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College of Arts & Sciences

English Language Arts & Linguistics

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Why pursue a minor in English Language Arts & Linguistics at North Central College?

A minor in English language arts and linguistics explores the sciences and art of language. Skills in linguistics and language analysis are valuable in many fields, including education, translation, international relations, and communication. Students will develop skills in cross-cultural communication, critical thinking, cultural awareness, problem solving, and linguistic pattern recognition. This minor will help you gain insights into diverse languages and cultures to enrich your academic and professional journey.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN

  • The intricacies of language
  • Exploring how language shapes society and history
     

then this minor might be for you.

Why study English Language Arts & Linguistics at North Central College?

In the Classroom

Coursework topics:

  • Linguistics
  • Multilingualism
  • Critical Sociolinguistics
  • Language & Society: Cultural Perspectives
  • Phonetics & Phonology 
  • Morphemes & Morphology 
  • Syntax & Semantics 
  • Language Variation & Society
     

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Beyond the Classroom

As an English Language Arts & Linguistics minor, you can:

  • Apply for internships and jobs through robust faculty and alumni networks or the Center for Career and Professional Development.
  • Take advantage of the Language Resource Center.
  • Pursue intensive study abroad programs in one of our more than 36 programs around the world.
  • Develop skills in cross-cultural communication, critical thinking, cultural awareness, problem solving, and linguistic pattern recognition.

Visit the English Department on social media on Instagram and Facebook.

More Department information

English, Language Arts and Linguistics Minor

For additional programs and courses in this department, see English.

A minimum of 20 credit hours, including:

Electives

A minimum of six credit hours from the following:

English Internships and Jobs

A North Central education integrates career preparation with rich academic study. Our faculty encourages you to refine and apply your knowledge in an interconnected world. Here you'll learn to think independently and work globally to solve problems and lead.

Internships

Current students and recent graduates in English have secured internships in:

  • Journalism
  • Technology
  • Podcasting
  • Social Media
  • Non-profits
  • Literary magazines
  • Digital Media
  • Television Production
  • Media Relations
  • Marketing
  • Grant Writing

Graduate Schools

Recent graduates in English have been accepted at:

  • Northwestern University
  • McGill University
  • Loyola University
  • University of Texas
  • University of Minnesota
  • Northern Michigan University
  • Creighton University
  • Butler University
  • University of Montana
  • University of South Dakota
  • West Virginia University

Careers

A degree in English opens up endless opportunities in various sectors. Below are careers held by recent graduates:

The Arts

  • Assistant Professor of Art
  • Graphic Designer
  • Strategic Branding and Designer
  • Band Member
  • Videographer
  • Documentary Filmmaker
  • Screenwriter, Director and Producer
  • Children’s Author
  • Comic Book Writer

Business and Management

  • Small Business Owner, Nomadic Yarns
  • Recruiter and Captain of Diversity and Inclusion, Aerotek
  • Entrepreneur
  • Manager, Canvas Credit Union
  • Office Manager
  • Data Entry Manager
  • Finance, Charles Schwab
  • Marketing Manager, American Marketing

Communications and Marketing

  • Communications Writer, WI Health Services
  • Director of Organizational Communications, Wabtec Corporation
  • Church Communications Director
  • Marketing Coordinator
  • Marketing Director
  • Marketing, Chartwells 
  • Social Media Coordinator
  • Global Marketing Manager

K-12 and Higher Education

  • ESL and Writing Professor
  • Teacher, Chicago Public Schools
  • Associate Director, University of Kansas Writing Center
  • School Speech Pathologist
  • School Board Member
  • English Teacher, Community Unit School District 204
  • Language Arts Teacher, Metea Valley High School
  • Charter School Teacher
  • Tutor
  • Middle School Art Teacher

Journalism, Publishing, and Radio

  • Writer, Downbeat Magazine
  • Sports Writer, ESPN
  • Daily News Reporter
  • National Public Radio
  • General Manager for Student Radio Station
  • Weekly Radio Show Host

Government and Healthcare

  • Chief of Staff, Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services
  • Foster Care Case Manager
  • Nurse
  • Insurance Company Proposal Writer
  • Healthcare Administrator
  • Doctor
  • OB-GYN

Law and Non-Profit Work

  • Senior Associate Attorney
  • Executive Search Firm Owner and Partner
  • Paralegal
  • Advocate for Black Women’s Rights
  • Naperville City Council Member
  • Domestic Violence Project Assistant
  • Community Reporting and Evaluation Manager

Professional and Technical Writing and Editing

  • Grant Writer
  • Technical Writer and Copywriter
  • Job Training Writer
  • Lead Mobile App Software Engineer, Physics
  • Software Developer 
  • Author
  • Web Presentation Builder
  • Managing Editor, John Wiley and Sons Publishing
  • Freelance Editor
  • Managing Editor, Scranton Gillette Communications

Other

  • Associate Pastor
  • Assistant Pastor
  • Board of Ordained Ministry
  • Librarian
  • Youth Librarian
  • Media Center and Library Teacher’s Assistant, Arlington Heights High School

Invest in your future

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Merit scholarships, grants, loans, campus employment - these are just some of the resources available to you. Over 95 percent of students and 100 percent of all eligible students receive aid. Let our team partner with you in finding the best value for your education.

Learn more about financial aid and costs for North Central College

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