English (B.A.) with Secondary Teaching Certification

Program Overview

The English program at Messiah University assists students in studying a wide array of literatures using a variety of critical thinking and writing skills to help them become perceptive readers, insightful thinkers, and responsible writers. Professors encourage students to develop perspectives on the relationship of Christian faith to all aspects of literary endeavor.

Because many careers call for close analysis and interpretation of texts as well as fluency in writing, the English major prepares students for success in a variety of fields. Besides the obvious career choices of advanced scholarship, teaching, journalism, and publishing, Messiah English majors have pursued law, business, Christian ministry, public relations, and other professional careers.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates from Messiah’s English program can:

1.   Analyze literary texts by reading closely and applying disciplinary vocabularies, theories, and methods.
2.   Respond to literary texts within their contexts such as culture, genre, literary history, aesthetic values, and ideological orientation.
3.   Demonstrate writing and rhetorical skills appropriate to both critical and creative tasks in a variety of media and genres.
4.   Develop and challenge their thinking through scholarly research in support of both critical studies and creative activities.
5.   Reflect on vocational calling, explore possible career paths, and develop action plans for their professional lives.
6.   Articulate the connections between Christian faith and the study of English.

Students who complete the Messiah University Teacher Education Program will demonstrate:

1. Christian faith and values in personal and professional life.
2. Professional attitudes that reflect an understanding of schools and a commitment to teaching.
3. Subject matter depth and an understanding of the relationships between and among curricular areas.
4. Theoretical knowledge of learning and related instructional practices that support learning.
5. Empirical inquiry skills such as observation, hypothesis-testing, data collection, and data analysis.
6. Acquisition, analysis, evaluation, and integration of new knowledge throughout professional practice.
7. Appropriate professional responses to the roles and responsibilities of individuals and organizations (e.g., teachers, students, families, school districts, communities) associated with educational environments.
8. Professional communication (speaking, writing, listening) and technology skills.
9. Reflective decision-making and problem-solving skills.
10. Instructional planning and assessment skills that facilitate equitable participation, an accepting and supportive learning environment, and maximum development for all learners.

Major Requirements

Complete the following for your major:

Professional Semester:

Note: While students can only earn three credits per course, they may meet more than one area requirement in a single course. Any course meeting more than one requirement must be approved in advance by the English Department.

QuEST Requirements