English Majors

@ Austin Community College

Associate of Arts in English @ Austin Community College

English Major

@ ACC

In the Composition & Literary Studies Department, we believe in the magic of language and the transformative power of literature. This is your online haven for connection, inspiration, and information.

Join a vibrant community of like-minded individuals who share your passion for language, literature, and the arts. Connect with fellow English majors and build lasting friendships with peers who understand and appreciate the beauty of words.

Literary Events

Stay booked up with our events calendar featuring literary events on ACC campuses and public venues in and around Austin.

 Degree Pathway

A.A. in English @ ACC

This Associate of Arts degree provides students with the first two years of Liberal Arts education with an emphasis on English.

College graduates with English degrees possess the communication skills employers covet. Students choosing English as a major typically follow the pathway through the English program at Austin Community College, then transfer to a four-year university bachelor’s degree program.

Curriculum

The Associate of Arts degree in English includes field of study curriculum approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. The English Language & Literature Field of Study Curriculum consists of 12 lower-division semester credit hours of fully transferable and applicable lower-division academic courses.

Credit Transferability

Students should always consult with an academic or English faculty advisor regarding transfer to a specific college or university. In addition, students should consult with an advisor at the Texas college or university to which they are transferring for additional information.

Norton Survey of English Majors

Student Perspective

In the past couple of years, W. W. Norton’s literature team carried out an extensive survey encompassing over 2000 students and individuals with degrees in English programs. The primary objective of the survey was to ascertain responses to three main questions:

  • Why do students pursue English as their area of study?
  • How does the coursework of individuals relate (or not relate) to their professional aspirations or personal experiences?
  • What recommendations do they have for future English major programs?

Their findings have been condensed into a report to augment the efforts already undertaken by English departments, educators, and administrators while engaging students in this discipline.

Featured Faculty

of Composition & Literary Studies

Austin Community College English professors bring a dynamic blend of expertise, passion, and dedication to the classroom. With diverse backgrounds in literature, composition, creative writing, and critical analysis, they foster an inclusive environment where students explore the depths of writing and literature. Through engaging lectures, interactive discussions, and personalized guidance, our professors inspire critical thinking and scholastic growth.

Dr. Amaryllis Castillo

Ph.D. in Developmental Literacy
Texas State University

Dr. Carrza Dubose

Ph.D. in English
Morgan State University

David Estringel

M.F.A. in Creative Writing (Poetry)
University of Texas, Rio Grande Valley

Louisa Spaventa

M.A. in English/Creative Writing
University of Texas at Austin

Why Major

                             in English?

1. Think: It’s not just about books and poems. It’s about honing skills in communication, critical analysis, and creative problem solving. These qualities are indispensable across various industries.

2. Communicate: English majors excel in articulating ideas and crafting effective messages for a wide variety of audiences—a highly coveted skill set in today’s job market.

3. Adapt: The ability to critically analyze and synthesize evolving information in constantly changing landscapes is highly prized by public and private institutions alike.

4. Work: Graduates can pursue roles in publishing, journalism, marketing, public relations, education, content creation, technical writing, law, and emerging fields like digital media and virtual reality.

5. Thrive: English majors live rich and rewarding lives of critical and emotional depth, experiencing the full range of the transformative magic of literature and entertainment.

Financial Benefits

According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers in writing, editing, and communications offer competitive salaries and solid job growth projections. In fact, the median annual wage for writers and authors was $73,150 in 2022, significantly higher than the median wage for all occupations.

ACC’s English Program

Our program empowers students to apply studies in English to the life-long pursuit of an enriched and fulfilling life. Our dedicated faculty are experts in their fields, committed to nurturing your passion for language and literature.