Information for Students
- In addition to the ENG 201 prerequisite, remember the English major requires an additional foundation course of one general education Literature course: ISP 235, ISP 236, ISP 273, LIT 230, LIT 231, LIT 232, LIT 233, LIT 236, LIT 237, LIT 239, LIT 326, LIT 327
- All English majors should plan to take LIT 260, LIT 300, LIT 305, and finally LIT 400 or LIT 405 in sequential semesters. As illustrated above, you should plan to take courses in the major for at least four semesters - though LIT 300 and LIT 305 can be taken in the same semester.
- While taking these required core courses, we advise you to take one Historical Topics course and one LIT or ENG major elective per semester.
- To get the most out of the experience, and to be successful, students should not take more than three literature courses per semester.
- Remember that you will need at least a 2.0 GPA in the major and at least a 2.0 overall GPA to graduate.
DegreeWorks degree audit - Use this online planning tool to track your overall progress toward graduation. You will see which of your general education and major requirements are completed, in progress, or still needed. Refer to the DegreeWorks FAQs to better understand how to use this helpful tool. Note: be sure to confirm the accuracy of your degree audit with a general advisor and major advisor.
Fill out the English Major Checklist to keep track of which major requirements you have completed and which ones you still need.
Sample Four Year Plan - See an example of how you could complete all your degree requirements (major, general education, electives) and graduate in four years! Remember that this sample plan shows just one possible way to combine your requirements. Transfer students in particular should work with advisors to determine a plan that works best for them.
English Major Advisement
General Academic Advisement
A General Academic Advisor will confirm what general academic requirements you still need, make suggestions about smart course planning that will help you graduate without delays, discuss your interest in adding a minor or second major, inform you about opportunities such as study abroad, discuss general questions and concerns, and make helpful referrals. Visit the Academic Advisement Center's webpage for more information.
For helpful tips on making the most of the English major at John Jay, take a look at Advice from John Jay English Alumni.
Click here to see some of the courses we are offering next semester.
Career, Graduate School, & Other Resources
Resources for English Majors
Visit Career Planning for English Majors to learn about professional opportunities and career preparation. English faculty mentors are also great sources of career advice.
The Center for Career and Professional Development
The CCPD offers advising for all questions related to job searches, internships, and career preparation. Staff are available to meet individually with students and alumni in L72.00 New Building. To request an appointment with and advisor, log on to John Jay Careers Online.
Preparing for a Career in Teaching English at the Secondary (High-School) Level
Click here for information about becoming a high-school English teacher.
The John Jay Sentinel
The Sentinel is an independent campus news publication run entirely by John Jay students. Email the editors at johnjaysentinel@gmail.com
Sigma Tau Delta
International English Honor Society
THE QUILL
John Jay’s own literary magazine for emerging young writers. Email submissions to: creativeink.jjay@gmail.com
John Jay’s Scholarship Search
Here you will find a comprehensive listing of scholarships offered by the college and others available through outside organizations. Two scholarships to consider are, the P.J. Gibson Memorial Scholarship for Creative Writers and the Jon-Christian Suggs Memorial Scholarship.
Pre-Law Institute
The Pre-Law Institute (PLI) advises and assists students with all aspects of the law school application process. PLI offers intensive academic skill-building programs and opportunities to network with legal practitioners and learn about careers in law.
Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program
A program that provides academically enriching experiences and mentoring to low-income and first generation students (as well as students from underrepresented populations) in preparation for graduate school and doctoral study.
Fellowship & Scholarship Database
Explore fellowship opportunities and scholarships.
Community Outreach & Service Learning
The Office of Community Outreach & Service Learning (COSL) connects students to real-world opportunities, focusing on individual responsibility and civic engagements, cultivating an awareness of community needs.
Center for Student Involvement & Leadership
The Center for Student Involvement & Leadership offers a wide array of cultural, educational, leadership and social activities for students, faculty and staff. Getting involved is the quickest way for you to become a part of the community and enhance your experience.
Alan Siegel Writing Center
The Writing Center is a free service offered to all matriculated undergraduate and graduate students of John Jay College of Criminal Justice who require assistance in writing. They are located in Room 01.68 New Building.
Jay Express Services
John Jay's Information Central! Jay Express provides assistance with Registrar, Bursar and/or Financial Aid services.
Wellness Center
The Wellness Center is home to the Health Center, Counseling Services, and Accessibility Services. They also manage the emergency fund, food pantry, and more.
Lloyd Sealy Library
The Lloyd Sealy Library holds more than 650,000 books, periodicals, films, microforms, and digital collections, representing a continuous effort to support the full range of John Jay College’s curriculum and educational mission.
Student Resources
This information page has links to the administrative departments you might need to contact for assistance.