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Eastern Illinois University

English: Literary & Cultural Studies

Focus on literature and its relationship to culture. Our faculty specialize in literature across English and American history, and we study everything from the classics to film and TV to manga and graphic novels. The concentration is great for students considering graduate study (law school, library science) or those interested in literary publishing. It can also pair with another concentration in English, a minor in another field, or a second major.

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English: Literary & Cultural Studies

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Degree Level
Bachelor of Arts
Delivery
In Person
Time to Degree
8 Semesters
Credit Hours
120 Total, 44 in Major
Careers
Language, Postsecondary, Teachers, Proofreaders, Markers
English: Literary & Cultural Studies students at EIU

Why Study English: Literary & Cultural Studies at EIU?

  • Develop expert-level reading comprehension in small classes, taught by PhD faculty who genuinely care about your success
  • A pair of short courses helps you plan your path and prepare for the job market
  • Easily add a second concentration or a minor within a regular four-year program of study
  • Students who are considering an MA later can save time and money with our accelerated BA/MA program
  • Apply for major-specific scholarships from the English Department, which total about $150,000 annually just for EIU English majors
"From the moment I stepped onto campus, every professor, staff member, and student I encountered treated me with such genuine warmth and respect, as if I were already a valued member of their community. Despite not having officially joined the EIU family, I immediately felt a deep sense of belonging. The atmosphere was one of comfort and inclusivity, where everyone seemed genuinely invested in my success and well-being."
Abbey McCord
English: Literary & Cultural Studies | Class of 2025
Abbey McCord, English: Literary & Cultural Studies at EIU

Hands-On Experience

  • At our annual student conference, you will take a day off from classes to learn from other students and share some of your own best work, practicing valuable professional communication skills
  • Our student literary magazine, The Vehicle, offers students the opportunity to work on the staff of a literary magazine and to publish their writing
  • Wherever you're headed, internship is available with the support of our English internship coordinator to help you gain your first professional experience
  • Our annual event Handshaking Night brings a dozen or more former English majors working in different fields to campus to share their professional journeys
  • In English 4060, English Studies Career Development, you will prepare for the details and realities of the job market before you graduate
Explore Courses
Hands-On Experience, English: Literary & Cultural Studies students at EIU

What You'll Learn

The Literary and Cultural Studies emphasis in the English major is for students who love literature and want to deepen their understanding of literary art, culture and what it means to be human. It is a fit if you enjoy close reading and discussion and are preparing for graduate study in English, law school or library science.

View in Catalog
$47,222
Median Salary for These CareersMedian salaryThe median is the middle value: half of the people counted earn more and half earn less. It is an estimate for a typical graduate, not a promise of what you will earn. Pay varies by employer, location, experience and the specific job.

Career OutcomesCareer outcomesThese are example careers that graduates of this program often pursue, taken from the U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET occupation list. They are examples, not job guarantees, and many graduates work in other fields.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

  • English Language & Literature…
  • Secondary School Teachers
  • Proofreaders & Copy Markers
  • Editors
  • Writers & Authors
  • Poets, Lyricists & Creative Writers
  • Area, Ethnic, & Cultural Studies…

Career Insights

Job Outlook Average Outlook Average OutlookO*NET doesn't currently flag any of the careers linked to this program as Bright Outlook. That doesn't mean jobs aren't out there. It just means these careers aren't expected to grow quickly, don't have 75,000 or more projected openings, and aren't new and emerging.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor
Preparation Needed Considerable (4/5)Job Zone 4: Considerable preparationMost of these careers require a four-year bachelor's degree. They also tend to build on several years of work-related experience or training.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor
Personality Fit SocialSocial interest typeYou like helping people. This work centers on supporting others by helping, teaching, advising or serving them.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Connect With Us

Angela Vietto
Professor of English and Chair, Department of English
arvietto@eiu.edu
3341 Coleman Hall
217-581-2428
Angela Vietto Message Angela

Message Angela

or email arvietto@eiu.edu directly
Michael Cornebise
Interim Dean, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences & Professor, Geography
mwcornebise@eiu.edu
2214
217-581-7486
Michael Cornebise Message Michael

Message Michael

or email mwcornebise@eiu.edu directly
Billy Panther
Head of Panther Pride
Old Main
217-581-2223
Billy the Panther Message Billy

Message Billy

or email billy@eiu.edu directly

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