What you will study
English undergraduates at the University of Central Missouri complete intensive work
in writing and research — two important skills for the 21st century.
- Literature majors gain broad exposure to the history of English literature and share their analyses
with each other. You’ll read everything from medieval romances to modern dystopias
— from Shakespeare’s Hamlet to Langston Hughes’ Harlem and from Jane Austen’s England
to Toni Morrison’s America.
- Creative Writing majors practice storytelling in various forms. Try out different genres of self-expression
and cultivate your unique voice. Develop your craft as a future published novelist,
poet or other type of writer. Take our Practicum in Editing and Publishing for an
exciting introduction to the world of literary editing.
With either track, you’ll further develop your ability to interpret scholarly concepts
and compose with clarity, originality and accuracy. You can also add electives to
your undergraduate program that are most intriguing to you, such as:
- Modern American Fiction
- Women Writers of the United States
- African-American Literature
- Wits and Satirists: 1660–1800
- Writing Fiction for Publication
Excellence in English
- A Best Value Bachelor’s Degree College for General English Literature (College Factual, 2022)
Unique learning opportunities in English
What can you do with an English degree beyond the books? Our undergraduate program
includes many chances for you to join your peers outside the classroom. Participate
in hands-on learning opportunities where you can apply your knowledge of English studies.
- Internships: Gain valuable experiences with critically acclaimed journals and magazines as you
learn the ins and outs of the publishing industry.
- On-campus publications: Contribute your creative talents to Arcade, an annual publication developed by UCM
undergraduates. You can also join Pleiades, a nationally recognized literary journal
produced on our Warrensburg campus.
- Student organizations: Get involved with UCM’s chapter of the national English Honor Society, Sigma Tau
Delta. Attend fun events, including readings, game nights, study breaks and more with
other English majors and literature enthusiasts. Join the Creative Writing Club and
support original work by fellow students.
- Campus events: Meet returning alumni who use their Bachelor of English degrees in a variety of fields.
Dine with acclaimed authors through the Pleiades Visiting Writers Series. Network
with winners from the National Book Foundation.
What can you do with an English degree from UCM?
A BA in English is an asset for any career that you might pursue — from business to
teaching. Graduates from the University of Central Missouri thrive in a wide range
of fulfilling jobs. Our English alumni currently hold jobs in advertising, publishing,
law, public relations, entertainment and many other fields.
UCM’s bachelor’s degree in English can also pave your path to academia. Half of our
alumni continue to graduate school, and many have been accepted into competitive MFA
programs in Creative Writing. Other alumni hold teaching assistantships in graduate
programs and have earned admission into PhD programs at prestigious universities.
Options and opportunities with an English BA
What can you do with an English degree to turn your passion for reading and writing
into a career? Whether your goals are to teach, get published or otherwise set yourself
up for future success, the University of Central Missouri can help. With a Bachelor
of English degree, the opportunities are seemingly endless. Explore your diverse options
below.
Financial assistance options for your English degree
Many resources are available to help you finance your college education. For example, several scholarships are offered exclusively for students working toward
UCM’s Bachelor of English degree:
- Elbert and Elizabeth T. Barnes Scholarship
- Hazel D. Book Memorial Scholarship
- Joyce Kinkead Scholarship
- Charles Frances Martin and Maude Williams Martin Memorial Scholarship in English
- Mary Ruth Scott Scholarship in English
- G.B. Crump Scholarship in English
You can learn more about program-specific scholarships at the UCM Scholarship Finder.
BA English, Creative Writing Track ’21
Graduate Teaching Assistant, University of Missouri-Kansas City
“I consistently reflect on my experiences with the professors at UCM, and I'm immensely
grateful for their important lessons and helpful guidance. I'll always be grateful
for the compassionate and engaging community in the UCM Creative Writing program that
helped me develop and share my voice as a poet.”
Get Hands-On Practice in Publishing
Join the staff of Arcade Magazine
Learn all about publishing through this creative publication produced entirely by
students. Arcade Magazine features poetry, short fiction, creative nonfiction and
artwork — all created by UCM undergrads. Gain experience as an editor, art director,
promotions manager or another role while helping to produce the magazine.
Meet English Faculty Member Jenny Molberg, PhD
NEA Creative Writing Fellow
Dr. Jenny Molberg is an accomplished poet who has authored three poetry collections.
In addition to teaching Creative Writing at UCM, she co-edits Pleiades Magazine and
acts as Assistant Director for Pleiades Press. Dr. Molberg won a 2019–20 Creative
Writing Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts and has won many other
writing awards. Work alongside Dr. Molberg and other talented professors in UCM’s
English program.
Meet the Faculty
Get Noticed
Alumni awards support student writers
Each year, the Baker-Starzinger Writing Awards recognize outstanding works by students
in poetry and short fiction. Submissions are judged by prominent authors, poets and
creative writers. Gain exposure by entering your work in this prestigious annual competition.
Meet Rachel B.
English BA ’11 - Professor of English at Marian University
“Studying English at UCM was absolutely one of the best decisions I've ever made.
The department's caring and innovative faculty inspired everyone in my cohort to pursue
our publishing and academic dreams, and our professors have continued to stay in touch
after graduation. I can honestly say I wouldn't be who I am today without UCM English!”
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