Fields of Interest

The Department of English and Philosophy helps students explore the world of words and ideas while preparing for a variety of creative and dynamic careers. Our diverse programs offer paths into many exciting fields. Check out our fields of interest to explore the possibilities that fit your dreams and aspirations.

	Composition and Rhetoric Are you inspired to study how our language works? Explore opportunities to enhance your writing and critical thinking abilities, understand cultural and rhetorical influences on writing situations and genres, and study and practice rhetoric and discourse in academic and professional environments. See here for important information about First-Year Composition: ENG 105.
	Creative Writing The Murray State University creative writing programs offer a dynamic environment to practice the art of writing. Our offerings comprise undergraduate majors, undergraduate minors, and advanced degrees, including the Master of Fine Arts. The programs combine workshop experience with courses in literature and form to give our students a well-rounded and broad approach to craft.
	English Education Is it your goal to teach English at the high school level? Join our English Education program to earn your degree with the guidance of our dedicated faculty. Our graduates are consistently highly successful in job placement.
	Film Studies The Film Studies program at Murray State University emphasizes the history, theory and practice of film in the larger context of liberal arts studies. The purpose is to enhance students' understanding of this important medium and its influences across the disciplines.
	Gender and Diversity Studies Today's workplace, regardless of your chosen profession, demands an awareness of, and an appreciation for, the spectrum of issues related to gender and diversity. Gain a competitive edge through these interdisciplinary programs. Whether you're pursuing a career in business, communications, the arts, education, health, humanities, social sciences, or human services, these programs can only benefit you as an informed citizen and a successful professional.
	Humanities What is a polymath? Leonardo da Vinci painted the Mona Lisa. He also contributed significantly to the disciplines of engineering, medicine, and the sciences. In the humanities, delve into the classics, history, visual arts, literature, languages, the performing arts, law, philosophy and religion, and examine their complex and fascinating interrelation in the study of the human condition.
	Literature Is literature your great passion? Are you captivated by the history and evolution of the English language? Look into the lives, minds and hearts of the creators of the stories of the ages. Study how poems are constructed, and recognize their beauty and artistry. Join us for an exciting and addictive journey into the works that have shaped humanity.
	Philosophy Students enrolled in the Philosophy program explore the historical trajectory of philosophical thought and its current applications in many professional and academic fields. Philosophy is a critical and reflective discipline, the study of which strengthens students' evaluative and moral reasoning skills and prepares students to succeed in future endeavors such as law school, seminary, medicine, business, computer science, and education.
	Professional and Technical Writing The Murray State University professional and technical writing programs are designed to enhance writing and critical thinking abilities and promote understanding of cultural and rhetorical influences on writing situations and genres. These intensive programs explore the practice of rhetoric and discourse in professional and technical environments.
	Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) TESOL is the recognized teaching degree in English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction, a field that has shown phenomenal growth in recent years, with teachers in high demand. This degree is regularly cited in position announcements to teach English in secondary schools and colleges all over the world.