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Appalachian State University

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English, Secondary Education (BS)

About

North Carolina needs teachers. Students in Appalachian’s English, Secondary Education (BS) program receive excellent preparation to be an English teacher through the university’s Department of English and Reich College of Education.

This NCATE-accredited program produces the most English, Secondary Education graduates in the state. It also has an excellent placement record. It is designed for students who want to teach high school English, although majors often go on to graduate school in English or other professional schools in areas such as law, medicine or education.

The preparation for English education is rigorous so future teachers become broad in their thinking, well informed about theory and practice, and concerned about diversity, community and their ongoing professional growth. Graduates also experience success and flexibility in careers as diverse as writing, publishing, journalism, broadcasting and marketing, as well as educational administration, law, business, library and information science, health care, politics and more.

After Graduation

Employment: Students who graduate from this program have gone on to work for school districts across the state and across the country.

Graduate School: Those who have furthered their education have been employed by numerous universities and colleges that include Wake Forest, Clemson, Millikin University and others. Students who choose to continue their education have gone on to programs at the following schools:

  • Clemson University
  • Teachers College, Columbia University
  • New York University
  • Wake Forest University
  • UNC-Chapel Hill
  • North Carolina State University
  • University of South Carolina
  • UNC-Greensboro
  • University of Alabama
  • Auburn University
  • University of Virginia
  • Duke Divinity School
  • University of Tennessee College of Law
  • University of Wisconsin Law School

Career Exploration website

Professional Licensure

This is a program that can lead to licensure or certification in North Carolina. Appalachian State University cannot confirm whether this program will meet the requirements for professional licensure in other states or territories.

If this applies to you, check the Professional Licensure webpage for information on licensure requirements and licensing agencies in other states. Or, you may address questions to State Authorization at App State at stateauthorization@appstate.edu or 828-262-7559.

People

  • Alumnus Profile: Brandon Moore ’20
    Alumnus Profile: Brandon Moore ’20

    “Literature is the lens through which we view life and culture, so I want to engage with my students in how to change lives and how to respect cultures and perspectives.”

    – Brandon Moore ’20, Appalachian’s 2019–20 Student Teacher of the Year and incoming English teacher at West Cabarrus High School in Concord

  • Faculty Profile: Dr. Elaine O’Quinn
    Faculty Profile: Dr. Elaine O’Quinn

    According to faculty member Elaine J. O’Quinn, Appalachian’s English Education program believes that teaching students how to teach is just as important as what they teach.

    Meet more faculty

  • Alumnus Profile: Jason Rhodes ’98 ’00
    Alumnus Profile: Jason Rhodes ’98 ’00

    This 2010 Henderson County Teacher of the Year describes Appalachian’s English faculty as “engaging” both inside and outside the classroom. 

    Meet more alumni

Courses

  • Program of Study
    Program of Study
  • Four Year Guide
    Four Year Guide

    Click on the pdf for your major

  • NCCC Transfer Four Year Guide
    NCCC Transfer Four Year Guide

Minors

A minor is not required.

View all minors

Engagement Outside the Classroom

The English Club is a student-run organization that supports camaraderie among English majors through a variety of activities and special events on campus.

Sigma Tau Delta is an international honor society for English undergraduates.

Lyric is Appalachian’s Spoken Word Poetry Club.

The Peel is an award-winning student-run literary publication that features Appalachian students’ stories, poetry, essays and artwork.

Cold Mountain Review is Appalachian’s professional literary review published out of the Department of English.

The Film Club is the Department of English’s undergraduate club devoted to film production and appreciation.

APPS Society Film Series is sponsored by the Appalachian Popular Programming Society (APPS).

Sustainability Film Series screens films that help viewers better understand the challenges facing human culture and our planet.

The Queer Film Series seeks to increase campus and community awareness of the histories, lives, and cultures of LGBTQI (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, and intersex) persons.

The Hughlene Bostian Frank Visiting Writers Series brings eight authors to campus for readings and craft talks throughout the school year.

Global Learning

Appalachian is committed to introducing students to different cultures and teaching them how to live and interact in a global society.  Opportunities for education majors include international student teaching.

Admission Requirements

Admission to Appalachian’s Teacher Education Program is required.

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Why Appalachian?

  • There is a high demand for teachers in North Carolina, and this program excels at preparing students for these jobs. Alumni include 2015 North Carolina State Teacher of the Year Keana Triplett, and other graduates frequently have been named teacher of the year at the school, district and regional levels.
  • The skills most in demand for today’s job market are those in which English majors excel – oral and written communication, critical thinking, active listening, reading comprehension and analysis.
  • Research shows that English majors who choose to pursue a graduate or professional degree consistently perform at the highest levels on the GMAT, MCAT, LSAT and the GRE.
  • Appalachian has been training quality educators for more than 100 years and is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).
  • Appalachian has been preparing quality educators for more than 100 years and is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).

Location

Boone and Hickory*

*The Hickory Campus location is pending accreditation from SACSCOC for this program. Accreditation is expected in summer 2023.

Careers

Appalachian graduates with English degrees excel wherever employers value cultural literacy and the ability to read carefully, think critically and write effectively. 

See where they work

Contacts

College of Arts and Sciences

Department of English  

Dr. Leonardo Flores
Chair
floresll@appstate.edu
828-262-3098

  • Department of English

    The Department of English at Appalachian State University is committed to outstanding work in the classroom, the support and mentorship of students, and a dynamic engagement with culture, history, language, theory and literature. It offers Master of Arts degrees in English and rhetoric and composition, as well as undergraduate degrees in literary studies, film studies, creative writing, professional writing and English education.

  • College of Arts and Sciences

    Appalachian’s Largest College

    The College of Arts and Sciences at Appalachian State University is home to 17 academic departments, two centers and one residential college spanning the humanities and the social, mathematical and natural sciences. The college is dedicated to providing instruction and research essential to the university's mission and seeks to cultivate the habits of inquiry, learning and service among all its constituents.

    By the Numbers

    • 1/3 of the degrees awarded at Appalachian
    • More than 70% of general education courses are taught in the college
    • 93 majors offered
    • 53 minors offered
    • 6,411 undergraduate majors
    • More than 460 full-time faculty members
    • 41,203 living alumni
    • $8,754,800 awarded to the college in external grants during the 2020–21 academic year
    • $236,914 awarded to students through 6 collegewide scholarships and 98 departmental scholarships for the 2020–21 academic year

    Graduate Programs

    Accelerated Master’s program opportunities are available in pursuing a master's degree in 12 selected areas: Appalachian Studies, Biology, Computer Science, Engineering Physics, English, Geography and Planning, History, Mathematics, Romance Languages (French/Spanish), Political Science, Psychology (Experimental Science) and Public Administration. Other master’s degrees, graduate certificates and specialist degrees are listed on Appalachian’s School of Graduate Studies website.

    Top Employment Sectors

    • Colleges, Universities and Professional Schools
    • Federal, State and Local Government
    • Justice, Public Order and Safety Activities
    • Computer Systems Design and Related Services
    • Legal Services
    • Health Care
    • Biotech/Engineering
    • Elementary and Secondary Schools
    • Nonprofit Organizations

Appalachian Cares

It's up to me|us

Appalachian Cares is a place to find resources and support available for our students faculty and staff regarding student health and safety.

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