Why Major in English Education?
A degree in English education prepares students for meaningful careers in middle and high school classrooms. As an English education major at Northwest, students learn the skills to be successful in the classroom – classroom management, differentiated instruction, professionalism, practical strategies for teaching reading and writing – but they also learn about the teaching of English as a craft and an art.
Through books, English teachers expose students to other cultures and time periods, giving insight into how others think and have thought. Through writing instruction, English teachers give students a voice of their own and the means to express themselves to their world. Often, English teaching is associated with spelling, punctuation, grammar and other basic skills. As an English education major, students learn how to teach those skills, but also promote social justice and give kids the tools to thrive in an evolving world through reading and writing.
Minor in English
The Minor in English (30 hours) is an attractive choice for students majoring in another teaching area such as social science, a foreign language, speech, art or music. This minor offers a balance of writing and literature courses similar to the Bachelor of Arts in English.
This minor, when completed under the B.S.Ed. Secondary or Elementary/Secondary Programs, meets Missouri teacher certification standards for grades 9-12.
Career Opportunities
95%
placement rate
95% of students who graduate with a degree in English education obtain employment or continue their education within six months after graduation.
*Based on self-reported data
Profession-Based Learning Experiences
Education majors get experience in the classroom during their freshman year. Northwest is dedicated to ensuring students are career-ready and prepared for the first day of their careers.
Freshman-year observation provides students an opportunity to observe a professional teacher during their first year. Students interact with professionals in the field and learn classroom operation and effective teaching practices.
During a student’s sophomore year, students participate in a field experience, during which they outline a unit plan and teach lessons.
During the junior-year practicum experience, students spend time in the classroom, teaching lessons, integrating technology and literacy, engaging in learning strategies and using assessments to guide education.
The senior-year student teaching involves students in preparing lessons and teaching in a classroom.
Student Testimonial
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I could not wait to impart the knowledge the English Department faculty has given to me on the high school students I would teach. I know this department helped mold me into a participant in my field and I am so grateful. I chose Northwest because many of my family members are alumni, but I chose this department to make this college experience my own. Alexis Leggett
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What sets the department at Northwest apart from other universities is the instructors' willingness to help students. They are never timid consulting another professor who may have more knowledge in that particular field or helping students work through a variety of problems. The open door policy that Northwest has does wonders when wanting the advice of or help from a professor.
Study Abroad
Study Abroad is an opportunity for students to apply hands-on international experience to their own academic development. Faculty members provide short-term study programs that prepare students before, during and after the program. Two types of study abroad programs are available, Faculty-led and traditional study abroad.
The traditional program can be a semester, summer or year-long program and is taught by Northwest’s international partner institutions.
For more information about study abroad opportunities »
The Northwest Difference
Founded in 1905, Northwest is a traditional campus with more than 7,200 undergraduate and graduate students. Located in the middle of everywhere, Maryville is two hours from Omaha, Nebraska and Kansas City, Missouri and
2 ½ hours from Des Moines, Iowa.
The textbooks and laptop rental programs save students nearly $7,300 over four years.
Ranked as the top moderately selective regional university in the "25 Best Colleges" by U.S. News and World Report for third time in four years.
The Bearcat Advantage provides out-of-state students the opportunity to earn in-state tuition rates that can save more than $6,000. With the average undergraduate financial aid award of $5,467 for in-state students and $8,286 for out-of-state students, Northwest offers a quality education at an affordable price.
At Northwest, the American Dream Grant covers 100% of the tuition and fees for Pell-eligible students.
Students organizations, internships and profession-based learning experiences ensure students are Career Ready, Day One.
