Webster University - English

To become an English major, you will need to submit a writing sample to the department.

If you are applying for the Literature, Society and Politics emphasis or the Drama emphasis, your writing sample should consist of a photocopy of one graded essay, written for a previous or current English class. The essay should respond to or analyze a literary text. It should include the instructor’s grades and comments and should be an example of your best work. If you are still in high school, an essay from one of your high school classes is fine, as long as it fits the description above.

If you are applying for the Creative Writing emphasis, your writing sample should consist of one literary analysis essay, as described above, AND one of the following:
- a short story
- an original play (or portion thereof)
- a creative nonfiction essay
- three poems

The English Department prides itself on providing individualized attention to all its students. Reviewing your writing sample is the first step in this process. By requiring the writing sample, we are able to
• communicate our high standards to prospective students; if you relish a challenge and value your own development as a thinker and writer, you will find the academic community you seek in our department;
• determine how well students are prepared for the demands of the major, which allows us to let you know if you need specific supplemental courses to help you meet those demands; and
• gain an opportunity to make scholarship recommendations for students whose work is particularly strong (please note that we do not have the opportunity to make such recommendations if you submit your writing sample after you enroll at Webster, as described in the next section).

After reviewing your sample, the department may accept you without reservation, accept you with suggestions for courses that will help you succeed, or decline your application. In this last case, you may become a pre-English major (see the next section) and apply again later.

What are my options if I am not accepted or do not have a writing sample?

If your application is not accepted, or if you do not currently have the required writing sample(s), you may become a pre-English major, which will allow you to be assigned an English faculty member as your advisor.

You should seriously consider taking ENGL 1030 Introduction to Literature in your first semester as a pre-English major. ENGL 1030 will improve your ability to understand and analyze literature and give you the opportunity to write literary analysis papers. (Other English Department courses may serve this same function, depending on your situation; please contact the department if you would like to discuss other options.)

Once you are a pre-English major, you will need to turn in your writing sample(s) in order to apply for full English major status
• by the end of your first year, if you are a first-time freshman, or
• by the end of your first semester, if you are a transfer student.

Please Note: If you are already attending Webster, either undeclared or with another major, you may apply for the English major or become a pre-English major at any time. You may reapply with new writing samples if your initial application is declined. Please apply directly through the department if you are already attending Webster. (Contact Karen Miller, the department coordinator, at 968-7170 or kmiller@webster.edu.)

Degree Requirements

42 required credit hours
27 general education credit hours
59 elective credit hours

Each English major must take ENGL 2020 and ENGL 2030 Major British Writers I and II, and ENGL 2040 Major U.S. Writers, earning a grade of at least C- in each course. In addition, each student must select 33 additional credit hours, 24 from the list or lists specific to his or her emphasis (below) and 9 electives from the emphasis lists or other English courses. Of the 24 credit hours required in any one emphasis, 12 must be taken at Webster University. In the final semester of study, each student must register for ENGL 4600 Portfolio Review (0 credit hours).

Special Requirements

No more than two courses, not to exceed a maximum of 6 credit hours, completed with a grade of D may count toward fulfilling the specific course requirements of the major.
Students must complete ENGL 2020 and ENGL 2030 Major British Writers I and II, and ENGL 2050 and ENGL 2070 Major U.S. Writers I and II with grades of C- or better.
At least 21 credit hours within the major must be completed at Webster University.
Each student must complete at least 12 credit hours of courses for the major at the 3000 or 4000 level.

Emphasis in Creative Writing

Note: Students with an emphasis in creative writing must successfully complete at least one section of ENGL 4400.

Emphasis in Drama

Note: Theatre arts courses listed above are considered for this emphasis to be in the English Department.

Emphasis in Literature, Society, and Politics

Minor in Professional Writing

To complete a minor in professional writing, students must take 18 credit hours from the list below. Students should consult with the professional writing program advisor in order to tailor the program to their specific interests.

Certificate Program: Professional Writing

The certificate program in professional writing is open both to undergraduate students at Webster and to members of the larger community, including those who already have bachelor's degrees. To receive the certificate in professional writing, students must complete 18 credit hours as specified below with a grade of C or better in each course (when applicable). Students are encouraged to consult with the professional writing program advisor in order to tailor the program to their specific interests.

No more than 9 hours towards the certificate may come from any single prefix, with the exception of WRIT.

ENGLISH DEPARTMENT

Admission Requirements