This recommended pathway meets the requirements of the AAS/DTA degree and can prepare you for a university major in English with an emphasis in literature or creative writing; language arts teaching; bilingual teaching; teaching English language learners; or linguistics with an emphasis in English. You can customize your plan even more. Talk with your advisor about adapting it for your individual goals.
Scroll to the end for course suggestions.
Quarter 1 (15 credits)
ENGL& 101 English composition I (5 credits)
World Language I (5 credits)
EDUC& 202 Intro to education (5 credits)
Career exploration:
- Find your people! Attend area-of-study activities and connect with clubs related to your career goals. Find out where students in your pathway go to study.
- Visit the Writing Center with a paper—learn how it works. You might work there after you complete ENGL& 101.
- Make a connection with your English instructor. Visit office hours. Ask questions about being an English major.
Action items:
- Meet with your advisor to build your degree plan in Starfish.
- Have your transfer-in credits officially evaluated.
- Visit the Intercultural Center, the Learning Center and the library.
Quarter 2 (15 credits)
ENGL 161 Intro to American literature (5 credits)
MATH& 107 Math in society (5 credits)
If you're not ready for MATH& 107, start the sequence of math courses leading to it.
If your math placement is higher than MATH& 107, feel free to take that course instead.
World Language II (5 credits)
Career exploration:
- Compare the different English majors and combined majors at universities you're interested in.
- Start keeping a portfolio of your best work: class assignments, creative work, work from volunteering, clubs, or jobs.
- Explore volunteer opportunities such as Whatcom Literacy Council, public library, or Friends of Public Library groups.
Action items:
- Look into upcoming study abroad opportunities. Planning at least six months in advance is best.
Quarter 3 (15 credits)
ENGL& 236 Creative writing I (5 credits)
PSYC& 100 General psychology (5 credits)
ASTR& 100 Survey of astronomy (5 credits)
Career exploration:
- Apply to be a Writing Center tutor.
- If you're thinking about law school as a long-term plan, visit Street Law when they are on campus.
- Look at the experience of professionals in your field on LinkedIn. What could you emulate? Do differently? What unique background could you leverage or bring to the field?
- Ask your instructors about nearby conferences you might attend next year.
- Look for a summer job or internship related to your career goals.
Action items:
- Check the GPA and other entry requirements for your future major. Are you on track?
Quarter 4 (15 credits)
ENGL 202 Writing about literature (5 credits)
Don't substitute anything else for this course. It's required for every kind of English major.
ENVS& 100 Survey of environmental science (5 credits)
CMST& 210 Interpersonal communication (5 credits)
or CMST& 220 Public speaking (5 credits)
or CMST& 230 Small group communication (5 credits)
Career exploration:
- Listen to podcasts about English or the kind of career you're aiming for.
- Check in with Learning Center about being an English Language Learner (ELL) tutor.
- Volunteer or intern in the community: Whatcom Literacy Council, public library, local newspaper, law office.
Action items:
- Meet with your advisor about applying to universities. Start your transfer applications.
- Apply for next year's financial aid.
Quarter 5 (15 credits)
ENGL 201 Advanced composition (5 credits)
FILM 101 Introduction to film (5 credits)
or ENGL 238 Gender and literature (5 credits)
GEOL 100 Introduction to earth science (with lab) (5 credits)
Career exploration:
- Build a LinkedIn profile and connect with instructors and classmates from English courses—your future work network.
- Ask for letters of recommendation.
Action items:
Quarter 6 (15 credits)
ANTH& 100 Survey of anthropology (5 credits)
or PSYC& 200 Lifespan psychology (5 credits)
ENGL 282 Introduction to world literature (5 credits)
or ENGL 124 Environmental literature (5 credits)
or ENGL& 113 Introduction to poetry (5 credits)
or ENGL 225 Children’s literature (5 credits)
Elective (5 credits)
Career exploration:
- Update your resume.
- Write thank you notes to professors, mentors, or club members. This is your professional network!
Action items:
- Attend the spring job fair.
Course Suggestions
Coming soon.