWebber; Pittsburgh Public Schools; Rome Monument; SEIX Investment Advisors; United Jewish Federation; U.S. Steel; Western Pennsylvania Humane Society; WHTM-TV; WQED-TV; WTOV-TV.

Salary Information
2006 national mean bachelor-level starting salaries by job function: