English
Whether you envision a career in teaching, practicing law, writing, library science or a bevy of other sectors, studying English at St. Ambrose gives you the professional skills and opportunities to master your craft.
Our graduates work as English teachers; as writers publishing works of prose and poetry; as lawyers in various sectors of law; as librarians organizing literature and reference material; as content contributors and specialists for websites, and many other sectors of work.
Ambrose Advantages
- Small Class Sizes, Not Lecture Halls
- Caring and Dedicated Faculty
- Read Literature and Learn Writing in Fun and Creative Ways
As an SAU English major, you will explore a wide variety of genres, be guided and challenged by professors and peers, and gain critical thinking, reading, and writing skills that employers covet.
Read our English and Writing Major Fact Sheet (pdf)
More Information About Our English and Writing Programs
English majors develop reading, writing, and critical thinking skills by studying authors, genres, and periods. Core courses include British literature, American Literature, and literary studies.
We offer traditional and unique electives which allow you to shape your degree to your interests. Electives include linguistics, African American literature, fiction into film, Shakespeare, poetry, memoir writing, and many others.
Most of our students complement their English degree with a second major or minor. Common combinations include English and History; English and Political Science; and English and Philosophy. We are happy to help you match your interests to a degree and career path. Contact us today to arrange a campus visit or chat with an English professor!
At SAU, we want you to put your growing skills and creativity to use. English majors can:
- Serve on the student advisory board for Quercus, SAU's literary journal for fiction, poetry, and visual art.
- Write for the SAU student newspaper, The Buzz
- Study as a Fulbright Scholar
- Join SAU's student club, English Pros(e)
You can explore careers and get real-world experience before graduating with our internship program that's coordinated by the SAU Career Center. Students have landed internships at area print and media outlets; communications and PR firms; nonprofit organizations, and others.
English Department faculty provide opportunities throughout the year to engage with visiting authors as well as the world around you through Study Abroad.
And if service is part of your plan, we are one of few universities in Iowa offering Peace Corps Prep, a program that makes you a stronger candidate for volunteer positions within the Peace Corps or other service programs. Employers value the skills and cultural worldview you gain in Peace Corps, and best of all, most students can earn the Peace Corps certificate without taking extra courses.
- Emily Bailey Keimig '16 coordinates Youth Services at LeClaire (Iowa) Community Library.
- Eric Herbst '16 works in marketing for Mississippi Valley Credit Union.
- Livv McDonald '16 is a technical writer at Twin State Technical Services.
- Mary Madormo '13, a double major in English and public relations, is a marketing coordinator for Nickelodeon.
A liberal arts education – along with strong critical thinking, reading, writing, and speaking skills – can lead you into a variety of career fields including English education; practicing law; advertising, marketing, public relations, and communications; print, television or radio journalism; and technical writing.
You will also be a strong candidate for graduate studies in education, law, library science, medicine, journalism, and creative writing.
Wait – med school? Absolutely. Majors from the humanities – English is one of them – have a higher acceptance rate (and higher MCAT scores) into medical school than science majors. And the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai is purposely recruiting students from outside the sciences.
Sarah Dennis, PhD, Chair and Assoc. Professor
Patrick Connelly, PhD, Professor
Philip Goldfarb Styrt, Teaching Fellow
Carl Herzig, PhD, Professor
Emily Kingery, PhD, Asst. Professor
Lindsay Schaefer, Instructor
Degree Requirements
Required:
+ENGL 201 British Literature I
+ENGL 202 British Literature II
ENGL 210 American Literature I
ENGL 211 American Literature II
WI-ENGL 219 Introduction to Literary Studies
WI-ENGL 401 Senior Seminar
Electives:
21 elective English credits (12 credits of which must be at least 300-level)
Required:
Two courses from the following:
ENGL 201 British Literature I
ENGL 202 British Literature II
ENGL 210 American Literature I
ENGL 211 American Literature II
Electives:
12 elective credits (6 credits of which must be at least 300 level and one course must be writing intensive (WI) in English or a writing course.)
Required:
EDENGL 230 The Structure & Grammar of English
EDUC 302 Foundations of ESL/Bilingual Education
ENGL 313 Linguistics: Language and Learning
EDENGL 380/580 Teaching English as a Second Language
EDENGL 381/581 Teaching English as a Second Language: Secondary and Post-Secondary Learners
This is a sample of English courses to take toward your degree in English.
First Year
Fall - English Composition
Spring - Technical Writing and American Literature II
Sophomore
Fall - Literature of Place and American Literature I
Spring - Creative Writing Workshop and Irish Literature
Junior
Fall - British Literature I and Intro. to Literary Study
Spring - Creative Nonfiction and British Literature II
Senior
Fall - Senior Seminar and Shakespeare
Spring - Independent Study and Written Business Communications
Scholarships and Grants
For academic/merit-based awards, eligible students are matched to the qualifying award; some of them are listed below.
For need-based support, eligibility is determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The SAU school code is 001889.
You may also qualify for a scholarship or grant due to your talent in the fine arts or athletics. Give us a call or send an email so we can get to know you and find the best package for you. (You're also encouraged to seek outside scholarships and begin that search early.)
Amounts are for first-year students entering St. Ambrose in the 2019-20 academic year. There is no need to apply for the scholarships or grants below; students automatically are eligible if they meet specific criteria. The Admissions Office calculates the award amount by using unweighted high school GPA and ACT/SAT scores.
Your scholarship will automatically renew each year of your undergraduate studies, for up to four years, as long as you maintain satisfactory progress toward an undergraduate degree, a minimum 2.0 GPA, and remain a full-time student.
On Campus (Merit-Based Scholarships)
Trustee Scholarships
Criteria: unweighted 4.0 GPA and minimum 30 ACT or 1390 SAT score
Award: $23,000 per year and invited to compete for a full tuition scholarship
Presidential Scholarships
Criteria: minimum unweighted 3.8 GPA and 28 ACT or 1310 SAT score
Award: $20,000 per year
Academic Scholarships
Criteria: based on unweighted GPA and ACT/SAT score
Award: $14,000 per year, $15,000 per year, $16,000 per year or $17,000 per year
University Grants
Criteria: based on unweighted GPA and ACT/SAT score
$12,000 per year
On Campus (Additional Institutional Scholarships)
Fr. Welch Alumni Scholarships
Criteria: parent is a St. Ambrose graduate
Award: $1,000 per year
Fr. Menke Catholic Parish Scholarships
Criteria: member of Catholic parish in the Diocese of Davenport
Award: varies
Freeman Pollard Diversity Awards
Criteria: diverse student
Award: $1,000/year
Off Campus (Merit-Based Scholarships)
Academic Scholarships
Criteria: based on unweighted GPA and ACT/SAT score
Award: $11,000 per year, $12,000 per year, $13,000 per year or $14,000 per year
University Grants
Criteria: based on unweighted GPA and ACT/SAT score
Award: $10,000 per year
Off-Campus (Additional Institutional Scholarships)
Fr. Menke Catholic Parish Scholarships
Criteria: member of Catholic parish in the Diocese of Davenport
Award: varies
Freeman Pollard Diversity Awards
Criteria: diverse student
Award: $500 per year
At SAU, our international students can qualify for university scholarships and grants based on academic achievement, merit, and their talents and abilities in fine arts and athletics. Below, you'll find a quick summary of some of those awards and we continually look for ways to make an Ambrosian education affordable and attainable. Recently, we began offering athletic scholarships for Marching Band and Esports. If you have any questions or want to apply, please contact the International Student Admissions office.
Institutional scholarships (2018-19)
There is no need to apply for the scholarships or grants below; students are automatically are eligible if they meet specific criteria, although some may require a certain GPA to stay eligible.
Academic Scholarship
$14,000-17,000/year
University Grant
$12,000/year
Athletic Scholarships
We have many international student-athletes who are contributing and growing their skills as valued team players. As a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), St. Ambrose can award athletic scholarships to student-athletes. The amount varies and is based on performance and ability. These scholarships allow you to earn a college education while competing in the sport that you love. At Ambrose, we embody the value of developing both the mind and body.
To qualify for an athletic scholarship you must be eligible to play a sport at St. Ambrose. You can read about those qualifications here. The NAIA also has a complete website on how to register for eligibility at playNAIA.org
To learn more about all of our athletic teams and opportunities -- including esports -- click here.
Fine Art Scholarships
These scholarships are based on your performance and ability in art, music, or theatre, and you may qualify for the Michael Kennedy Theatre Scholarship. Audition or portfolio required. Contact the Admissions office to apply or for more information.
See below to learn more about outside scholarships and we encourage you to begin your search early.
Amounts are for transfer students entering St. Ambrose in the 2019-20 academic year.
St. Ambrose scholarships are awarded for fall and spring semesters only and renewable up to 120 credits of undergraduate study, which includes credits transferred to St. Ambrose from prior attendance. For example: If you transfer in with an AA/AS degree, you would receive a scholarship for two additional years at St. Ambrose.
Scholarships
Phi Theta Kappa
Criteria: awarded to all Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society members transferring from a community college
Award: $14,000
OR
Transfer Academic Scholarships
Criteria: based on GPA
Awards:
3.5-4.00 GPA $13,000
3.0-3.49 GPA $12,000
2.5-2.99 GPA $11,000
2.0-2.49 GPA $9,000
Out-of-State Grants
Criteria: non-Iowa resident
Award: $2,000 per year
Fr. Welch Alumni Scholarships
Criteria: parent is a St. Ambrose graduate; on-campus students only
Award: $1,000 per year
Dual Admission Scholarships
Criteria: participant in SAU/community college dual admission program
Award: $1,000 per year
Freeman Pollard Diversity Awards
Criteria: diverse student
Award: $1,000 per year on-campus; $500 per year off-campus
Federal and State Aid
Federal Pell Grant
Criteria: based on financial need; file FAFSA as soon as possible after Oct. 1
Award: $6,095 maximum
Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
Criteria: based on financial need, priority to Pell Grant recipients. File FAFSA as soon as possible after Oct. 1.
Award: $400 maximum
Federal Work Study
Criteria: based on financial need. File FAFSA as soon as possible after Oct. 1
Award: $1,850
Iowa Tuition Grant
Criteria: based on financial need, Iowa residents only. File FAFSA as soon as possible after Oct. 1, deadline July 1.
Award: $5,650
As a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), St. Ambrose can award athletic scholarships to student athletes. These scholarships allow you to earn a college education while competing in the sport that you love. At Ambrose, we embody that value of developing both the mind and body.
How do I qualify for an athletic scholarship?
You must first be eligible to play a sport at St. Ambrose. You can read about those qualifications here. The NAIA also has a complete website on how to register for eligibility at playNAIA.org
How do I qualify for a fine arts scholarship?
Scholarships are awarded based on performance and ability in art, music and theatre. Review the various requirements below:
There are many opportunities to receive scholarships from outside sources, here are a few websites to begin researching your options:
- Fastweb
- College Board Scholarship Search
- Scholarships.com
- Peterson's Award Database
- Scholly (app download)
Another tip: Next time you're on campus, check out the bulletin board outside Bee Central where we post more flyers and applications for outside scholarships.
Contact
Sarah Dennis, PhD, Department Chair
English Department
Ambrose Hall 322A
518 W. Locust St.
Davenport, IA 52803
DennisSarahE@sau.edu