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English

B.A. Degree with a Major in English

Exploring Literature, Writing, and Critical Thinking

The English program at University of Maine at Farmington (UMF) invites students to engage deeply with literature while developing strong skills in reading, interpretation, and writing across a wide range of texts. Through small, discussion-based classes, students work closely with faculty and peers to analyze significant works, strengthen critical thinking, and refine clear, effective writing. With a flexible, student-centered curriculum, the program emphasizes choice in coursework and the development of practical skills that prepare students for a variety of academic and professional paths.

Students standing in front of audience in a bookstore presenting
Students standing in front of audience in a bookstore presenting

The Learning Experience

At Farmington, you can custom-tailor your English program to suit your interests and passions.

You get to choose many of your degree requirements, selecting from a cluster of connected courses called a Concentration. Examples of Concentrations students have created include Psychology in Media and Literature, The Art of the Comic Book, Editing and Publishing, Teaching English Abroad, Diversity in Literature, The Art and Practice of Journalism, Literature and Film, Nineteenth-Century British Literature, and Contemporary American Literature and Culture.

You’ll be introduced to exciting new ways of experiencing literature in the class and outside the classroom. Our evening Visiting Writers and Speakers programs bring to campus a diverse group of published authors, filmmakers, performers and others. Our on-campus publications, discussion groups, conferences and symposiums allow you to write and present your ideas and research in public.

What Can I Do With an English Degree?

Beyond the Classroom

English students are deeply involved in the life of the UMF community, with opportunities to create, collaborate, conduct research and connect with one another beyond their coursework.

Creative Opportunities

Take your ideas beyond the classroom and into the creative life of campus. English students perform in Beavermoth storytelling events, contribute to The Sandy River Review and The Farmington Flyer, create short films for Pixel Hunter, and take part in UMF theater productions both onstage and behind the scenes.
Sigma Tau Delta International English Honor Society logo with seal showing a quill and compass and the year 1924, plus the text 'Sigma Tau Delta'.

Community

Become part of a vibrant community of writers, readers and scholars through UMF’s chapter of Sigma Tau Delta, the international English honor society. Students also connect through the Honors Program, English Society activities, Visiting Writer Series and events across campus.
Woman presenting at a lectern in a classroom, slides titled 'Literature Background: Age' projected behind, audience seated.

Research

Put your English studies into practice through opportunities like the Digital Humanities & Video Game Studies Lab, Symposium Day and Wilson Scholar research projects. Students can conduct original research, explore emerging technologies in the humanities and share their work with the UMF community.
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Interested in a Minor?

The English minor at UMF gives students a strong foundation in reading, analyzing, and interpreting literature across a range of genres and time periods. Through a mix of introductory and advanced English courses, students develop critical thinking, close reading, and effective writing skills that complement a wide variety of majors and career paths.

For English majors, complimentary minors include Creative Writing, Editing and Publishing, Film Studies, and History.

UMF means more to me than I can express. My student work-study job led me to this amazing career I love, the faculty nurtured my passion for reading and learning and I left UMF with lifelong friendships that I cherish.
Maria MacDougal, UMF English graduate
Maria works as a College Access Counselor at the Finance Authority of Maine (FAME).

Faculty Who Inspire

UMF English faculty are dedicated to bringing literature to life through engaging, discussion-based courses and close mentorship. They guide students in developing strong writing, critical thinking, and analytical skills while connecting classroom learning to broader literary and cultural conversations.

Contact Us to Get Started!

Office of Admissions
246 Main Street
Farmington, Maine USA 04938-1994
umfadmit@maine.edu
207.778.7050