Are you ready to begin your journey?
The study of English language and literature enriches students’ lives by engaging with evocative authors, ideas, and language across historical periods, cultures, and national literatures. Because people read to be entertained, to be surprised, and to be inspired, we believe that all students benefit from integrating literature with writing on analytical, creative, and professional levels.
The University of Montevallo is regularly ranked as a TOP UNIVERSITY in Alabama for the study of English Language and Literature according to Niche’s Best Colleges for English in Alabama.
Vibrant community
Our tight-knit group of students build community through events like our visits to the Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Sigma Tau Delta’s Halloween Horror Trivia Party, and The Tower’s Valentine’s Day “Sappy Love Poetry Contest.”
Distinguished guests
UM regularly hosts readings and discussions with local and nationally known authors through organizations like the Poetry@UM Reading Series and the BACHE Visiting Writers’ Series. Recent visiting writers have included PEN Literary Award Winner Jean Guerrero, New York Times bestseller Michael Tisserand, Pulitzer Prize winner Natasha Tretheway, and current US Poet Laureate Ada Limón.
Innovative experiences
Initiatives like the Walden Studio, visits to New Orleans, and classes on cooking in the time of Shakespeare connect the study of language and literature to real world experience.
Award-winning faculty
UM’s English faculty have received awards from prestigious organizations including the National Book Foundation, Harvard University, the Sewanee Writers Conference, and Choice Reviews, and have been featured in national outlets including The New York Times, Oprah Magazine, PBS, and C-SPAN.
Why Study English
The study of English language and literature provides valuable training in critical thinking, leadership, and communication while introducing students to a variety of artistic, historical, and global perspectives. The preparation offered by an English major enriches the lives of our students while providing skills that help them succeed in their careers. English majors find employment in a wide range of fields, from education and non-profit organizations to business and financial relations to healthcare and law.
- 96% of English degree holders would major or minor in English again.
- 87% of English and other humanities degree holders report high levels of job satisfaction with rates that match or exceed nearly every other field.
- Nearly 60% of humanities majors have jobs that involve managing or supervising.
- The median salary and employment rates of English degree holders are comparable to or exceed other sought-after degrees including psychology, legal studies, communications, and neuroscience.
- University of Edinburgh
- Indiana University
- University of Arizona
- University of Massachusetts—Amherst
- University of Nebraska—Lincoln
- University of Alabama Law School
- Washington and Lee School of Law
- University of Oregon
- Assistant Professor of English, New York University
- Director of content and strategy at The Foundry at Dotdash Meredith (largest digital and
print publisher in America) - Attorney, Hughes & Scalise Law Firm
- Copy editor, People Magazine
- Corporate Strategist, Toyota
- Filmmaker (winner of prestigious Tribeca Film Festival Jury Prize)
- Digital Producer, CBS 42
- Professor of Digital Rhetoric, University of Rhode Island
- Medical Librarian, University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Children’s Therapist at Alabama Child & Adolescent Counseling
- Communication Manager, Cahaba River Society
- Teacher, Alabaster City Schools
“Don’t be afraid to think outside of the box when it comes to career choices — the skills you’re going to learn as a UM English major will help you wherever you end up. Whether you decide to teach, work in marketing, or something completely different, having the ability to see things from different perspectives and communicate your thoughts clearly will take you far.” — Madison Griggs ‘17, Writer and Editor
English Alumni Spotlights
The Department of English has produced distinguished alumni in a wide variety of fields.
English Alumni Spotlights
Ways to Get Involved
English Program
